How Robert De Niro Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Robert De Niro continue to shape the world today.

Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor, director, film producer, and restaurateur, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. He has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. De Niro has also been nominated for multiple BAFTA and Emmy Awards. His contributions to the film industry have been recognized with prestigious honors such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 2025 he will receive the Honorary Palme d'Or.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1977: Recognition for Transformation

In 1977, Newsweek remarked that Robert De Niro "gives you the shock of becoming, of a metamorphosis that can be thrilling, moving, or frightening."

1983: Pauline Kael's criticism

In 1983, Pauline Kael expressed her disapproval of Robert De Niro's "disfiguring" transformations in films such as Raging Bull.

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1984: "Robert De Niro's Waiting..." release

In 1984, Bananarama's fan song "Robert De Niro's Waiting..." reached the third place on the UK Singles Chart.

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2006: Donation to Harry Ransom Center

In 2006, Robert De Niro donated his film-related materials to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

2007: Goodfellas Ranked as One of the Greatest American Films

In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked Goodfellas, starring Robert De Niro, as the 92nd-greatest American film of all time in their 10th Anniversary Edition of the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list.

2009: Kennedy Center Honors

In 2009, Robert De Niro was announced as one of the Kennedy Center Honorees, recognized for his commitment to his characters and co-founding a major film festival. Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep honored him at the event.