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Willem Dafoe

What's After the Movie

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe, born as William James Dafoe in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a renowned American actor. Recognized for his distinctive style spanning both mainstream and arthouse films, he has received numerous accolades, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actor, four Academy Award nominations, a BAFTA Award nomination, four Golden Globe nominations, four Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and five Screen Actors Guild Awards. Dafoe collaborated with notable filmmakers like Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, Lars von Trier, Julian Schnabel, Wes Anderson, and Robert Eggers, and was a founding member of the experimental theater company The Wooster Group.

Dafoe started his film career with an uncredited role in Heaven's Gate (1980), followed by critical acclaim for his roles in movies like Platoon (1986), Shadow of the Vampire (2000), The Florida Project (2017), and At Eternity's Gate (2018). He also portrayed Jesus Christ in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) and was widely celebrated for his role as the supervillain Norman Osborn in the Spider-Man series. His other notable films include Mississippi Burning, Born on the Fourth of July, Wild at Heart, and Light Sleeper. Despite his prolific career, Dafoe maintains his connection with theater and is one of the co-founders of The Wooster Group, an experimental theater enterprise.

69 movies
19 nominations

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about Willem Dafoe, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Willem Dafoe rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: William James Dafoe

Born: Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.

Citizenship: United States, Italy

Birthday: July 22, 1955

Occupations: Actor

Years Active: 1975-present

Children: 1

Spouses: Giada Colagrande

Awards and Nominations Received by Willem Dafoe

Explore awards

Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Willem Dafoe has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.


30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2024

Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Poor Things

81st Golden Globe Awards 2024

Nomination

Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture (Supporting Actor)

Poor Things

25th Critics' Choice Awards 2020

Nomination

Best Supporting Actor

The Lighthouse

35th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2020

Win

Best Supporting Male

The Lighthouse

91st Academy Awards 2019

Nomination

Actor in a Leading Role

At Eternity's Gate

24th Critics' Choice Awards 2019

Nomination

Best Actor

At Eternity's Gate

76th Golden Globe Awards 2019

Nomination

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

At Eternity's Gate

90th Academy Awards 2018

Nomination

Actor in a Supporting Role

The Florida Project

71st British Academy Film Awards 2018

Nomination

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

The Florida Project

23rd Critics' Choice Awards 2018

Nomination

Best Supporting Actor

The Florida Project

24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2018

Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

The Florida Project

75th Golden Globe Awards 2018

Nomination

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy

The Florida Project

1st AACTA Awards 2012

Nomination

Best Lead Actor

The Hunter

73rd Academy Awards 2001

Nomination

Actor in a Supporting Role

Shadow of the Vampire

7th Screen Actors Guild Awards 2001

Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Shadow of the Vampire

16th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2001

Win

Best Supporting Male

Shadow of the Vampire

6th Independent Spirit Awards 1991

Nomination

Best Supporting Male

Wild at Heart

The 59th Academy Awards 1987

Nomination

Actor in a Supporting Role

Platoon

2nd Independent Spirit Awards 1987

Nomination

Best Male Lead

Platoon

Career Timeline

Track the complete movie timeline of Willem Dafoe, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.


2011

Miral

Miral


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