Ridley Scott's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 8, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ridley Scott.

Sir Ridley Scott is a highly successful and influential English filmmaker known for his atmospheric and visually distinctive direction across science fiction, crime, and historical epic genres. His films have grossed over $5 billion worldwide. Recognized with a BAFTA Fellowship and other awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, and appointed a Knight Grand Cross by King Charles III in 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1979: Alien release

In 1979, Ridley Scott directed 'Alien', a horror/science-fiction film that won him international success, becoming the sixth highest-grossing film of the year.

Loading Video...

1995: British Academy Film Award

In 1995, Ridley Scott and his brother Tony received a British Academy Film Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.

1995: BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema

In 1995, Ridley and his brother Tony received the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema.

1999: Emmy Nomination for RKO 281

In 1999, Ridley Scott was Emmy-nominated for RKO 281.

Loading Video...

2002: Primetime Emmy Award

In 2002, Ridley Scott won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Film for the HBO film 'The Gathering Storm'.

Loading Video...

July 2003: Knighthood Investiture Ceremony

On July 8, 2003, Ridley Scott received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

2003: Knighthood

In 2003, Ridley Scott was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, a high honor acknowledging his achievements and contributions.

2007: Inducted into Science Fiction Hall of Fame

In 2007, Ridley Scott was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

2008: Emmy Nomination for The Andromeda Strain

In 2008, Ridley Scott was Emmy-nominated for 'The Andromeda Strain'.

Loading Video...

2010: Emmy Nomination for The Pillars of the Earth

In 2010, Ridley Scott was Emmy-nominated for 'The Pillars of the Earth'.

Loading Video...

2011: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2011, Ridley Scott received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2011: Primetime Emmy Award

In 2011, Ridley Scott won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special for the History Channel's 'Gettysburg'.

Loading Video...

July 2015: Honorary Doctorate from Royal College of Art

On July 3, 2015, Ridley Scott was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Royal College of Art in a ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

2016: Tribute to Tony Scott at Golden Globes

In 2016, Ridley Scott paid tribute to his late brother Tony at the Golden Globes, after his film, The Martian, won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Loading Video...

2018: BAFTA Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement

In 2018, Ridley Scott received the BAFTA Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement, marking recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry.