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, and producer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. He has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and lifetime achievement awards from AFI, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Kennedy Center. De Niro was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Honorary Palme d'Or, marking his significant contributions to film.

Sections (6)

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

1980: Raging Bull Release

In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in the biographical drama Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese. He portrayed Jake LaMotta, an Italian-American middleweight boxer. De Niro gained 60 pounds for the role, which garnered critical acclaim despite the film's violent content, and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

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1990: Goodfellas and Awakenings Release

In 1990, Robert De Niro starred in Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, and Awakenings, directed by Penny Marshall. Goodfellas premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, while Awakenings tells the story of Dr. Malcolm Sayer and his research.

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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.

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1999: Roles in 'Analyze This' and 'Flawless'

In 1999, Robert De Niro starred in 'Analyze This' as an insecure mob boss. In 1999, he also appeared in 'Flawless' as a homophobic police officer.

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December 2003: Underwent surgery for prostate cancer

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

2009: Kennedy Center Honoree

In 2009, Robert De Niro was announced as one of the Kennedy Center Honorees. Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep honored him at the event.

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 'Killer Elite', 'Limitless', and 'New Year's Eve'.

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2012: Starred in Silver Linings Playbook

In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in the David O. Russell film, Silver Linings Playbook, playing the father of the main character. The film was both critically and commercially successful, earning De Niro an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also in 2012, De Niro executive produced the television series NYC 22.

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2015: Starred in The Intern

In 2015, Robert De Niro starred in the Nancy Meyers comedy The Intern with Anne Hathaway. His performance earned him a nomination from the Critics Choice Movie Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy.

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2016: Received Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2017: Starred 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 an Emmy nomination.

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2019: Portrayed Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live

In 2019, Robert De Niro won acclaim for portraying 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.

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2023: Starred in Killers of the Flower Moon

In 2023, Robert De Niro played William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese and adapted from the book of the same name. He received an Academy Award nomination for the role.

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