Ridley Scott

About

Sir Ridley Scott is an acclaimed British film directorThe creative leader responsible for overseeing the artistic aspects of a film, television production... and producerA key figure responsible for managing the production of a film, TV show, or album, including financi..., renowned for his fluid visual storytelling style. Born on November 30, 1937, in South Shields, England, he ventured into the film industry with his debut 'The Duellists' in 1977. He rose to international fame with 'Alien' in 1979 and 'Blade Runner' in 1982, two films that are widely regarded as cinematic masterpieces in the science-fiction genre. Some of Scott’s other prominent movies include 'Thelma and Louise', 'Gladiator', and 'The Martian'. For his outstanding contributions to the cinema, he has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards.

Associated With

Ridley Scott, one of the most influential directors and producers in the entertainment industry, has worked with some of the finest actors and actresses globally such as Sigourney Weaver in "Alien", Harrison Ford in "Blade Runner" and Russell Crowe in "Gladiator". Apart from directing, he's known for his collaboration with his brother Tony Scott, with whom he founded Scott Free Productions, a British film and television production company. Scott also frequently worked with the veteran script writer and producer David Franzoni and collaborated with Hans Zimmer, the legendary composer, in films like "Black Hawk Down" and "Gladiator". Ridley was married to Felicity Heywood from 1964 to 1975, and later to Sandy Watson from 1979 to 1989, both of whom were involved in the production industry. However, Scott's most significant association is with his brother Tony; together they considerably shaped the industry, both aesthetically and commercially.

Career Highlights

• 1968: Ridley Scott launched RSA (Ridley Scott Associates), a film and commercial production company.
• 1977: Scott directed his first feature film, "The Duellists," which went on to win the Best Debut Film award at the Cannes Film Festival.
• 1979: He directed "Alien," an iconic science fiction horrorA genre designed to frighten, scare, or disgust its audience with its themes of the supernatural, th... film that became a commercial and critical success, earning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
• 1982: Scott's landmark film "Blade Runner" was released, a cult classic that played a significant role in establishing him as a master of detail-oriented and visually striking cinema.
• 1991: He directed "Thelma & Louise," an impactful feminist film which landed six Academy Award nominations, winning Best Original Screenplay.
• 2000: Ridley Scott's legendary film "Gladiator" was released, winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best ActorA performer who portrays a character in a film, television show, theater, or other dramatic producti... for Russell Crowe.
• 2001: He was nominated for the Best Director Academy Award for "Hannibal".
• 2007: Scott was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• 2012: He returned to the sci-fi genre with "Prometheus," a loose prequel to "Alien".
• 2015: Scott directed "The Martian" starring Matt Damon, which earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Damon.
• 2018: He was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement.
• Throughout his career, Ridley Scott has maintained a reputation for his incredible visual style and has firmly established himself as one of the industry's top directors. Over the years, he has continued to produce and direct films, further showing his storytelling prowess and versatility.

Notable Awards

• Ridley Scott, the acclaimed film director and producer, has received several significant awards and recognitions throughout his career.
• Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of East London in 2013.
• Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the Royal College of Art in London in 2015.
• Knight Bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II in the New Year Honours for services to the British film industry in 2003.
• Notable film awards:
• In 1978, he won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series for "The Last Place on Earth."
• In 1991, he received an Honorary Award at the Cesar AwardsThe national film award of France, often referred to as the French equivalent of the Oscars..
• Scott has been nominated for the Best Director Academy Award three times for his films "Black Hawk Down," "Gladiator," and "Thelma & Louise," but has not won. However, "Gladiator" won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
• In 1995, he won the Silver Berlin Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at the Berlin International Film Festival for "Blade Runner."
• He received an honorary fellowship from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in 1995 and the BAFTA Academy Fellowship award in 2021.
• Scott won a Golden Globe for Best Director for the film "Gladiator" in 2001.
• The Director's Guild of Great Britain awarded him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.
• This list is not exhaustive and doesn't include nominations and less-prestigious wins.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Ridley Scott Movie/TV Show?

Ridley Scott is a prolific director with many popular movies to his name, but his most renowned work is arguably the 2000 historical drama "Gladiator." The film, starring Russell Crowe, depicts the thrilling journey of a Roman general who becomes a gladiator after the murder of his family. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $457 million worldwide. It also won numerous awards, including five Oscars at the 73rd Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor for Crowe, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.

How Did Ridley Scott Get Famous?

Ridley Scott, a prominent British film director and producer, gained widespread fame and recognition with his breakthrough film "Alien" in 1979, which revolutionized the science fiction genre and is regarded as one of the best films of its kind. His reputation was further solidified with the release of "Blade Runner" in 1982. Despite initial mixed reviews, over time, the film became highly influential within the genre of neo-noirA genre of contemporary movies that take the themes and stylistic elements of the classic film noir ... dystopia and is hailed as a masterpiece today. Scott's visually distinct storytelling style, skilled direction, and groundbreaking films have solidified his position as an influential figure in the film industry.