Walt Disney's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Walt Disney. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Walt Disney was a highly influential American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur who revolutionized the animation industry. He holds the record for the most Academy Awards and nominations. His groundbreaking work led to the creation of iconic films and characters, many of which have been recognized for their cultural and artistic significance, earning places in the National Film Registry and AFI's list of greatest films.
1932: Introduction of Goofy and Academy Award
In 1932, Disney introduced Goofy as a new cartoon star. In 1932, Disney filmed Flowers and Trees in full-color three-strip Technicolor, winning the inaugural Academy Award for best Short Subject (Cartoon). Disney also received an Honorary Award "for the creation of Mickey Mouse".
1933: Release of The Three Little Pigs
In 1933, Disney produced 'The Three Little Pigs', which won Disney another Academy Award in the Short Subject (Cartoon) category. The film's success led to a further increase in the studio's staff. Disney invested in a story department separate from the animators.
1935: Chevalier in the French Légion d'honneur
In 1935, Walt Disney was made a Chevalier in the French Légion d'honneur.
December 1937: Premiere of Snow White
In December 1937, 'Snow White' premiered to high praise from critics and audiences.
1937: Release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
In 1937, Walt Disney released "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", a feature-length cartoon that furthered the development of animated film.
1937: The Old Mill release
In 1937, the first work created on the multiplane camera—a Silly Symphony called 'The Old Mill'—won the Academy Award for Animated Short Film.
May 1939: Snow White's Success
By May 1939, 'Snow White's' total gross of $6.5 million made it the most successful sound film made to that date.
1941: Order of the Southern Cross (Brazil)
In 1941, Walt Disney received Brazil's Order of the Southern Cross.
1942: Special Achievement Award for Bambi
In 1942, Walt Disney received a Special Achievement Award for 'Bambi'.
1943: Release of Victory Through Air Power
In 1943, Disney released the propaganda feature film 'Victory Through Air Power'. Disney also produced shorts such as Der Fuehrer's Face which won an Academy Award.
1943: Order of the Aztec Eagle (Mexico)
In 1943, Walt Disney received Mexico's Order of the Aztec Eagle.
1948: True-Life Adventures Series
In 1948, Disney initiated a series of live-action nature films, titled True-Life Adventures, with 'Seal Island' the first. The film won the Academy Award in the Best Short Subject (Two-Reel) category.
1952: Officer d'Academie
In 1952, Walt Disney was awarded France's highest artistic decoration, the Officer d'Academie.
1953: Special Achievement Award for The Living Desert
In 1953, Walt Disney received a Special Achievement Award for 'The Living Desert'.
July 1955: Disneyland Opened
In July 1955, Disneyland opened; the opening ceremony was broadcast on ABC, which reached 70 million viewers.
1955: Man of the Year by B'nai B'rith
In 1955, Walt Disney was named "Man of the Year" by the B'nai B'rith chapter in Beverly Hills for exemplifying American citizenship and inter-group understanding.
1955: Audubon Medal
In 1955, the National Audubon Society awarded Walt Disney its highest honor, the Audubon Medal, for promoting the "appreciation and understanding of nature" through his True-Life Adventures nature films.
1956: Order of Merit (Germany)
In 1956, Walt Disney received Germany's Order of Merit.
February 1960: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction
In February 1960, Walt Disney was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with two stars, one for motion pictures and the other for television work.
1960: Order of the Crown (Thailand)
In 1960, Walt Disney received Thailand's Order of the Crown.
September 14, 1964: Presidential Medal of Freedom
On September 14, 1964, Walt Disney received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the United States.
1964: Release of Mary Poppins
In 1964, Walt Disney released "Mary Poppins", which received five Academy Awards.
May 24, 1968: Congressional Gold Medal
On May 24, 1968, Walt Disney was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
1968: Posthumous Academy Award for Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day
In 1968, after Disney's death, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day earned him a posthumous Academy Award in the Short Subject (Cartoon) category.
1978: Mickey Mouse's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 1978, Mickey Mouse was given his own star for motion pictures on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1980: Minor Planet Named After Disney
In 1980, minor planet 4017 Disneya, discovered by astronomer Lyudmila Karachkina, was named after Walt Disney.
1986: Television Hall of Fame Induction
In 1986, Walt Disney was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
1998: AFI's 100 Greatest American Films List
In 1998, the American Film Institute included 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' and 'Fantasia' in its list of the 100 greatest American films.
2005: Disneyland's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2005, Disneyland received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
December 2006: California Hall of Fame Induction
In December 2006, Walt Disney was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
2014: Anaheim Walk of Stars
In 2014, Walt Disney was the inaugural recipient of a star on the Anaheim Walk of Stars.
December 2021: "Inspiring Walt Disney" exhibit
In December 2021, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York opened a three-month special exhibit titled "Inspiring Walt Disney" in honor of Disney.
2023: Orange County Hall of Fame
In 2023, Walt Disney was a member of the first Orange County Hall of Fame class.
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