Willem Dafoe's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Willem Dafoe.

Willem Dafoe is a highly acclaimed American actor recognized for his extensive and varied roles in both mainstream and independent cinema. His talent has earned him numerous accolades, including a Volpi Cup Award, an Honorary Golden Bear, and multiple nominations for Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. Dafoe's career spans a wide range of characters, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and respected performer in the film industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Platoon Release and Acclaim

In 1986, Willem Dafoe gained widespread recognition for his role as Sergeant Elias Grodin in Oliver Stone's Vietnam War film Platoon. He also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

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1986: Nomination for Platoon

In 1986, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Platoon.

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2000: Nomination for Shadow of the Vampire

In 2000, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Shadow of the Vampire.

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May 2014: Cannes Film Festival Jury Member

In May 2014, Willem Dafoe served as a member of the main competition jury at the Cannes Film Festival.

2017: Critical Acclaim for The Florida Project

In 2017, Willem Dafoe co-starred in The Florida Project, earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. He also voiced Ryuk in Netflix's Death Note, narrated Mountain, co-starred in Murder on the Orient Express, and played Nuidis Vulko in Justice League.

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2017: Nomination for The Florida Project

In 2017, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Florida Project.

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2018: At Eternity's Gate and Aquaman

In 2018, Willem Dafoe played Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate, receiving the Volpi Cup for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination. He also played Nuidis Vulko in Aquaman.

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2018: Nomination for At Eternity's Gate

In 2018, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate.

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2018: Honorary Golden Bear

In 2018, Willem Dafoe received an Honorary Golden Bear award.

2020: Ranked Among Greatest Actors

In 2020, The New York Times ranked Willem Dafoe No. 18 in its list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century.

May 22, 2022: Dafoe receives honorary doctorate from alma mater

On May 22, 2022, Willem Dafoe was the keynote speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's commencement ceremony, where he received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.