History of Wes Anderson in Timeline

Wes Anderson is an American filmmaker celebrated for his distinctive visual and narrative style, which often explores themes of grief, loss of innocence, and dysfunctional families. His films are known for their eccentricity, ensemble casts, and meticulous attention to detail, leading critics to consider him an auteur. Anderson's work has garnered significant recognition, with multiple films appearing in BBC Culture's poll of the greatest films since 2000.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

1964: Release of Welcome, or No Trespassing

In 1964, Welcome, or No Trespassing by Elem Klimov was released, which has been pointed out as one major source of inspiration for Wes Anderson.

May 1, 1969: Wes Anderson's Birth

On May 1, 1969, Wesley Wales Anderson was born. He is an American filmmaker known for his distinctive visual and narrative styles.

Others born on this day/year

1977: Roman Polanski's Sexual Abuse Charges

In 1977, director Roman Polanski was charged with sexual abuse, which led to his arrest in 2009 while traveling to a film festival.

1984: Release of The Hotel New Hampshire

In 1984, the film The Hotel New Hampshire, directed by Tony Richardson, was released and noted for similarities to Wes Anderson's work.

1987: Graduation from St. John's School

In 1987, Wes Anderson graduated from St. John's School in Houston, a location that later influenced his film Rushmore.

1989: Meeting Owen Wilson

In 1989, Wes Anderson met Owen Wilson at the University of Texas at Austin, beginning a long-term collaborative relationship.

1991: Graduation from the University of Texas

In 1991, Wes Anderson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin, marking the end of his formal education.

1996: Release of Bottle Rocket

In 1996, Wes Anderson gained acclaim for his early film Bottle Rocket, marking a significant point in his early career.

1996: Wes Anderson's First Film

In 1996, Wes Anderson's first film, Bottle Rocket, based on his short film, was released. Despite positive reviews, it underperformed at the box office.

1998: Release of Rushmore

In 1998, Anderson released Rushmore, which further solidified his reputation as a distinctive filmmaker.

1999: Independent Spirit Awards

In 1999, Wes Anderson won Best Director and Bill Murray won Best Supporting Male at the Independent Spirit Awards for Rushmore.

2000: Martin Scorsese praises Anderson's films

In 2000, filmmaker Martin Scorsese praised Wes Anderson's films Bottle Rocket and Rushmore.

2001: Academy Award Nomination for The Royal Tenenbaums

In 2001, Wes Anderson received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Royal Tenenbaums, highlighting his growing recognition in the film industry.

Loading Video...

2001: Release of The Royal Tenenbaums

In 2001, Wes Anderson's comedy-drama, The Royal Tenenbaums, was released, achieving box-office and critical success and becoming his greatest financial success until Moonrise Kingdom.

Loading Video...

2004: Release of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

In 2004, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, directed by Wes Anderson, was released, showcasing his distinctive style, although it received a mixed reception.

2005: Anderson Established Apartment in Paris

In 2005, Wes Anderson maintained an apartment in Paris, after spending most of his adult life in New York City.

2007: Release of The Darjeeling Limited

In 2007, The Darjeeling Limited was released. The film is about three emotionally distant brothers traveling together on a train in India.

2007: Release of Hotel Chevalier

In 2007, Wes Anderson created Hotel Chevalier, a short film set in Paris and serving as a prologue to The Darjeeling Limited.

2009: Release of Fantastic Mr. Fox

In 2009, Anderson's stop-motion-animated film adaptation of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox was released, garnering critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.

2009: Anderson Signed Petition Supporting Roman Polanski

In 2009, Wes Anderson signed a petition in support of director Roman Polanski after Polanski was detained while traveling to a film festival for arrest on his 1977 sexual abuse charges.

2009: Release and Nomination for Fantastic Mr. Fox

In 2009, Wes Anderson's first stop-motion film, Fantastic Mr. Fox, was released, earning him a Best Animated Feature nomination, showcasing his versatility in filmmaking.

2010: Anderson decided not to direct film

In 2010, Anderson stated that he did not plan to direct the film, tentatively called The Rosenthaler Suite.

2012: Nomination for Moonrise Kingdom

In 2012, Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom was released, earning him his second Best Original Screenplay nomination and solidifying his reputation for distinctive filmmaking.

2014: Nominations for The Grand Budapest Hotel

In 2014, Wes Anderson received his first Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Picture for The Grand Budapest Hotel, alongside his third Best Original Screenplay nomination.

October 2016: Production began on Isle of Dogs

In October 2016, production started in the United Kingdom on Anderson's stop-motion animation film, Isle of Dogs.

2016: Birth of Freya Anderson

In 2016, Juman Malouf gave birth to the couple's daughter, Freya. Bill Murray is the godfather.

2016: Rushmore selected for preservation

In 2016, Rushmore was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

2016: BBC Culture's Poll

In 2016, three of Wes Anderson's films were featured in BBC Culture's poll of the greatest films since 2000, recognizing his significant contribution to cinema.

April 2018: Release of Isle of Dogs

In April 2018, Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs was released, receiving Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

2018: Silver Bear for Isle of Dogs

In 2018, Anderson earned the Silver Bear for Best Director for Isle of Dogs, marking another significant achievement in his career.

2019: Murals Wallpaper Launched Anderson-Inspired Wallpapers

In 2019, Murals Wallpaper launched a line of wallpapers inspired by the visual design of Wes Anderson's films.

July 12, 2021: Premiere of The French Dispatch

On July 12, 2021, The French Dispatch premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 2021: Release of animated music video

In September 2021, Searchlight Pictures released an animated music video of Christophe's "Aline" covered by Jarvis Cocker, directed by Anderson with animations by Javi Aznarez.

October 22, 2021: General release of The French Dispatch

On October 22, 2021, Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch had a general release in the United States.

November 2021: Filming Completed for Asteroid City

In November 2021, Wes Anderson completed filming Asteroid City in Spain, with a set reproducing Monument Valley.

2021: Release of The French Dispatch

In 2021, The French Dispatch was released, adding another distinctive film to Wes Anderson's filmography.

June 16, 2023: United States theatrical release of Asteroid City

On June 16, 2023, Wes Anderson's Asteroid City had its United States theatrical release and received generally positive reviews.

September 2023: Multiple Short Film Releases on Netflix

In September 2023, Wes Anderson released four short films based on Roald Dahl's works on Netflix: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher, and Poison.

September 27, 2023: Netflix Premiere of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

On September 27, 2023, Wes Anderson's The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar premiered on Netflix, following a limited theatrical release.

2023: Oscar Win for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

In 2023, Wes Anderson won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, marking his first Oscar win.

March 15, 2024: Anthology Film Release on Netflix

On March 15, 2024, the four short films were combined into one anthology film titled The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More and released on Netflix.

March 2024: Production of The Phoenician Scheme Begins

In March 2024, Wes Anderson began production in Germany for his new film, The Phoenician Scheme, with confirmed stars Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, and Bill Murray.