Robert De Niro's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Robert De Niro.

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

1991: Stars in Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear

In 1991, Robert De Niro starred in Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear, his seventh film with Scorsese. He received a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards for Cape Fear.

December 2003: Prostate Cancer Surgery

In December 2003, Robert De Niro underwent surgery for prostate cancer at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

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.

2011: Starring 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 and also appeared in Killer Elite, Limitless, and New Year's Eve. He was also appointed president of the jury for the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

2012: Silver Linings Playbook Release

In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in David O. Russell's 'Silver Linings Playbook' as the father of Pat Solatano, played by Bradley Cooper. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for De Niro. De Niro also served as an executive producer for the television series 'NYC 22' in 2012.

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2015: Starring in The Intern

In 2015, Robert De Niro starred alongside Anne Hathaway in the movie 'The Intern', for which he received a Critics Choice Movie Awards nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy.

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2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Robert De Niro received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

2017: Starring as Bernie Madoff in The Wizard of Lies

In 2017, Robert De Niro starred as Bernie Madoff in Barry Levinson's HBO film 'The Wizard of Lies', earning critical praise and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

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2019: SNL appearances and Emmy nominations

In 2019, Robert De Niro portrayed Robert Mueller on 'Saturday Night Live', receiving an Emmy nomination. He also received an Emmy nomination for his work as a producer on the Netflix miniseries 'When They See Us'.

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2023: Killers of the Flower Moon

In 2023, Robert De Niro starred as William King Hale in 'Killers of the Flower Moon', directed by Martin Scorsese. De Niro was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role.

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2024: Leadership award withdrawn

In 2024, Robert De Niro was due to receive a leadership award from the National Association of Broadcasters, but the honor was withdrawn following his criticism of Donald Trump.