Editing Kevin Spacey (section)

==Career==
=== Theatre ===
==== 1981–1986: Career beginnings in theatre ====
Spacey's first professional stage appearance was as a [[spear carrier]] in a [[New York Shakespeare Festival]] performance of ''[[Henry VI, Part 1]]'' in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spacey|first=Kevin|url=http://www.kevinspacey.com/theatre/item/henry-iv-part-one/|title=Henry IV Part One|website=kevinspacey.com|access-date=October 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103185058/http://www.kevinspacey.com/theatre/item/henry-iv-part-one/|archive-date=November 3, 2017}}</ref> The following year, he made his first [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] appearance, as Oswald in a production of [[Henrik Ibsen]]'s ''[[Ghosts (play)|Ghosts]]'', starring [[Liv Ullmann]] and director [[John Neville (actor)|John Neville]], which opened at the [[Eisenhower Theater]] in Washington's [[Kennedy Center]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Richards |first1=David |title='Ghosts' in a New Age |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1982/07/20/ghosts-in-a-new-age/19b9383d-668f-4c2f-b5bb-211ffffd8437/ |access-date=March 28, 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 20, 1982 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ghosts |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ghosts-4181 |website=Internet Broadway Database |access-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ghosts-4181 |url-status=live }}</ref> He then portrayed Philinte in [[Molière]]'s ''[[The Misanthrope]]''. In 1984, Spacey appeared in a production of [[David Rabe]]'s ''[[Hurlyburly]]'', in which he rotated through each of the male parts (he would later play Mickey in the [[Hurlyburly (film)|film version]]). Next came [[Anton Chekhov]]'s ''[[The Seagull]]'' alongside [[David Strathairn]] and [[Colleen Dewhurst]]. In 1986, Spacey appeared in a production of ''[[Sleuth (play)|Sleuth]]'' in a [[New Jersey]] [[dinner theatre]].<ref name="cornucopia">{{cite magazine |first=Pat |last=Cerasaro |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/FLASH-FRIDAY-A-Kevin-Spacey-Cornucopia-Stage-Big-Screen-Small-Screen-NOW-20140502 |title=Flash Friday: A Kevin Spacey Cornucopia — Stage, Big Screen, Small Screen & Now |magazine=Broadway World |location=New York City |date=May 2, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020616/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/FLASH-FRIDAY-A-Kevin-Spacey-Cornucopia-Stage-Big-Screen-Small-Screen-NOW-20140502 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 1986–1991: Broadway success and Tony win ====
Spacey's prominence as a stage actor began in 1986, when he was cast opposite [[Jack Lemmon]], [[Peter Gallagher]], and [[Bethel Leslie]], as Jamie, the eldest Tyrone son, in [[Jonathan Miller]]'s lauded production of [[Eugene O'Neill]]'s ''[[Long Day's Journey into Night]]''. Lemmon in particular would become a mentor to Spacey<ref name="parade">{{cite news|first=James|last=Brady|url=https://www.kevinspacey.com/press/item/parade/|title=In Step With: Kevin Spacey|magazine=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]|via=kevinspacey.com|date=December 5, 2004|access-date=February 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103185934/http://www.kevinspacey.com/press/item/parade/|archive-date=November 3, 2017}}</ref> and was invited, along with Spacey's high school drama teacher, to be present when Spacey received his star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 1999.<ref>{{cite magazine | first = Michael | last = Buckley | url = http://www.playbill.com/article/stage-to-screens-kevin-spacey-talks-about-his-new-film-and-his-idols-com-163095 | title = Stage to Screens: Kevin Spacey Talks About His New Film, and His Idols | magazine = [[Playbill]] | date = July 27, 2009 | access-date = October 30, 2017 | archive-date = November 7, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171107022247/http://www.playbill.com/article/stage-to-screens-kevin-spacey-talks-about-his-new-film-and-his-idols-com-163095 | url-status = live }}</ref>

Spacey remained actively involved in the live theatre community. In 1991, he won a [[Tony Award]] for his portrayal of Uncle Louie in [[Neil Simon]]'s Broadway hit ''[[Lost in Yonkers]]''. His father was unconvinced that Spacey could make a career for himself as an actor and did not change his mind until Spacey became well known.<ref name="abc" /> In 1999, Spacey won the [[Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor]] and earned another Tony Award nomination in 1999 for ''[[The Iceman Cometh]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.playbill.com/article/1999-tony-nominee-kevin-spacey-leading-actor-play-the-iceman-cometh-com-82301|title= 1999 Tony Nominee: Kevin Spacey (Leading Actor, Play, The Iceman Cometh)|website= [[Playbill]].com|access-date= May 21, 2020|archive-date= August 18, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200818053444/https://www.playbill.com/article/1999-tony-nominee-kevin-spacey-leading-actor-play-the-iceman-cometh-com-82301|url-status= live}}</ref>

====2003–2015: Artistic director of the Old Vic====
[[File:Waterloo the old vic 1.jpg|thumb|[[The Old Vic]] theatre in [[Waterloo, London]]]]
In February 2003, Spacey announced that he was to become the artistic director of the [[Old Vic]], one of London's oldest theatres.<ref name="bbc20030203">{{cite news |title=Spacey 'to run Old Vic' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/2723437.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=February 3, 2003 |access-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-date=March 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320102706/https://server-uk.imrworldwide.com/a1.js |url-status=live }}</ref> Appearing at a press conference with [[Judi Dench]] and [[Elton John]], Spacey promised both to appear on stage and to bring in big-name talent.<ref name="bbc20030206">{{cite news |title=Spacey becomes London theatre boss |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/2727845.stm |date=February 6, 2003 |access-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-date=June 4, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070604155242/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/2727845.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He undertook to remain in the post for a full ten years. The Old Vic Theatre Company staged shows eight months out of the year. Spacey's first season started in September 2004, opening with the British premiere of the play ''[[Cloaca (film)|Cloaca]]'' by [[Maria Goos]], directed by Spacey, which opened to mixed reviews.<ref name="firstseason">{{cite web|title=A Brief History of the Old Vic |work=Old Vic Theatre |url=http://www.oldvictheatre.com/history.php |year=2008 |access-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516082930/http://www.oldvictheatre.com/history.php |archive-date=May 16, 2008}}</ref> In the 2005 season, Spacey made his UK Shakespearean debut, to good notices, in the [[Richard II of England|title role]] of ''[[Richard II (play)|Richard II]]'', directed by [[Trevor Nunn]].<ref name="firstseason" />

On June 16, 2016, Spacey was awarded an [[wikt:Special:Search/honorary|honorary]] [[knighthood]] for his services to theatre, arts education, and international culture in the [[2015 Queen's Birthday Honours]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/434651/Birthday_Honours_2015_FCO_press_release.pdf|title=FCO Press Release: Honours for the best of Britain overseas|website=Gov.uk|date=June 12, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2023|archive-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406063910/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/434651/Birthday_Honours_2015_FCO_press_release.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The honour, [[Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire]], was given at [[Clarence House]] by then-[[Prince Charles]]. As a non-[[Commonwealth Realm]] citizen, the award is honorary and he is not entitled to the [[honorific]] "Sir".<ref>{{cite news|first=Maria|last=Puente|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/06/12/kevin-spacey-gets-honorary-knighthood-from-queen/71150620/|title=Kevin Spacey gets honorary knighthood|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=June 12, 2015|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802212100/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/06/12/kevin-spacey-gets-honorary-knighthood-from-queen/71150620/|url-status=live}}</ref> Spacey had previously been awarded the lesser rank of honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to drama in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |first=JJ|last=Nattrass|title=Kevin Spacey: The UK's 'adopted son' |website=[[BBC News]]|location=London, England|date=June 12, 2015}}</ref> Spacey was a patron of the [[Shakespeare Schools Festival]], a charity that enables school children across the UK to perform Shakespeare in professional theatres. He also sits on the board of directors of the [[Motion Picture and Television Fund]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mptvfund.org/cm/about-us/board-of-directors/foundation-board-of-directors.html |title=Foundation Board of Directors |website=Motion Picture & Television Fund |access-date=May 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416222504/http://www.mptvfund.org/cm/about-us/board-of-directors/foundation-board-of-directors.html |archive-date=April 16, 2009}}</ref>

In mid-2006, Spacey was working at the Old Vic; at that point in his career, he said, he was "trying to do things now that are much bigger and outside [myself]".<ref name="nyt-oldvic">{{cite news |first=Sarah |last=Lyall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/29/theater/29spac.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318221449/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/29/theater/29spac.html |archive-date=March 18, 2009 |url-access=limited |url-status=live| title=Beyond a Sea of Criticism, All's Well for Kevin Spacey at Old Vic |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 29, 2006 |access-date=June 2, 2008}}</ref> Spacey performed in productions of ''National Anthems'' by Dennis McIntyre, and ''[[The Philadelphia Story (play)|The Philadelphia Story]]'' by [[Philip Barry]], in which he played C.K. Dexter Haven, the [[Cary Grant]] role in the [[The Philadelphia Story (film)|film version]]. Critics applauded Spacey for taking on the management of a theatre, but noted that while his acting was impressive, his skills and judgment as a producer/manager had yet to develop.<ref name="richardiii">{{cite web |first=Gazelle |last=Emami |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/10/kevin-spacey-richard-iii_n_1196493.html |title=Kevin Spacey As Richard III: BAM Production Of Sam Mendes Play Begins Its Run |work=[[HuffPost]] |date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020348/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/10/kevin-spacey-richard-iii_n_1196493.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2006 season, Spacey suffered a major setback with a production of [[Arthur Miller]]'s ''[[Resurrection Blues]]'', directed by [[Robert Altman]].<ref name="bbc20060413">{{cite news |title=Spacey defends Old Vic management |work=[[BBC News]] |date=April 13, 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4905638.stm |access-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210003757/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4905638.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite an all-star cast (including [[Matthew Modine]] and future ''House of Cards'' co-star [[Neve Campbell]]) and the pedigree of Miller's script, Spacey's decision to lure Altman to the stage proved disastrous: after a fraught rehearsal period, the play opened to a critical panning, and closed after only a few weeks.<ref name="nyt-oldvic" /> Later in the year, Spacey starred in [[Eugene O'Neill]]'s ''[[A Moon for the Misbegotten]]'', along with [[Colm Meaney]] and [[Eve Best]]. The play received excellent reviews for Spacey and Best, and was transferred to Broadway in 2007. For the spring part of the 2007–08 season, [[Jeff Goldblum]] and [[Laura Michelle Kelly]] joined Spacey as the three characters in [[David Mamet]]'s 1988 play ''[[Speed-the-Plow]]''.<ref name="stage20071210">{{cite news |first=Alistair |last=Page |url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/19128/goldblum-to-join-spacey-in-the-old-vics |title=Goldblum to join Spacey in the Old Vic's Speed-the-Plow |work=[[The Stage]] |date=December 10, 2007 |access-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-date=March 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306200511/http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/19128/goldblum-to-join-spacey-in-the-old-vics |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2009, he directed the premiere of [[Joe Sutton]]'s ''[[Complicit (play)|Complicit]]'', with [[Richard Dreyfuss]], [[David Suchet]] and [[Elizabeth McGovern]].<ref name="richardiii" /> Later that year, Trevor Nunn directed Spacey in a revival of ''[[Inherit the Wind (play)|Inherit the Wind]]''. Spacey played defense lawyer Henry Drummond, a role that was made famous by [[Spencer Tracy]] in the [[Inherit the Wind (1960 film)|1960 film of the same name]].<ref name="richardiii" /> [[Sam Mendes]] directed Spacey in Shakespeare's ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard III]]''; Spacey played the [[Richard III of England|title role]]. The show began in June 2011, commencing a worldwide tour culminating in New York in early 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oldvictheatre.com/whatson.php?id=75 |title=The Old Vic  |date=July 22, 2002 |access-date=October 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017163921/http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whatson.php?id=75 |archive-date=October 17, 2011}}</ref> In March 2014, it was announced that Spacey would star in a one-man play at the Old Vic to celebrate his ten years as artistic director. He took on the part of [[Clarence Darrow]] in the play.<ref>{{cite news | first = Nancy | last = Groves | url = https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/mar/18/kevin-spacey-star-one-man-play-old-vic | title = Kevin Spacey to star in one-man play at Old Vic | newspaper = [[The Guardian]] | date = March 18, 2014 | access-date = March 18, 2014 | archive-date = March 19, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140319084000/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/mar/18/kevin-spacey-star-one-man-play-old-vic | url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Film ===
{{see also|Kevin Spacey on screen and stage}}

==== 1986–1994: Early roles and breakthrough ====
In 1986, Spacey made his first film appearance in [[Mike Nichols]]'s ''[[Heartburn (film)|Heartburn]]'' starring [[Meryl Streep]] and [[Jack Nicholson]]. Spacey plays a small role credited as a subway thief. In 1988, Spacey also briefly appeared in another Nichols film, ''[[Working Girl]]'', as businessman Bob Speck. Some of Spacey's other early roles include a widowed millionaire on ''[[L.A. Law]]''; the television miniseries ''[[The Murder of Mary Phagan]]'' (1988), opposite Lemmon; and the comedy ''[[See No Evil, Hear No Evil (film)|See No Evil, Hear No Evil]]'' (1989). Spacey quickly developed a reputation as a [[character actor]], and was cast in bigger roles, including the malevolent office manager in the ensemble film adaptation of the [[David Mamet]] play ''[[Glengarry Glen Ross (film)|Glengarry Glen Ross]]'' (1992) starring [[Al Pacino]], as well as news reporter Harry Kingsley in a film based on a 1917 [[dog sled race]] ''[[Iron Will]]'' (1994) directed by [[Charles Haid]]. Spacey also played one-half of a bickering [[Connecticut]] couple alongside [[Judy Davis]] in the [[dark comedy]] Christmas film ''[[The Ref]]'' (1994), and a malicious Hollywood studio boss in the satire ''[[Swimming with Sharks]]'' (1995).

==== 1995–1999: Rise to stardom and awards success ====
[[File:Kevin Spacey (48171134437).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Spacey in 1996]]
Spacey gained prominence for his role as the enigmatic criminal [[Verbal Kint]] in [[Bryan Singer]]'s [[neo-noir]] film ''[[The Usual Suspects]]'' (1995). He starred opposite an ensemble cast including [[Gabriel Byrne]], [[Benicio del Toro]], and [[Chazz Palminteri]]. Todd McCarthy of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' wrote, "Spacey is terrific as the mysterious weak link in the chain of thieves".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/the-usual-suspects-1200439940/|title= The Usual Suspects|website= Variety|date= January 27, 1995|access-date= January 20, 2024|archive-date= April 8, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230408041024/https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/the-usual-suspects-1200439940/|url-status= live}}</ref> The role won him the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]. He was also nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture]] and [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role|Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role]].<ref name=tca>{{cite episode |title=Kevin Spacey |series=Inside the Actors Studio |date=July 2, 2000 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26GE33raQNQ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104191512/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26GE33raQNQ&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=November 4, 2019 |network=Bravo |season=6 |number=10|last=Lipton |first=James (host)}}</ref> That same year, Spacey also appeared in the [[David Fincher]] detective thriller ''[[Seven (1995 film)|Seven]]'' (1995) starring [[Brad Pitt]] and [[Morgan Freeman]]. Spacey made a sudden entrance late in the film as [[serial killer]] John Doe after going uncredited and unmentioned in the film's advertisements and opening credits. His work in ''Seven'', ''The Usual Suspects'' and ''[[Outbreak (1995 film)|Outbreak]]'' earned him Best Supporting Actor honors at the 1995 [[Society of Texas Film Critics Awards 1995|Society of Texas Film Critics Awards]].<ref name="aas951230">{{cite news |first=Abraham |last=Levy |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AASB&p_theme=aasb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAD97C511DD8C8F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D |title=Texas film critics give 'Suspects' top honors |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |date=December 30, 1995 |access-date=December 17, 2010 |archive-date=October 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023034756/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AASB&p_theme=aasb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAD97C511DD8C8F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ac960105">{{cite news |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A530347 |title=The Society of Texas Film Critics 1995 Awards |work=[[The Austin Chronicle]] |date=January 5, 1996 |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=April 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404113847/http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A530347 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Spacey played an egomaniacal [[district attorney]] in ''[[A Time to Kill (1996 film)|A Time to Kill]]'' (1996) and founded [[Trigger Street Productions]] in 1997 with the purpose of producing and developing entertainment across various media. Spacey made his directorial debut with the film ''[[Albino Alligator]]'' (1996). The film was a [[box-office bomb]], grossing {{US dollar|339,379|long=no}} with a budget of {{US dollar|6 million|long=no}}, but critics praised Spacey's direction. He starred in the [[Curtis Hanson]] directed [[neo-noir]] crime film ''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]'' (1997) acting alongside [[Russell Crowe]], [[Guy Pearce]], and [[Kim Basinger]]. Spacey played the Detective Sergeant Jack Vincennes, an officer and technical advisor for a fictional TV police drama series. The ensemble cast received praise with Jack Matthews of ''[[Newsday]]'' citing Spacey as the highlight writing, "Best of ail are Spacey striking an impossible balance of smarminess and charm".<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-la-confident/87344349/|title= A 90s Chinatown depicts a 50s LA|newspaper= Newsday (Suffolk Edition)|date= September 19, 1997|page= 110|access-date= January 20, 2024|archive-date= January 20, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240120133927/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-la-confident/87344349/|url-status= live}}</ref> The role landed Spacey a nomination for the [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]]. The following year he voiced the intimidating grasshopper, Hopper in the animated [[Pixar]] film ''[[A Bug's Life]]'' (1998).<ref name="cornucopia" /> Throughout his career, Spacey has been well known for playing villains; he remarked in 2013: "I think people just like me evil for some reason. They want me to be a son of a bitch."<ref>{{cite magazine |first= Chris | last = Nashawaty| title=Kevin Spacey: Good 'n' Evil |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=February 8, 2013}}</ref>

In 1999, Spacey acted alongside [[Annette Bening]] in [[Sam Mendes]]'s ''[[American Beauty (1999 film)|American Beauty]]''. In the film he played the role of Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father and advertising executive who becomes attracted to his teenage daughter's best friend. The film and its performance received widespread acclaim, particularly Spacey with critic [[Roger Ebert]] declaring, "Spacey, an actor who embodies intelligence in his eyes and voice, is the right choice for Lester Burnham. He does reckless and foolish things in this movie, but he doesn't deceive himself; he knows he's running wild--and chooses to, burning up the future years of an empty lifetime for a few flashes of freedom".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/american-beauty-1999|title= American Beauty|access-date= January 20, 2024|archive-date= August 9, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200809113215/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/american-beauty-1999|url-status= live}}</ref> For this role, Spacey won his second [[Academy Awards|Oscar]], this time for [[Best Actor in a Leading Role]]. In his acceptance speech he dedicated his Oscar to [[Jack Lemmon]], praising him as an influence, mentor, and father figure. He also stated, "[Lemmon's] performance in ''[[The Apartment]]'' stands as one of the finest we've ever had".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCjt7PME5_E|title= Kevin Spacey Wins Best Actor: 2000 Oscars|date= January 4, 2010|via= YouTube|access-date= May 21, 2020|archive-date= November 1, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171101204644/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCjt7PME5_E|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/072-1/|title=Kevin Spacey Academy Awards Acceptance Speech|website=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802225535/http://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/072-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> For his role he also received a [[British Academy Film Awards|BAFTA Award]] and [[Screen Actors Guild Awards|Screen Actors Guild Award]] as well as a nomination for a [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe Award]]. That same year, he was honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Taryn|last=Rider|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hollywood-chamber-commerce-no-plans-remove-walk-fame-stars-amid-sexual-harassment-scandals-173303074.html|title=Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has no plans to remove Walk of Fame stars amid sexual misconduct scandals|publisher=[[Yahoo Finance|Yahoo! Finance]]|location=Sunnyvale, California|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=December 27, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228011132/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hollywood-chamber-commerce-no-plans-remove-walk-fame-stars-amid-sexual-harassment-scandals-173303074.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2000–2016: Established actor ====
[[File:Bobby Darin 1972.JPG|thumb|right|160px|Spacey portrayed singer [[Bobby Darrin]] in ''[[Beyond the Sea (2004 film)|Beyond the Sea]]'' (2004) which he also directed]]
Spacey played a physically and emotionally scarred grade school teacher in ''[[Pay It Forward (film)|Pay It Forward]]'' (2000), a patient in a mental institution who may or may not be an [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] in ''[[K-PAX (film)|K-Pax]]'' (2001), and singer [[Bobby Darin]] in ''[[Beyond the Sea (2004 film)|Beyond the Sea]]'' (2004). The latter was a lifelong dream project for Spacey, who took on co-writing, directing, co-producing and starring duties in the biography/musical about Darin's life, career and relationship with actress [[Sandra Dee]]. Facing little interest for backing in the U.S., Spacey went to the United Kingdom and Germany for funding. Almost all of the film was made in [[Berlin]].<ref name="parade" /> Spacey provided his own vocals on the film's soundtrack and appeared in several tribute concerts around the time of its release. Spacey received mostly positive reviews for his singing, as well as a [[Golden Globe]] nomination for his performance. However, reviewers debated the age disparity between Spacey and Darin, noting that Spacey was too old to convincingly portray Darin, particularly during the early stages of the singer's life depicted in the film.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jay |last=Boyar |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2004/12/29/a-bit-of-darin-lives-in-spacey/ |title=A bit of Darin lives in Spacey |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]   |date=December 29, 2004 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032207/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2004-12-29/news/0412280338_1_kevin-spacey-bobby-darin-pop-singer }}</ref>

In 2006, Spacey played [[Lex Luthor]] in the [[Bryan Singer]] [[superhero]] film ''[[Superman Returns]]'' starring [[Brandon Routh]]. He was to return for its 2009 sequel, but the series was instead rebooted with the 2013 film ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Ali|last=Plumb|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/kevin-spacey-jesse-eisenberg-playing-lex-luthor/|title=Kevin Spacey on Jesse Eisenberg Playing Lex Luthor|magazine=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=February 27, 2014|access-date=November 15, 2015|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803060556/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/kevin-spacey-jesse-eisenberg-playing-lex-luthor/|url-status=live}}</ref> Spacey also appeared in ''[[Edison (film)|Edison]]'', which received a [[direct-to-video]] release in 2006.<ref>{{cite news |author=XSSIV |title='Edison' cast includes Freeman, Spacey and LL Cool J |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/edison-cast-includes-freeman-spacey-and-ll-cool-j |work=MovieWeb |date=December 3, 2003 |access-date=September 22, 2013 |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930170402/http://www.movieweb.com/news/edison-cast-includes-freeman-spacey-and-ll-cool-j }}</ref> The film was released in theaters in [[Netherlands]] on March 12, 2006. In 2008, Spacey played a [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] (MIT) lecturer in the film ''[[21 (2008 film)|21]]''. The film is based on [[Ben Mezrich]]'s best seller ''[[Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions]]'', a story of student MIT [[card-counting|card-counters]] who used [[mathematical probability]] to aid them in card games such as [[blackjack]]. In early 2010, Spacey went to China to star in writer-director [[Dayyan Eng]]'s [[black comedy]] film ''[[Inseparable (film)|Inseparable]]'', becoming the first Hollywood actor to star in a fully Chinese-funded film.<ref>{{cite web |first=S.T. |last=Vanairsdale |url=http://movieline.com/2012/05/03/kevin-spaceys-chinese-buddy-superhero-movie-inseparable-looks-interesting/ |title=Kevin Spacey's Chinese Buddy-Superhero Movie Inseparable Looks... Interesting |website=[[Movieline]] |date=May 5, 2012 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215123717/http://movieline.com/2012/05/03/kevin-spaceys-chinese-buddy-superhero-movie-inseparable-looks-interesting/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Kevin Spacey (Berlin Film Festival 2011).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Spacey at the [[Berlin International Film Festival|Berlin Film Festival]] 2011]]
In 2011, Spacey starred in [[J.C. Chandor]]'s financial thriller ''[[Margin Call]]'' alongside [[Paul Bettany]], [[Jeremy Irons]], [[Zachary Quinto]], [[Demi Moore]], and [[Stanley Tucci]]. The story at large takes place over a 24-hour period at a large [[Wall Street]] [[investment bank]] during the initial stages of the [[2008 financial crisis]]. The film, which focuses on the actions taken by a group of employees during the subsequent financial collapse, made its debut at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] to critical acclaim. Spacey received the [[Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award]] along with the cast. That same year, Spacey co-starred in the black comedy film ''[[Horrible Bosses]]'', which grossed over {{USD|209.6 million|long=no}} at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=horriblebosses.htm |title=Horrible Bosses |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-date=October 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022153531/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=horriblebosses.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013 he executive-produced the biographical survival thriller film ''[[Captain Phillips (film)|Captain Phillips]]'', which was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Picture]].<ref name=oscarnom>{{cite web |url=https://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/86/nominees.html |title=Nominees for the 86th Academy Awards |publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |access-date=January 16, 2016 |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531064911/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/86/nominees.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=oscarwin>{{cite magazine|first=Kimberly|last=Nordyke|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscar-winners-2014-full-list-results-86th-academy-awards-kodak-theater-684748|title=Oscars 2014 Winners: The Complete List|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=March 2, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2016|archive-date=July 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723201401/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscar-winners-2014-full-list-results-86th-academy-awards-kodak-theater-684748|url-status=live}}</ref>

He starred as President [[Richard Nixon]] in the comedy-drama ''[[Elvis & Nixon]]'' (2016), which is based on the meeting that took place between Nixon and singer [[Elvis Presley]] ([[Michael Shannon]]) in December 1970 wherein Presley requested that Nixon swear him in as an undercover agent in the [[Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Jen|last=Yamato|title='Elvis & Nixon' Sets Kevin Spacey & Michael Shannon in Tale of Historic White House Hangout – AFM|url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/elvis-and-nixon-movie-kevin-spacey-michael-shannon-cast-1201274891/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 5, 2014|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303125227/https://deadline.com/2014/11/elvis-and-nixon-movie-kevin-spacey-michael-shannon-cast-1201274891/|url-status=live}}</ref> He next starred in the comedy film ''[[Nine Lives (2016 film)|Nine Lives]]'', as a man trapped in the body of a cat.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Eric|last1=Hayden|first2=Tatiana|last2=Siegel|title=Kevin Spacey to Star in Comedy 'Nine Lives' From 'Men in Black' Director|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kevin-spacey-star-comedy-nine-767937|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=January 28, 2015|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=January 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131020028/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kevin-spacey-star-comedy-nine-767937|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was released on August 5, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|first=Erik|last=Pederson|title='Nine Lives' Trailer: Here Kevin Spacey Spacey Spacey...|url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/nine-lives-trailer-kevin-spacey-christopher-jennifer-garner-1201738336/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=April 15, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619233812/http://deadline.com/2016/04/nine-lives-trailer-kevin-spacey-christopher-jennifer-garner-1201738336/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2016 it was announced that [[Relativity Media]], which was just emerging from [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]],<ref>{{cite news|first1=Dominic|last1=Patten|first2=Mike Jr.|last2=Fleming|title=Ryan Kavanaugh's Relativity Media finally files Chapter 11 bankruptcy|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/relativity-bankruptcy-ryan-kavanaugh-chapter-11-filing-1201485656/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=July 30, 2015|access-date=November 4, 2017|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019200303/https://deadline.com/2015/07/relativity-bankruptcy-ryan-kavanaugh-chapter-11-filing-1201485656/|url-status=live}}</ref> had acquired Trigger Street Productions and that Spacey would become chairman of [[Relativity Media#Relativity Studios|Relativity Studios]], while Dana Brunetti would become the studio's president.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|title=Relativity Media acquires Trigger Street; sets Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti to run studio as it emerges From Chapter 11|url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/relativity-media-kevin-spacey-dana-brunetti-trigger-street-1201677412/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=November 4, 2017|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021123445/http://deadline.com/2016/01/relativity-media-kevin-spacey-dana-brunetti-trigger-street-1201677412/|url-status=live}}</ref> Spacey called the move "an incredible opportunity to make great entertainment" and said he considered it the "next evolution in my career".<ref>{{cite magazine | first = James | last = Rainey | title = Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti set to run Relativity for Ryan Kavanaugh | url = https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/kevin-spacey-dana-brunetti-relativity-studios-1201673516/ | magazine = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = January 6, 2016 | access-date = November 4, 2017 | archive-date = November 4, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171104064954/http://variety.com/2016/biz/news/kevin-spacey-dana-brunetti-relativity-studios-1201673516/ | url-status = live }}</ref> However, when the paperwork for the studio was filed for the court, it emerged that Spacey had opted out of assuming the chairmanship of the studios,<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Lang | first1 = Brent | last2 = Littleton | first2 = Cynthia | title = Relativity Relaunch: Kevin Spacey nixes chairman role, Dana Brunetti sets deal | url = https://variety.com/2016/film/news/kevin-spacey-relativity-2-1201728899/ | magazine = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = March 13, 2016 | access-date = November 4, 2017 | archive-date = November 6, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171106181337/http://variety.com/2016/film/news/kevin-spacey-relativity-2-1201728899/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and by the end of 2016 Brunetti had also left Relativity, while both remained executive producers on ''House of Cards'' and ''[[Manhunt: Unabomber|Manifesto]]''.<ref>{{cite news|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|title=Dana Brunetti leaving Relativity; will continue producing|url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/dana-brunetti-relativity-media-departure-ryan-kavanaugh-1201874353/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=November 4, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107010545/http://deadline.com/2016/12/dana-brunetti-relativity-media-departure-ryan-kavanaugh-1201874353/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2017–present: Career controversy and comeback attempts ====
In March 2017, it was announced that Spacey would portray [[J. Paul Getty]] in [[Ridley Scott]]'s ''[[All the Money in the World]]''.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|title=Michelle Williams, Kevin Spacey, Mark Wahlberg Circling Ridley Scott's Getty Kidnap Film|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/michelle-williams-kevin-spacey-mark-wahlberg-ridley-scott-getty-kidnap-film-imperative-entertainment-sony-pictures-1202056971/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=March 31, 2017|access-date=June 14, 2017|archive-date=June 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626030427/https://deadline.com/2017/03/michelle-williams-kevin-spacey-mark-wahlberg-ridley-scott-getty-kidnap-film-imperative-entertainment-sony-pictures-1202056971/|url-status=live}}</ref> He shot his role in the film in ten days over the summer of 2017. But because of the [[sexual assault]] allegations against Spacey, it was announced on November 8, 2017, that all of his footage would be excised,<ref>One shot with Spacey was retained because of time and money constraints, given the film's close deadline. It features the character of J. Paul Getty departing from a train in a wide shot and Spacey's face is not visible.</ref> and that [[Christopher Plummer]] would replace him in [[reshoots]].<ref name="DeadlineA_081117">{{cite news|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/kevin-spacey-dropped-all-in-the-money-in-the-world-christopher-plummer-ridley-scott-j-paul-getty-1202204437/|title=Shocker: Kevin Spacey dropped from 'All The Money In The World;' J Paul Getty role recast with Christopher Plummer|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2017|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109020204/http://deadline.com/2017/11/kevin-spacey-dropped-all-in-the-money-in-the-world-christopher-plummer-ridley-scott-j-paul-getty-1202204437/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Howell|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2017/11/09/movie-magician-christopher-plummer-seeks-to-perform-a-cinematic-miracle-by-replacing-kevin-spacey-howell.html|title=If any actor can quickly replace Kevin Spacey, it's Christopher Plummer|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110154843/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2017/11/09/movie-magician-christopher-plummer-seeks-to-perform-a-cinematic-miracle-by-replacing-kevin-spacey-howell.html}}</ref> Despite the very tight schedule, [[TriStar Pictures]] completed the new version of the film in time for a December 25 release.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|title=Shocker: Kevin Spacey Dropped From 'All The Money In The World;' J Paul Getty Role Recast With Christopher Plummer|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/kevin-spacey-dropped-all-in-the-money-in-the-world-christopher-plummer-ridley-scott-j-paul-getty-1202204437/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109020204/http://deadline.com/2017/11/kevin-spacey-dropped-all-in-the-money-in-the-world-christopher-plummer-ridley-scott-j-paul-getty-1202204437/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Andrea|last=Mandell|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/09/kevin-spacey-to-be-cut-out-of-all-the-money-in-the-world.html|title=Kevin Spacey to be cut out of 'All the Money in the World' following assault allegations|publisher=[[CNBC]]|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110225439/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/09/kevin-spacey-to-be-cut-out-of-all-the-money-in-the-world.html|archive-date=November 10, 2017}}</ref> Spacey appeared in the film ''[[Billionaire Boys Club (2018 film)|Billionaire Boys Club]]'', which had a [[limited release]] on August 17, 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Dominic|last=Patten|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kevin-spacey-movie-billionaire-boys-club-hit-theaters-1121334|title=Kevin Spacey Film 'Billionaire Boys Club' to Hit Select Theaters in August|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=September 4, 2018|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416220928/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kevin-spacey-movie-billionaire-boys-club-hit-theaters-1121334|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Donelly|url=https://www.thewrap.com/kevin-spaceys-billionaire-boys-club-to-hit-theaters-in-august/|title=Return From Exile: Kevin Spacey's 'Billionaire Boys Club' to Hit Theaters in August (Exclusive)|website=[[The Wrap]]|date=June 18, 2018|access-date=June 18, 2018|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822054006/https://www.thewrap.com/kevin-spaceys-billionaire-boys-club-to-hit-theaters-in-august/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=McClintock |first=Pamela |date=August 18, 2018 |title=Box Office: Kevin Spacey's 'Billionaire Boys Club' Earns Abysmal $126 on Opening Day |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-kevin-spaceys-billionaire-boys-club-earns-126-friday-1135816 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209034125/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-kevin-spaceys-billionaire-boys-club-earns-126-friday-1135816 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Vertical Entertainment]] stated that it would take no action to remove Spacey from the film, as it had been completed in late 2016, before the allegations made in October 2017.<ref>{{cite web|first=Zack|last=Sharf|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/kevin-spacey-billionaire-boys-club-distributor-explains-opening-sexual-harassment-1201976248/|title=Kevin Spacey Returns: 'Billionaire Boys Club' Distributor Explains Why the Disgraced Actor's New Film Is Opening This Summer|website=[[Indiewire]]|date=June 19, 2018|access-date=November 12, 2023|archive-date=October 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025090320/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/kevin-spacey-billionaire-boys-club-distributor-explains-opening-sexual-harassment-1201976248/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Blockquote
|text=We don't condone sexual harassment on any level and we fully support victims of it. At the same time, this is neither an easy nor insensitive decision to release this film in theatres, but we believe in giving the cast, as well as hundreds of crew members who worked hard on the film, the chance to see their final product reach audiences.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jacob|last=Stolworthy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/kevin-spacey-new-film-billionaire-boys-club-sexual-misconduct-allegations-release-date-trailer-a8407801.html|title=Kevin Spacey returning to cinemas for first time since sexual assault allegations|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=20 June 2018|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-date=January 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102043554/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/kevin-spacey-new-film-billionaire-boys-club-sexual-misconduct-allegations-release-date-trailer-a8407801.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|author=Vertical Entertainment on their decision to release the film without any cuts or changes
}}Following the allegations leveled against him, Spacey maintained a lower profile and his career stalled.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yasharoff |first=Hannah |title=Kevin Spacey lands first acting role since 2017 sexual assault accusations, reports say |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/05/25/kevin-spacey-lands-first-role-since-2017-sexual-assault-claims/7426071002/ |access-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102202858/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/05/25/kevin-spacey-lands-first-role-since-2017-sexual-assault-claims/7426071002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Siegel |first=Tatiana |date=April 22, 2021 |title=Kevin Spacey's Strange New World: From Triple Threat to Legal Challenges on Three Fronts |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-pariah-kevin-spacey-faces-mounting-legal-woes-4169709/ |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102202858/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-pariah-kevin-spacey-faces-mounting-legal-woes-4169709/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2021, it was announced that he had been cast in a supporting role as a police detective in the crime drama film ''[[The Man Who Drew God]]'', directed by and starring [[Franco Nero]], which is about a blind artist who is wrongly accused of sexually abusing a child.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Escobedo |first1=Monica |last2=Deliso |first2=Meredith |date=May 23, 2021 |title=Kevin Spacey books 1st film role following sexual assault allegations |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/kevin-spacey-1st-film-role-sexual-assault-allegations/story?id=77850104 |access-date=May 23, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712143924/https://abcnews.go.com/US/kevin-spacey-1st-film-role-sexual-assault-allegations/story?id=77850104 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite news |last=Shoard |first=Catherine |date=May 24, 2021 |title=Kevin Spacey set for return to movies with paedophilia drama |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/may/24/kevin-spacey-return-italian-paedophilia-drama |access-date=May 25, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524235313/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/may/24/kevin-spacey-return-italian-paedophilia-drama |url-status=live }}</ref> The film reunited Spacey with [[Faye Dunaway]], whom he directed in ''Albino Alligator''. In August 2021, Spacey was reportedly filming in California for a small production, ''[[Peter Five Eight]]'',<ref name=":3">{{cite magazine |last=Hudson |first=David |date=August 30, 2021 |title=Kevin Spacey pictured on set of new movie project being shot in the US |url=https://www.queerty.com/kevin-spacey-pictured-set-new-movie-project-shot-us-20210830 |magazine=[[Queerty]] |access-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904051841/https://www.queerty.com/kevin-spacey-pictured-set-new-movie-project-shot-us-20210830 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite news |date=August 29, 2021 |title=Kevin Spacey dreht wieder in den USA |language=de |trans-title=Kevin Spacey is filming again in the USA |website=[[n-tv]] |url=https://www.n-tv.de/leute/Kevin-Spacey-dreht-wieder-in-den-USA-article22772005.html |access-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904051844/https://www.n-tv.de/leute/Kevin-Spacey-dreht-wieder-in-den-USA-article22772005.html |url-status=live }}</ref> in which he plays a "charismatic" serial killer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keller |first=Erin |date=May 19, 2022 |title=Kevin Spacey plays a serial killer in first film since sex assault allegations |work=[[New York Post]] |url=https://nypost.com/2022/05/19/kevin-spacey-is-a-serial-killer-in-first-film-since-sex-assault-claims/ |access-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102202903/https://nypost.com/2022/05/19/kevin-spacey-is-a-serial-killer-in-first-film-since-sex-assault-claims/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 3, 2022, ''Variety'' reported that Spacey was set to speak at the [[National Museum of Cinema]] and was going to receive a lifetime achievement award on January 16, 2023, despite the allegations against him.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Vivarelli |first=Nick |date=November 3, 2022 |title=Kevin Spacey to Make First Speaking Appearance in Five Years: Actor Will Give Masterclass And Receive Prize at Italy's National Museum of Cinema |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/kevin-spacey-first-public-appearance-masterclass-italys-national-museum-of-cinema-turin-1235422070/ |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=November 4, 2022 |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103185309/https://variety.com/2022/film/global/kevin-spacey-first-public-appearance-masterclass-italys-national-museum-of-cinema-turin-1235422070/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 28, 2022, after winning a sexual battery lawsuit against him filed by [[Anthony Rapp]], Spacey was cast in the British indie thriller ''[[Control (2023 film)|Control]]''. Its director, Gene Fallaize, dismissed concerns about working with Spacey.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yossman |first=K. J. |date=November 28, 2022 |title=Kevin Spacey Books First Movie After Winning $40 Million Sexual Battery Lawsuit |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/kevin-spacey-movie-sexual-assault-charges-trial-1235443157/ |access-date=December 1, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201091402/https://variety.com/2022/film/global/kevin-spacey-movie-sexual-assault-charges-trial-1235443157/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, Spacey was cast as the late Croatian leader [[Franjo Tuđman]] in the political drama ''[[Once Upon a Time in Croatia]]'', directed by [[Jakov Sedlar]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=January 2, 2023 |title=To Buff a Balkan Leader's Image, a Filmmaker Calls In Kevin Spacey |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/02/world/europe/kevin-spacey-franjo-tudjman-croatia.html |access-date=January 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103235605/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/02/world/europe/kevin-spacey-franjo-tudjman-croatia.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, notable industry members such as actors [[Sharon Stone]], [[Liam Neeson]], [[F. Murray Abraham]], and [[Stephen Fry]], film director [[Paul Schrader]] and theatre director [[Trevor Nunn]] vocally supported Spacey's attempts to return to acting.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2024/film/news/sharon-stone-liam-neeson-support-kevin-spacey-return-acting-1236006820/|title= Sharon Stone and Liam Neeson Call for Kevin Spacey's Return to Acting: 'He Is a Genius' and 'Our Industry Needs Him and Misses Him Greatly'|website= Variety|date= May 16, 2024|access-date= May 16, 2024|archive-date= May 16, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240516213416/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/sharon-stone-liam-neeson-support-kevin-spacey-return-acting-1236006820/|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnd6d7y11nwo|title= Stars back Kevin Spacey acting return|date= May 16, 2024|publisher= BBC|access-date= May 16, 2024|archive-date= May 16, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240516111327/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnd6d7y11nwo|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/paul-schrader-kevin-spacey-frank-sinatra-biopic-1235002482/|title= Paul Schrader Wants Kevin Spacey to Play Frank Sinatra in Potential Biopic: 'Cancel Culture Won't Let Him Go'|website= [[IndieWire]]|date= May 9, 2024|access-date= May 17, 2024|archive-date= May 16, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240516160626/https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/paul-schrader-kevin-spacey-frank-sinatra-biopic-1235002482/|url-status= live}}</ref>

=== Television ===
==== 1987–1994: Television debut and early roles ====
In 1987, Spacey made his first major television appearance in the second-season premiere of ''[[Crime Story (U.S. TV series)|Crime Story]]'', playing a [[Kennedy family|Kennedy-esque]] American senator. That same year he appeared in spy thriller series ''[[The Equalizer (1985 TV series)|The Equalizer]]'' as Detective Sergeant Cole in the episode "Solo". He earned a fan base after playing the [[manic depressive]] arms dealer Mel Profitt on the television series ''[[Wiseguy (TV series)|Wiseguy]]'' (1988).<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/gallery/50-biggest-emmy-snubs-no-50-26/?slide=330949#330949 |title=50 Biggest Emmy Snubs |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-date=July 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716005332/https://ew.com/gallery/50-biggest-emmy-snubs-no-50-26/?slide=330949#330949 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2003–2012: HBO projects and other work ====
Spacey hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' twice: first in 1997 with musical guest [[Beck]] and special guests [[Michael Palin]] and [[John Cleese]] from ''[[Monty Python's Flying Circus]]'' and again in May 2006 with musical guest [[Nelly Furtado]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Green |first=Matt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m4B2DQAAQBAJ&dq=spacey+hosted+saturday+night+live+1997+2006+nelly+furtado&pg=PP7 |title=Celebrity Biographies - The Amazing Life of Kevin Spacey - Famous Actors |publisher=Matt Green |language=en}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=July 2024}} In 2008 Spacey starred as [[Ron Klain]] in the [[HBO]] original political drama film ''[[Recount (film)|Recount]]'' revolving around [[2000 United States presidential election recount in Florida|Florida's vote recount]] during the [[2000 United States presidential election]] between [[George W. Bush]] and [[Al Gore]]. The film was written by [[Danny Strong]] and directed by [[Jay Roach]] and starred [[Bob Balaban]], [[Laura Dern]], [[John Hurt]], [[Denis Leary]], and [[Tom Wilkinson]]. The television film won three [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s, including [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie|Outstanding Television Movie]]. For his performance in the film, Spacey was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie]] and the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film]]. That same year Spacey produced the TV movie ''[[Bernard and Doris]]'', an HBO semi-fictionalized account of the relationship that developed between socialite [[Beneficiary|heiress]] and philanthropist [[Doris Duke]] and her self-destructive Irish butler [[Bernard Lafferty]] later in her life. The film starred [[Ralph Fiennes]] and [[Susan Sarandon]] and was directed by [[Bob Balaban]]. The film premiered at the [[Hamptons International Film Festival]] to critical acclaim, and Spacey was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Spacey |url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/kevin-spacey |access-date=June 11, 2024 |website=Television Academy |language=en}}</ref> Spacey portrayed the [[antagonist]] Jonathan Irons in the 2014 video game ''[[Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare]]'' through [[motion capture]].<ref name="CoDAW">{{cite web |last=Dredge |first=Stuart |date=November 3, 2014 |title=Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare means 'brand new audience' for Kevin Spacey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/03/kevin-spacey-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare |access-date=December 15, 2014 |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London, England |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215132547/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/03/kevin-spacey-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Governor Tours the House of Cards Set (8769358329).jpg|thumb|Spacey showing [[Governor of Maryland|Maryland governor]] [[Martin O'Malley]] around the set of ''[[House of Cards (American TV series)|House of Cards]]'', May 2013]]
Spacey is well known in Hollywood for his [[impressionist (entertainment)|impressions]]. When he appeared on ''[[Inside the Actors Studio]]'', he imitated (at host [[James Lipton]]'s request) Jack Lemmon, [[James Stewart]], [[Johnny Carson]], [[Katharine Hepburn]], [[Clint Eastwood]], [[John Gielgud]], [[Marlon Brando]], [[Christopher Walken]], and [[Al Pacino]].<ref name=tca/> On ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]'', Spacey admitted to using his vocal skills as a young actor in New York City to pretend to be Carson's son to obtain free theatre tickets and to enter [[Studio 54]].<ref name="fallon">{{cite episode |series=[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]] |credits=Fallon, Jimmy (host) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PEz8PQ5YPE | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506053536/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PEz8PQ5YPE&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=May 6, 2014 |network=NBC |title=Kevin Spacey Does a Great Johnny Carson Impression |location=New York City |air-date=May 2, 2014 |season=1}}</ref> Spacey's [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]/[[EMI]] album ''[[Forever Cool]]'' (2007) features two [[duet]]s with Spacey and an earlier recording of [[Dean Martin]]: "[[Ain't That a Kick in the Head]]" and "[[King of the Road (song)|King of the Road]]". In December 2007, Spacey co-hosted the [[Nobel Peace Prize Concert]] along with [[Uma Thurman]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nobelpeaceprizeconcert.org/concert/past-concerts/?concert-year=2007 |title=Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2007 |website=Nobel Peace Prize Concert |date=December 11, 2007 |access-date=July 30, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117163313/http://www.nobelpeaceprizeconcert.org/concert/past-concerts/?concert-year=2007 | archive-date=November 17, 2013}}</ref>

==== 2013–2017: ''House of Cards'' and critical acclaim ====
On March 18, 2011, it was announced that Spacey was cast as [[Frank Underwood (House of Cards)|Frank Underwood]] in the [[Netflix]] series ''[[House of Cards (American TV series)|House of Cards]]'', adapted from a 1990 [[BBC]] [[House of Cards (British TV series)|political drama of the same name]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|url=https://deadline.com/2011/03/kevin-spacey-set-to-star-in-david-finchers-drama-series-for-mrc-house-of-cards-110883/|title=Kevin Spacey Set To Star in David Fincher's Drama Series For MRC 'House of Cards'|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|location=Los Angeles, California|date=March 3, 2011|access-date=March 3, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304181224/http://www.deadline.com/2011/03/kevin-spacey-set-to-star-in-david-finchers-drama-series-for-mrc-house-of-cards/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series]] at the [[65th Primetime Emmy Awards]] in 2013, becoming the first lead actor to be Primetime Emmy-nominated from a [[web television]] series.<ref name="NDWi2PEN">{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Stelter|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/18/watching-for-the-2013-primetime-emmy-nominations/|title=Netflix Does Well in 2013 Primetime Emmy Nominations|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 18, 2013|access-date=July 18, 2013|archive-date=July 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719190706/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/18/watching-for-the-2013-primetime-emmy-nominations/|url-status=live}}</ref> Spacey went on to win the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama|Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama]] at the [[72nd Golden Globe Awards]] and [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series|Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series]] at the [[21st Screen Actors Guild Awards]] for his [[House of Cards (season 2)|season 2]] performance.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/01/11/golden-globes-winners-list/21586087/ |title=List: Who won Golden Globe awards |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |date=January 12, 2015 |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112040210/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/01/11/golden-globes-winners-list/21586087/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Sarene|last=Leeds|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/01/26/sag-awards-the-complete-2015-winners-list/|title=SAG Awards: The Complete 2015 Winners List|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=January 26, 2015|access-date=January 27, 2015|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815210859/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/01/26/sag-awards-the-complete-2015-winners-list/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was fired from the series after the fifth season following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=November 4, 2017 |title=House of Cards: Kevin Spacey Fired |url=https://tvline.com/casting-news/house-of-cards-kevin-spacey-fired-883197/ |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=TVLine |language=en-US |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713232335/https://tvline.com/casting-news/house-of-cards-kevin-spacey-fired-883197/ |url-status=live }}</ref>