Passion, Braveheart, Actor, Weapon, Lethal, movie, Picture, People, August, actor, Moore, Director, Choice

Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson (born January 3, 1956) is an Australian taught, American born actor, director, and producer. After establishing himself as a household name with the Mad Max and Lethal Weapon series, Gibson went on to direct and star in 1993's The Man Without a Face and 1995's Academy Award-winning Braveheart. In 2004, he directed and produced the controversial blockbuster, The Passion of the Christ. Gibson's direction of Braveheart made him only the sixth actor-turned-filmmaker to garner an Oscar for Best Director.1995 Academy Awards He was also the first person ever awarded People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive".

Early life

Gibson was born in Peekskill, New York, the sixth of ten children born to Hutton Gibson and Anne Reilly Gibson. The family also adopted a child, bringing the total number of children in the family to eleven. One of Mel's younger brothers, Donal, is also an actor.

Gibson's first name comes from a 5th-century Irish saint, Mel, founder of the diocese of Ardagh containing most of his mother's native county, while his second name, Columkille is also linked to an Irish saint.Michael Dwyer, The Irish Times film critic, interviewed on RTÉ Radio 1's This week programme, 6 August 2006.

Although Gibson always maintained his United States citizenship, he lived in Australia after a purported victory on the TV game show Jeopardy! by Gibson's father. The family moved in 1968 when Gibson was 12. Allegedly, this move was in protest of the Vietnam War for which Gibson's elder brothers risked being drafted. It is also, allegedly, because Gibson's father believed that changes in American society were immoral. Early Gibson films feature a distinct, noticeable Australian accent.

Film career

Gibson graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney in 1977, Gibson's acting career began in Australia with appearances in television series, including The Sullivans, Cop Shop and Punishment.

He made his Australian film debut as the leather-clad post-apocalyptic survivor in George Miller's Mad Max, which later became a cult hit and launched two sequels. His international profile increased through Peter Weir's Gallipoli. Gibson's boyish good looks made him a natural for leading male roles.

In 1984, he made his U.S. film debut as Fletcher Christian in The Bounty. Reportedly, Gibson and Anthony Hopkins, his costar on the film, did not get along during the shoot. At the time, Anthony Hopkins was a teetotaler, and Mel Gibson was struggling with alcoholism. Gibson frequently spent his evenings in local saloons and took to mixing two shots of Scotch with his beer. He dubbed the concoction "Liquid Violence." In one incident, Gibson's face was severely cut up in a bar room brawl and the film's shooting schedule had to be rearranged while he was flown to a hospital in Papeete.

Lethal Weapon

:Main article: Lethal Weapon
Gibson moved into more mainstream commercial filmmaking with the popular Lethal Weapon series, in which he starred as LAPD Detective Martin Riggs, an emotionally unstable Vietnam veteran with a death wish and a penchant for violence and gunplay. In the films, he was partnered with the elder and more reserved Roger Murtaugh (played by Danny Glover). This series would come to exemplify the action genre's so-called buddy film.

Despite having been trained in two different schools of acting (Gibson is classically trained and Glover is a method actor), the two shared good chemistry. The film was a major hit and spawned three sequels.

Hamlet

:Main article: Hamlet
Gibson then made the unusual transition from the action to classical genres, playing the melancholy Danish prince in Franco Zeffirelli's Hamlet. Gibson was cast alongside such experienced Shakespearean actors as Ian Holm, Alan Bates, and Paul Scofield. He described working with his fellow castmembers as similar to being "thrown into the ring with Mike Tyson."

Over the course of the shoot in the Scottish Highlands, Gibson was advised that he would do better with the lines if he were able to control his breathing. A longtime chain smoker, Gibson switched to nicotine gum to moderate his smoking for parts of the shoot.

The film met with critical and marketing success and remains a steady in DVD sales. It also marked the transformation of Mel Gibson from action hero to serious actor and filmmaker. Later in his career, he complemented hid dramatic performances with comedic roles in Maverick and What Women Want.

Braveheart

Gibson stated that when the Braveheart script arrived and was recommended by his agents, he rejected it outright. After careful thought, he decided to not only act in the film, but to direct it as well.

Gibson received two Academy Awards, Best Director and Best Picture, for his 1995 direction of Braveheart. In the movie, Gibson starred as Sir William Wallace, a thirteenth-century Scottish knight.

He said in interviews that he was attempting to make a film similar to the epics he had loved as a child, such as Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus and The Big Country. The filming began in the Scottish Highlands. After learning that the intended filming locations were among the rainiest spots in Europe, the shooting was moved to Ireland, where members of the Irish Army Reserve used as extras for the battle scenes.

The Passion of the Christ

Gibson co-wrote, produced and directed the controversial The Passion of the Christ. The 2004 film was based on the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus, rendered multilingually in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin. The film was released through Gibson's Icon Productions.

Reviews were mixed, with critics ranging from praising the film for its realty and criticism of violence and antisematism.

Asked if his movie would "upset Jews", Gibson responded, "It's not meant to. I think it's meant to just tell the truth. I want to be as truthful as possible."The Passion of Mel Gibson Accusations of anti-Semitism were fueled by revelations that Mel Gibson's father Hutton Gibson is a vocal Holocaust revisionist who believes much of the Holocaust is "fiction".

On his decision to cut the scene in which Caiaphas says "his blood be on us and on our children" soon after Pontius Pilate washes his hands of Jesus, Gibson said:
:I wanted it in. My brother said I was wimping out if I didn't include it. But, man, if I included that in there, they'd be coming after me at my house. They'd come to kill me.The Jesus War: Mel Gibson’s obsession. The Jesus War 'Passion'-ate defense gives offense A passionate Mel Gibson strikes back against critics

The movie grossed US$611,899,420 worldwide and $370,782,930 in the US alone. It became the eighth highest-grossing film in history and the highest-grossing rated R film of all time. The ticket sales were boosted by the film attracting viewers who generally do not attend theaters, including entire church congregations.Churches rent out entire theaters for 'Passion' The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Original Music Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Makeup at the 77th Academy Awards and won the People's Choice Award for Best Drama.

Apocalypto

Gibson's next historical epic, Apocalypto, will be released to theaters in December 2006. The film is set 600 years ago in Meso-America, before the Spanish conquest. It focuses on the decline of the Mayan civilization. Dialogue is spoken in the Yucatec Maya language, in the same way Gibson used Aramaic and Latin for his The Passion of the Christ. It will feature a cast of unknown actors from Mexico City, the Yucatán, and some Native Americans from the United States.

While Gibson financed the film himself, Disney will release it in specific markets.

All that has been revealed about the plot is that the film is set against the turbulent end times of the once great Mayan civilization. When a Mayan man's idyllic existence is brutally disrupted by a violent invading force, he is taken on a perilous journey. Through a twist of fate and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family he will make a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life.

The title is a Greek term which means "an unveiling" or "new beginning", but the movie is not religiously themed or connected to the biblical Apocalypse.

Family

On June 7, 1980, Gibson married nurse Robyn Moore, whom he met through a dating service. They have seven children, one daughter and six sons: Hannah (born 1980), twins Edward and Christian (born 1982), Willie (born 1985), Louis (born 1988), Milo (born 1990), and Tommy (born 1999).

Although Gibson is Roman Catholic and his wife is Anglican, he has never disapproved of her Anglican beliefs, saying that "true love knows no boundaries." He has also called her his "Rock of Gibraltar, only prettier." But he also holds to the Catholic doctrine of "Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus". When asked how this doctrine would affect his wife he said: “There is no salvation for those outside the Church, (and) I believe it. My wife is a saint. She’s a much better person than I am. Honestly. ... She prays, she believes in God, she knows Jesus, she believes in that stuff. And it’s just not fair if she doesn’t make it, she’s better than I am. But that is a pronouncement from the chair. I go with it.” Mel Gibson says his wife could be going to hell

Philanthropy

Hector Carreon reports that Gibson built houses for the poor in Mexico's Veracruz state, where Apocalypto was filmed.Daily Muslims , August 2, 2006

Controversial views

Religion and God

Many of Gibson's positions are in accordance with traditionalist Catholicism. In 2004, he publicly condemned taxpayer-funded embryonic stem-cell research that involves the cloning and destruction of human embryos. In March 2005, he issued a statement condemning the ending of Terri Schiavo's life, referring to her death as "state-sanctioned murder" on Sean Hannity's radio show.It's Modern Crucifixion He is a proponent of the death penalty, which the traditional doctrine of the Catholic Church allows for under specific circumstances, but which post-Vatican II Popes have said is rarely justifiable in modern society.Respect For Human Life

Gibson has expressed the belief that God is pointing out his path, particularly with respect to the making of The Passion of the Christ. In 2003 he told The New Yorker "There are signals. Signal graces, they are called. It's as clear as a traffic light. Bing! I mean, it just grabs you and you know you have to listen to that and you have to follow it." Gibson's way with words ; USA Today August 1, 2006; accessed August 3. 2006. At a screening of the film for clergy, he stated that the Holy Ghost was making the film through him, "I was just directing traffic".

Politics

While having never identified himself as being a conservative Republican, Gibson has been referred to as one in The Washington Times, and WorldNetDaily once reported that there was grassroots support among Republicans for "a presidential run."Mel Gibson Pushed for President

Gibson joined many of his colleagues in the entertainment industry in opposition to the Iraq War and praised the liberal director Michael Moore and his documentary film Fahrenheit 9/11.Moore, Gibson: I Love His Work Gibson's Icon Productions originally agreed to back Moore's film, but abruptly sold the rights to Miramax Films. Moore has claimed that "top Republicans" intimidated Mel Gibson into relinquishing the film.Not so hot: Fahrenheit 9/11 is more smoke than fire

In 2006 Gibson told a UK film magazine that the "fearmongering" depicted in his film Apocalypto "reminds me a little of President Bush and his guys."Gibson Inspired by 'Fear Mongering' Bush Following the July 2006 DUI/antisemitism incident and because of his friendship with Michael Moore, some conservative Hollywood bloggers have suggested that "Gibson may be a left-wing Catholic much like … Michael Moore." Mel Gibson, Conservatives & The Cult of Celebrity ; Libertas: a forum for conservative thought on film August 1, 2006.

In a July 1995 interview with Playboy magazine, Gibson said President Bill Clinton was a "low-level opportunist" because someone was "telling him what to do." He said he thought Clinton and other politicians who had won Rhodes Scholarships were part of a "stealth" trend of Rhodes scholars becoming politicians who were striving for a "new world order." He said this was a form of Marxism.Grobel, Lawrence, "Interview: Mel Gibson." Playboy. July 1995. Vol. 42, No. 7, Pg. 51. Retrieved May 17, 2006.Wright, Tony. "Dream candidate " Ninemsn's The Bulletin. October 15, 2003. Retrieved May 17, 2006.

His Critics

Gibson has not shied away from expressing strong opinions, including opinions of his critics. In a Playboy interview, he says of the author of an unauthorized biography, "I don't think God will put him in my path. He deserves death."Grobel, Lawrence, "Interview: Mel Gibson." Playboy. July 1995. Vol. 42, No. 7, Pg. 51. Retrieved May 17, 2006. After Frank Rich of The New York Times wrote that Gibson's Passion of the Christ would inflame anti-Semitism, Gibson told The New Yorker, "I want to kill him. I want his intestines on a stick. I want to kill his dog." Gibson's way with words ; USA Today August 1, 2006; accessed August 3. 2006.

Accusations of Homophobia

Some gay rights groups accused Gibson of homophobia, after a 1992 interview in the Spanish magazine El Pais. Asked what he thought of gay people, he said, "They take it up the ass." Gibson gestured descriptively, continuing, "This is only for taking a shit." When the interviewer recalled that Gibson previously had expressed fear that people would think he is gay because he's an actor, Gibson replied, "Do I sound like a homosexual? Do I talk like them? Do I move like them? I think not." He later defended his comments on Good Morning America, saying, "remarks were a response to a direct question. If someone wants my opinion, I'll give it. What, am I supposed to lie to them?"Mel Gibson Anti-gay History GLAAD meets with Mel Gibson In the Playboy interview, he responded to GLAAD's protests over his comment with "I'll apologize when hell freezes over. They can fuck off".Grobel, Lawrence, "Interview: Mel Gibson." Playboy. July 1995. Vol. 42, No. 7, Pg. 51. Retrieved May 17, 2006.

In January 1997, to make amends with the gay community, Gibson and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation hosted ten lesbian and gay filmmakers for an on-location seminar on the set of the movie Conspiracy Theory.Mel Gibson to Meet Up-and-Coming Lesbian and Gay Filmmakers

Although Gibson did not write the screenplay for BraveheartKill or be kilted , the depiction of a homosexual character in the film drew accusations of homophobia.Gays Should Beware of Men in Kilts Although historians agree that Prince (later King) Edward II of England was a mere puppet of Thomas of Lancaster, they dispute the portrayal of Edward as effeminate (and Edward's father never threw his lover out of a window, as portrayed in the movie).

Gibson was accused of homophobia once more in his movies with his portrayal of Herod Antipas in The Passion of the Christ. Antipas is portrayed as an effeminate homosexual wearing makeup and having 'boy-toys', in many ways similar to the portrayal of Herod in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar. Although this was a common caricature of Herod in medieval Passion plays, it is contrary to the historical record regarding Antipas (although, Christ uses the Greek word for a "vixen," or female fox, rather than "fox" when he describes Herod in the Gospel).on Mel’s monstrous messiah movie and the culture wars The Passion of the Christ The Passion of the Christ

Accusations of Anglophobia

Gibson has been accused of Anglophobia by British audiences and press.Mel Gibson: Proud or prejudiced? Although he did not write the screenplay, in his film Braveheart, Prince Edward of Carnarvon (later King Edward II of England) was depicted as an effete homosexual who was not the true father of his son, the future Edward III of England. The film also propagated the mythical calumny against the English of Droit de seigneur which almost certainly never existed anywhere and definitely not in Britain.

According to Wensley Clarkson, Gibson's Irish-American family has always been openly anti-English. According to a family friend, Gibson's maternal grandmother was raped by the Black and Tans during the Irish War of Independence. This incident was frequently spoken of in hushed tones in the Gibson household during Mel's childhood.

Accusations of anti-Semitism

Controversy regarding anti-Semitic opinions expressed by Gibson have flared up on at least two occasions.

In 2004, his film The Passion of the Christ was criticized for alleged anti-Semitic imagery and overtones. Gibson strongly denies that the film is anti-Semitic, but critics remain divided. Many agree that the film is consistent with a strict interpretation of the Gospels and traditional Catholic teachings, while others argue that it reflects a selective reading of the Gospels, incorporates many anti-Semitic elements not found in the Gospels (e.g. the writings of Anne Catherine Emmerich), and fails to comply with recommendations for dramatization of The Passion issued by either the Vatican or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

On July 28, 2006, Gibson was arrested in California on suspicion of drunk driving (see Mel Gibson DUI incident). According to a leaked police report, he was abusive to the arresting officers and remarked "Fucking Jews… Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." Gibson's Anti-Semitic Tirade -- Alleged Cover Up ; TMZ.com; July 28, 2006 He later issued, through his publicist, two apologies for the incident. In his second statement, he specifically denied being an anti-Semite and apologized to the Jewish community. Gibson's statement about anti-Semitic remarks Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham Foxman issued a statement accepting Gibson's apology and expressing a willingness to help in Gibson's rehabilitation.

Prankster

Gibson has a reputation for being a prankster on the set of his movies, and many of his leading ladies have often accused him of acting juvenile on the set.Mel Gibson: Clowning Around ; Anecdotage.com Accessed August 3, 2006 While filming Conspiracy Theory, he played several pranks on co-star Julia Roberts, and disgusted co-star Jodie Foster by licking the dirt off a wagon wheel on the set of Maverick. On the set of Braveheart, he spread the false rumor that co-star Sophie Marceau was the granddaughter of famous French mime Marcel Marceau. He also directed several scenes in an Elmer Fudd voice, including the funeral scene of Murron Wallace, causing everyone to break down laughing. Before the filming of What Women Want, co-star Helen Hunt pleaded with Gibson to be spared of his pranks. Reportedly, there was no incident.

Drug and alcohol abuse

According to Gibson biographer Wensley Clarkson, Gibson's alcoholism dates to his teenage years. Clarkson also states that Gibson's repeated attempts to stop drinking have lead to relapses whenever his stress level increased. A feature article on Gibson published on the DailyCatholic website March 17, 2004 (and described as having been written four years previously, before The Passion of The Christ) states, "He has made it known that from an early age he suffered from being manic depressive, but through his strong faith and appropriate medicines he has been able to overcome these shortcomings to attain the heights of stardom."http://www.dailycatholic.org/issue/04Mar/mar17fcs.htm This disorder is often linked with alcohol abuse and/or self-destructive behavior. thumb

In 1984, Gibson was arrested for drunk driving after he rear-ended a car in Toronto. According to Clarkson, when the other driver exited his vehicle and began shouting profanity at him, Mel Gibson laughed and offered him a drink. He was fined $400 and banned from driving in Canada for 3 months.

In 1991, Mel began treatment for alcoholism at the urging of his agent Ed Limato and his wife Robyn, who reportedly threatened to leave him if he refused. He has stated that he often meditated on the Passion while attempting to beat alcoholism and has said that his idea for the film dates from this time.

In a 2004 Primetime interview with Diane Sawyer, Gibson admitted to drug and alcohol abuse. He also said that his addictions have led him to contemplate suicide.

On July 28, 2006, Gibson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. According to the Sheriff's statement, Gibson was detained while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at 2:36 am, and spouted expletives, sexist, and anti-Semitic comments. He was later released on his own recognizance.http://www.examiner.com/a-208731~County_Refuses_to_Release_Gibson_Tapes.html If convicted of driving under the influence he may face up to 6 months in jail.

He has reportedly pursued recovery. He went onto television to apologize for his remarks and asked the forgiveness and help of the Jewish people so that he can overcome his "demons"

Quotes

*"Vatican II corrupted the institution of the church. Look at the main fruits: dwindling numbers and pedophilia." — Time, January 27, 2003

*"It was me that put him on the cross. It was my sins put him there ." On the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, addressing who was responsible for his death. From "The Passion: Photography from the Movie 'The Passion of the Christ'"

* On the Holocaust: "The thing with him father was that he was talking about numbers. I mean when the war was over they said it was 12 million. Then it was six. Now it's four. I mean it's that kind of numbers game." Readers Digest 2004http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=28713

*"Hollywood is a factory. You have to realize that you are working in a factory and you're part of the mechanism. If you break down, you'll be replaced." On the nature of "the industry." Excerpted from Wensley Clarkson's "Mel Gibson; Living Dangerously," page 202.

*"He's not just a part. He's an assault on your personality. Every day his doubts become your doubts." On playing Hamlet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1990 film. Excerpted from the making of documentary.

*"My family means more to me than the artificial trappings of my career. If ever I had to choose between my career and my family, the wife and kids would definitely come out on top." Excerpted from Wensley Clarkson's "Mel Gibson; Living Dangerously," page 300.

*"I regard Mad Max as a Star Wars in the gutter." Excerpted from Wensley Clarkson's "Mel Gibson; Living Dangerously," page 91.

*"Actors only write books when they run out of money." Excerpted from Wensley Clarkson's "Mel Gibson; Living Dangerously," page ix.

*"Hey, I'm for love, not war. How about we have a beer?" An inebriated Gibson to the infuriated driver he had just rear ended in Toronto. In 1984 he pleaded guilty to drunk driving and was fined $300 and banned from driving in Canada for 3 months. Excerpted from Wensley Clarkson's "Mel Gibson; Living Dangerously," page 175.

*"The L.A. Times, it's an anti-Christian publication, as is the New York Times." The New Yorker September 15,2003.

*"What are you looking at, sugar tits?" To a female police officer, while being booked at a police station after being pulled over for drunk driving.

*"The worst thing that can happen to you is you can screw up. I've done that before and it's not too damning. I've done some real stinkers. Luckily, most were early on." Excerpted from Wensley Clarkson's "Mel Gibson; Living Dangerously," page 64.

Trivia

* Gibson was born with a physical anomaly called "Horseshoe kidney". His two kidneys are fused at the base into a U-shape. This fusion anomaly occurs in about one of every 500 people.
* In December 2004, Gibson purchased Mago Island from Tokyu Corporation of Japan for $15 million.Mel Gibson buys personal Pacific island Descendants of the original native inhabitants of Mago (who were displaced in the 1860s) have protested the purchase.
* With his earnings from The Passion of the Christ, Gibson constructed a traditionalist Catholic chapel on his California estate.
* Gibson almost did not get the role that made him a star. His agent got him an audition for Mad Max, but the night before, he got into a drunken brawl with three other men at a party, resulting in a swollen nose, a broken jawline, and various other bruises. Mel showed up at the audition the next day looking like a "black and blue pumpkin" (his own words). Mel did not expect to get the role and only went to accompany his friend. However, the casting agent told Mel to come back in two weeks, telling him "we need freaks". Mel did come back, was not recognized because his wounds had healed almost completely, and received the part. This incident is listed in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
* Gibson was considered for roles in Batman, GoldenEye, Amadeus, Gladiator, The Golden Child, X-Men, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Runaway Bride and Primary Colors.
* A smoker for much of his acting career, in 2004 Gibson was persuaded by his wife to limit his addiction to just three cigarettes a day.
* Actor Sean Connery once suggested Gibson should play the next James Bond to Connery's M. Gibson turned down the role, reportedly because he feared being typecast.
* Gibson is an admirer of the Baroque works of Caravaggio who ironically in his day was a notorious street brawler. Much of the cinematography of The Passion of the Christ was done to evoke the painter's style.http://vbuttons.com/ec/982/index.php?em_id=723822

Filmography

As actor

*Summer City (1977)
*I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977)
*Mad Max (1979)
*Tim (1979)
*The Chain Reaction (1980)
*Gallipoli (1981)
*Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
*Attack Force Z (1982)
*The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)
*The Bounty (1984)
*The River (1984)
*Mrs. Soffel (1984)
*Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
*Lethal Weapon (1987)
*Tequila Sunrise (1988)
*Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
*Bird on a Wire (1990)
*Air America (1990)
*Hamlet (1990)
*Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
*Earth and the American Dream (1992) (documentary) (narrator)
*Forever Young (1992) (also executive producer)
*The Chili Con Carne Club (1993) (short subject)
*The Man Without a Face (1993)
*Maverick (1994)
*Casper (1995) (Cameo)
*Braveheart (1995)
*Pocahontas (1995) (voice)
*Ransom (1996)
*Fathers' Day (1997) (Cameo)
*Conspiracy Theory (1997)
*FairyTale: A True Story (1997) (Cameo)
*Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
*Payback (1999)
*The Million Dollar Hotel (2000)
*Chicken Run (2000) (voice)
*The Patriot (2000)
*What Women Want (2000)
*The One Dollar Diary (2001) (documentary)
*We Were Soldiers (2002)
*Signs (2002)
*Acting Lessons: Should Have Looked Like Mel (2003) (short subject)
*Paparazzi (2004) (also producer)
*Sam and George (2007) (currently announced start of production) (also producer)

As director

*The Man Without a Face (1993)
*Braveheart (1995)
*The Passion of the Christ (2004) (also producer, actor(his hand drove in the stake),and writer)
*Apocalypto (2006) (currently in post-production) (also executive producer, producer, and writer)

Awards and accomplishments

*Best Actor in a Lead Role, Tim (1979)
*Australian Film Institute: Best Actor in a Lead Role, Gallipoli (1981)
*People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1991)
*MTV Movie Awards: Best Action Sequence, Lethal Weapon 3 (1993)
*MTV Movie Awards: Best On-Screen Duo, Lethal Weapon 3 (1993) - shared with Danny Glover
*ShoWest Award: Male Star of the Year (1993)
*National Board of Review: Special Achievement in Filmmaking, Braveheart (1995)
*American Cinematheque Gala Tribute: American Cinematheque Award (1995)
*ShoWest Award: Director of the Year (1996)
*Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Best Director, Braveheart (1996)
*Golden Globe Awards: Best Director, Braveheart (1996)
*Academy Awards: Best Director, Braveheart (1996)
*Academy Awards: Best Picture, Braveheart (1996)
*People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1997)
*Hasty Pudding Theatricals: Man of the Year (1997)
*Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Favorite Actor - Suspense, Ransom (1997)
*Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Favorite Actor - Suspense, Conspiracy Theory (1998)
*People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Star in a Drama (2001)
*People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (2001)
*Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Favorite Actor - Drama, The Patriot (2001)
*Australian Film Institute: Global Achievement Award (2002)
*People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (2003)
*People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (2004)
*Named as the world's most powerful celebrity by US business magazine Forbes (2004)

Notes

References

*

*