Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Robert De Niro
How Robert De Niro built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor, director, and producer, considered one of the greatest of his generation. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and lifetime achievement awards from AFI, the Kennedy Center, the Screen Actors Guild, and Cannes. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. De Niro's influence extends beyond acting, as he is also a film producer and restaurateur.
1900: Film release of 1900
In 1900, De Niro starred in "1900", a historical drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.
1963: Filming of The Wedding Party
In 1963, "The Wedding Party" was filmed, but it was kept unreleased for six years; De Niro appeared in this movie.
1965: Minor Film Roles
In 1965, De Niro had minor film roles in "Encounter" and "Three Rooms in Manhattan".
1968: Major Role in Greetings
In 1968, De Niro landed a major role in "Greetings", and also appeared in "Les Jeunes Loups".
1969: Appeared in Sam's Song and The Wedding Party
In 1969, De Niro appeared in the drama "Sam's Song" and De Palma's comedy "The Wedding Party".
1970: Starred in Bloody Mama and Hi, Mom!
In 1970, De Niro appeared in "Bloody Mama" and "Hi, Mom!".
1971: Film Appearances in Jennifer on My Mind, Born to Win, and The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight
In 1971, De Niro had roles in "Jennifer on My Mind", "Born to Win", and "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight".
1972: Auditioned for The Godfather
In 1972, De Niro auditioned for "The Godfather" but quit to do "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight".
1972: Performances at The American Place Theatre
In 1972, De Niro performed in two productions at The American Place Theatre, directed by Charles Maryan.
1973: Collaboration with Martin Scorsese in Mean Streets
In 1973, De Niro began his collaboration with Martin Scorsese, appearing in the crime film "Mean Streets".
1973: Acted in Mean Streets
In 1973, De Niro played a role in "Mean Streets".
1973: Starred in Bang the Drum Slowly
In 1973, De Niro starred in "Bang the Drum Slowly", playing the lead role as Bruce Pearson.
1973: Critical Acclaim for Bang the Drum Slowly and Mean Streets
In 1973, Robert De Niro's films "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets" received critical acclaim.
1974: Starred in The Godfather Part II
In 1974, De Niro played the young Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather Part II".
1974: Won Academy Award for The Godfather Part II
In 1974, De Niro won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as young Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part II", becoming the first male to win for an Italian-language performance.
1974: Critical Acclaim for The Godfather Part II
In 1974, Robert De Niro's performance in "The Godfather Part II" was critically acclaimed.
1976: Film releases in 1900 and The Last Tycoon
In 1976, De Niro starred in "1900", a historical drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and played a CEO in "The Last Tycoon".
1976: Starred in Taxi Driver
In 1976, De Niro starred in Scorsese's psychological drama "Taxi Driver" as Travis Bickle.
1976: Oscar-Nominated for Taxi Driver
In 1976, Robert De Niro was Oscar-nominated for his performance in "Taxi Driver".
1976: Critical Acclaim for Taxi Driver
In 1976, Robert De Niro's film "Taxi Driver" received critical acclaim.
1977: Starred in New York, New York
In 1977, De Niro starred in Scorsese's musical drama "New York, New York" opposite Liza Minnelli, learning to play the saxophone for the role.
1978: Oscar Nomination for The Deer Hunter
In 1978, De Niro received an Oscar nomination for his performance in "The Deer Hunter".
1978: Starred in The Deer Hunter
In 1978, De Niro starred in Michael Cimino's epic war film "The Deer Hunter", playing a steelworker affected by the Vietnam War.
1978: Critical Acclaim for The Deer Hunter
In 1978, Robert De Niro's film "The Deer Hunter" received critical acclaim.
1980: Won Academy Award for Raging Bull
In 1980, De Niro won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Jake LaMotta in the biopic drama "Raging Bull".
1980: Raging Bull Release
In 1980, Robert De Niro collaborated with Martin Scorsese for the fourth time in the biographical drama "Raging Bull", adapted from Jake LaMotta's memoir. De Niro portrayed LaMotta, an Italian-American middleweight boxer. Despite some criticism for its violent content, De Niro's realistic portrayal was highly praised, and he later said it was one of the toughest roles to prepare for because he had to gain 60 pounds and learn to box.
1980: Critical Acclaim for Raging Bull
In 1980, Robert De Niro's film "Raging Bull" received critical acclaim.
1981: True Confessions Release
In 1981, Robert De Niro starred in "True Confessions", adapted from the novel of the same name, playing a priest who clashes with his brother, a detective investigating a prostitute's murder.
1982: Acted in The King of Comedy
In 1982, De Niro appeared in "The King of Comedy".
1982: The King of Comedy Release
In 1982, Robert De Niro starred in "The King of Comedy", playing Rupert Pupkin, a struggling stand-up comedian. De Niro brought the script to Scorsese, who gave it a darker tone and a New York setting. Although the film was a box office disappointment, De Niro's performance was praised.
1983: Critical Acclaim for The King of Comedy
In 1983, Robert De Niro's film "The King of Comedy" received critical acclaim.
1984: Acted in Once Upon a Time in America
In 1984, De Niro played a role in "Once Upon a Time in America".
1984: Falling in Love Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in "Falling in Love", a romantic comedy opposite Meryl Streep. This was his last movie release of the year.
1984: Once Upon a Time in America and Falling in Love Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America" as David "Noodles" Aaronson, a New York City Jewish gangster. The full-length version premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. That year, De Niro also starred in "Falling in Love", a romantic comedy opposite Meryl Streep.
1984: Critical Acclaim for Once Upon a Time in America
In 1984, Robert De Niro's film "Once Upon a Time in America" received critical acclaim.
1985: Critical Acclaim for Brazil
In 1985, Robert De Niro's film "Brazil" received critical acclaim.
1986: Acted in The Mission
In 1986, De Niro played a role in "The Mission".
1986: Critical Acclaim for The Mission
In 1986, Robert De Niro's film "The Mission" received critical acclaim.
July 1987: President of the Jury at the 15th Moscow International Film Festival
In July 1987, Robert De Niro traveled to Russia to serve as president of the jury at the 15th Moscow International Film Festival.
1988: Turned down Jesus Christ role in The Last Temptation of Christ
In 1988, Robert De Niro declined the opportunity to portray Jesus Christ in Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ".
1988: Midnight Run Release
In 1988, Robert De Niro starred opposite Charles Grodin in the buddy cop film "Midnight Run", playing bounty hunter Jack Walsh. The film was a commercial success.
1988: Critical Acclaim for Midnight Run
In 1988, Robert De Niro's film "Midnight Run" received critical acclaim.
1989: Founded TriBeCa Productions
In 1989, De Niro and Jane Rosenthal founded the film and television production company TriBeCa Productions.
1989: TriBeCa Productions Co-Founding
In 1989, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal co-founded the film production company TriBeCa Productions, which also organizes the Tribeca Film Festival.
1989: Starring roles in Jacknife and We're No Angels
In 1989, Robert De Niro starred in the drama "Jacknife" alongside Ed Harris and Kathy Baker, and in the crime comedy "We're No Angels" with Sean Penn and Demi Moore, a remake of the 1955 film.
1990: Oscar Nomination for Awakenings
In 1990, De Niro was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in "Awakenings".
1990: Goodfellas and Awakenings Release
In 1990, Robert De Niro reunited with Martin Scorsese for "Goodfellas", an adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi's book. De Niro played James Conway in the film. Also in 1990, he starred in "Awakenings", based on Oliver Sacks' book, playing a catatonic patient.
1990: Critical Acclaim for Goodfellas
In 1990, Robert De Niro's film "Goodfellas" received critical acclaim.
1991: Oscar Nomination for Cape Fear
In 1991, De Niro received an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Cape Fear".
1991: Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear Release
In 1991, Robert De Niro starred in "Guilty by Suspicion", "Backdraft", and "Cape Fear". He played a film director in "Guilty by Suspicion", a fire inspector in "Backdraft", and a convicted rapist in "Cape Fear", his seventh film with Martin Scorsese.
1992: Mistress and Night and the City Release
In 1992, Robert De Niro appeared in "Mistress" as businessman Evan Wright and in "Night and the City", a remake of the 1950 film, as lawyer Harry Fabian.
1993: Acted in This Boy's Life
In 1993, De Niro played a role in "This Boy's Life".
1993: A Bronx Tale Release
In 1993, Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with "A Bronx Tale", a coming-of-age story based on Chazz Palminteri's play. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to a positive response.
1993: Mad Dog and Glory and This Boy's Life Release
In 1993, Robert De Niro played a crime scene photographer in "Mad Dog and Glory" and also starred in "This Boy's Life", based on Tobias Wolff's memoir, playing stepfather Dwight Hansen.
1995: Minor roles in French comedy and drama
In 1995, Robert De Niro had minor roles in the French comedy One Hundred and One Nights and in the drama Panther.
1996: Starred in sports thriller, crime drama, and crime-comedy, and released video game
In 1996, Robert De Niro starred in the sports thriller The Fan, based on the novel of the same name. He also starred in the crime drama Sleepers and appeared in Marvin's Room. He also co-produced the crime-comedy Faithful. In 1996 a video game produced by De Niro called 9: The Last Resort was released.
1997: Acted in Jackie Brown
In 1997, De Niro played a role in "Jackie Brown".
1997: Cop Land release
In 1997, Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone previously worked together in the movie Cop Land.
1997: Starred in Cop Land and Wag the Dog, and Jackie Brown
In 1997, Robert De Niro appeared in James Mangold's Cop Land, co-starred and co-produced Wag the Dog, and had a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown.
1998: Appeared in Great Expectations and Ronin
In 1998, Robert De Niro appeared in Great Expectations, a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1861 novel. Later that year, his next major role came in Ronin.
1998: Lobbying Against Clinton Impeachment
In 1998, Robert De Niro lobbied U.S. Congress against impeaching President Bill Clinton.
1999: Acted in Analyze This
In 1999, De Niro played a role in "Analyze This".
1999: Starred in Analyze This and Flawless
In 1999, Robert De Niro ventured back into crime-comedy in Analyze This. In Flawless, De Niro appeared as a homophobic police officer.
2000: Acted in Meet the Parents films
In 2000, De Niro acted in the "Meet the Parents" films.
2000: Produced and starred in The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, starred in Men of Honor and Meet the Parents
In 2000, Robert De Niro produced and starred in The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle. He played Master Chief 'Billy' Sunday in Men of Honor and starred in the comedy Meet the Parents.
2000: Critical Acclaim for Meet the Parents
In 2000, Robert De Niro's film "Meet the Parents" received critical acclaim.
2001: Starred in 15 Minutes and The Score
In 2001, Robert De Niro landed a lead role in the crime thriller 15 Minutes and followed up with a heist, in Frank Oz's The Score.
2002: Founded Tribeca Film Festival
In 2002, De Niro and Jane Rosenthal founded the Tribeca Film Festival.
2002: Starred in Showtime, City by the Sea, Analyze That, appeared in 9/11, produced About a Boy
In 2002, Robert De Niro played an LAPD detective opposite Eddie Murphy in the action-comedy Showtime. Also in 2002, he collaborated with Michael Caton-Jones in City by the Sea. He appeared in Analyze That, a sequel to 1999's Analyze This. Despite these failures, De Niro served as a producer for the critically acclaimed romantic-comedy About a Boy, and appeared in 9/11, a CBS documentary about the September 11 attacks.
2004: Starred in Godsend, Shark Tale, Stage Beauty, Meet the Fockers, and The Bridge of San Luis Rey
In 2004, Robert De Niro returned to the screen playing a doctor in the fantasy drama Godsend. He voiced a character in DreamWorks' animation of Shark Tale. After co-producing Stage Beauty, De Niro reprised his role of Jack Byrnes in 2004's Meet the Fockers, the sequel to Meet the Parents. The Bridge of San Luis Rey, was De Niro's last release of 2004.
2005: Starred in Hide and Seek
In 2005, Robert De Niro starred in the horror Hide and Seek playing Dr. David Callaway.
2006: Directed and acted in The Good Shepherd
In 2006, De Niro directed and acted in the spy film "The Good Shepherd".
2006: Directed and starred in The Good Shepherd, and voiced Emperor Sifrat XVI in Arthur and the Invisibles
In 2006, Robert De Niro directed his second film, the spy thriller The Good Shepherd. Finally in 2006, he voiced the character Emperor Sifrat XVI in Arthur and the Invisibles.
2006: Donation to Harry Ransom Center
In 2006, Robert De Niro donated his collection of film-related materials to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
2007: Starred in Stardust
In 2007, Robert De Niro's sole project was Matthew Vaughn's Stardust, a fantasy adventure.
2008: Starred in Righteous Kill and What Just Happened
In 2008, Robert De Niro starred in the police procedural thriller Righteous Kill and What Just Happened, a satirical comedy.
2009: Cast as Frank Goode in Everybody's Fine
In 2009, Robert De Niro was cast as Frank Goode in the drama Everybody's Fine, a remake of Giuseppe Tornatore's Italian film of the same name.
2009: Collection Opens to the Public
In 2009, Robert De Niro's collection of film-related materials at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, opened to the public.
2010: Starred in Machete, Stone, and Little Fockers
In 2010, Robert De Niro had a minor part as Senator John McLaughlin in the action film Machete. That same year, he starred in Stone and Little Fockers, the second sequel to Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers.
2011: Attendance at Cannes Film Festival
In 2011, Robert De Niro attended the Cannes Film Festival, despite previously stating he would not return to France after being questioned by French police in 1998.
2011: Starred in Manuale d'amore 3, Killer Elite, Limitless, and New Year's Eve
In 2011, Robert De Niro starred in the Italian comedy Manuale d'amore 3. He also appeared in three other films: Killer Elite, Limitless, and New Year's Eve. De Niro was also appointed president of the jury for the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
2012: Starred in Being Flynn, Red Lights and Freelancers
Continuing into 2012, Robert De Niro starred in the drama Being Flynn, and also appeared in the thrillers Red Lights and Freelancers.
2012: Oscar Nomination for Silver Linings Playbook
In 2012, De Niro was nominated for an Oscar for his role in "Silver Linings Playbook".
2012: Silver Linings Playbook Release
In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in David O. Russell's romantic comedy "Silver Linings Playbook" as the father of Pat Solatano, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also served as executive producer for the television series NYC 22 in 2012.
2012: Artists Against Fracking
In 2012, Robert De Niro joined the anti-fracking campaign Artists Against Fracking.
2012: Critical Acclaim for Silver Linings Playbook
In 2012, Robert De Niro's film "Silver Linings Playbook" received critical acclaim.
2013: American Hustle Cameo
In 2013, Robert De Niro played an uncredited cameo role as mob boss Victor Tellegio in David O. Russell's "American Hustle".
2013: The Big Wedding, Killing Season, The Family, Last Vegas, and Grudge Match Releases
In 2013, Robert De Niro starred in "The Big Wedding", "Killing Season", and "The Family", which received negative reviews. His film "Last Vegas", co-starring Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, and Mary Steenburgen, received better reviews. He also starred in "Grudge Match" opposite Sylvester Stallone and in "The Bag Man" that same year.
2014: Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr. Documentary
In 2014, Robert De Niro appeared in "Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr.", a documentary about his father that aired on HBO.
2014: Promotion of Anti-Vaccination Film
In 2014, Robert De Niro promoted the anti-vaccination film "Trace Amounts" during an appearance on NBC's Today. He also stated that he doubted the scientific consensus on the link between autism and vaccines.
2015: The Audition, Ellis, Heist, and Joy Releases
In 2015, Robert De Niro appeared in two short films, Scorsese's "The Audition" and JR's "Ellis." He also starred in "Heist" and "Joy", opposite Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
2015: The Intern Release
In 2015, Robert De Niro starred in Nancy Meyers' comedy "The Intern" alongside Anne Hathaway, earning a Critics Choice Movie Awards nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy.
2016: Dirty Grandpa, Hands of Stone, and The Comedian Releases
In 2016, Robert De Niro co-starred in "Dirty Grandpa", and also appeared in "Hands of Stone", a biographical sports drama, and "The Comedian", which premiered at the AFI Fest.
2016: Defense and Withdrawal of Vaxxed Documentary
In 2016, Robert De Niro initially defended the inclusion of the documentary "Vaxxed" at the Tribeca Film Festival, which was directed by Andrew Wakefield. The film was later withdrawn after consultation with festival organizers and the scientific community. During an appearance on NBC's Today, De Niro expressed regret over removing the film. He also promoted the 2014 film "Trace Amounts" and doubted the scientific consensus on vaccines and autism.
2017: Portrayed Bernie Madoff in The Wizard of Lies
In 2017, De Niro portrayed Bernie Madoff in the HBO film "The Wizard of Lies".
2017: The Wizard of Lies Release
In 2017, Robert De Niro starred as Bernie Madoff in Barry Levinson's HBO film "The Wizard of Lies", earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2019: Oscar Nomination for The Irishman
In 2019, De Niro earned a nomination for Best Picture for producing "The Irishman".
2019: Joker and The Irishman Releases
In 2019, Robert De Niro played Murray Franklin in "Joker" and reunited with Martin Scorsese for "The Irishman", co-starring Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, and Joe Pesci.
2019: Saturday Night Live and When They See Us Emmy Nominations
In 2019, Robert De Niro portrayed Robert Mueller on "Saturday Night Live", earning an Emmy nomination. He also received an Emmy nomination for his work as a producer on "When They See Us" for Netflix.
2019: Critical Acclaim for The Irishman
In 2019, Robert De Niro's film "The Irishman" received critical acclaim.
May 2020: Apple TV+ to Co-Finance and Co-Distribute Killers of the Flower Moon
In May 2020, it was announced that Apple TV+ would co-finance and co-distribute Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon", which stars Robert De Niro.
September 2020: Father of the Bride Part 3(ish) Release
In September 2020, Robert De Niro appeared in Nancy Meyers' comedy short film "Father of the Bride Part 3(ish)". He also appeared in "The Comeback Trail" that year.
2020: Godsend De Niro's poorest-performing work
As of 2020, the film Godsend is Robert De Niro's poorest-performing work.
January 2021: Robert De Niro Joins Amsterdam
In January 2021, Robert De Niro signed on for the historical comedy "Amsterdam", playing an army veteran.
August 2022: Robert De Niro Signs on for The Alto Knights
In August 2022, Robert De Niro signed on to star in the Warner Bros. mob drama "The Alto Knights", directed by Barry Levinson.
October 2022: Amsterdam Release
In October 2022, "Amsterdam", which stars Robert De Niro, was released.
December 2, 2022: Savage Salvation Release
On December 2, 2022, Robert De Niro appeared in "Savage Salvation" as Sheriff Church.
March 1, 2023: Zero Day Limited Series Announcement
On March 1, 2023, it was announced that Robert De Niro will produce and star in the six-episode limited series "Zero Day" for Netflix, a conspiracy thriller created by Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim.
2023: Oscar Nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, De Niro was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in "Killers of the Flower Moon".
2023: About My Father, Nada and Ezra
In 2023, Robert De Niro appeared in the comedy "About My Father" and in the television series "Nada". Another film he starred in, Ezra, made its premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2023.
2023: Killers of the Flower Moon Release
In 2023, Robert De Niro played William King Hale in "Killers of the Flower Moon", directed by Martin Scorsese, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2023: Critical Acclaim for Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, Robert De Niro's film "Killers of the Flower Moon" received critical acclaim.
2024: Ezra Theatrical Release
In 2024, "Ezra", a film starring Robert De Niro, was acquired by Bleecker Street for theatrical release.
May 13, 2025: Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival
On May 13, 2025, Robert De Niro received the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrating his five-decade career in cinema.
2025: Moncler "Warmer Together" Fashion Campaign
In 2025, Robert De Niro appeared alongside Al Pacino in Moncler's "Warmer Together" fashion campaign.
2025: Zero Day Series Premiere
In 2025, the series "Zero Day", starring and produced by Robert De Niro, premiered.
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