From Painter in the '80s to Filmmaker Later in Life: Julian Schnabel's Evolution and Net Worth

What is Julian Schnabel's net worth?

The renowned artist and film director Julian Schnabel became exceptionally famous for his plate paintings in the 80s and films such as "Basquiat" and "Before Night Falls," as he earned a $50 million net worth. Schnabel's phenomenal artwork has been displayed in the Whitney Museum of American Art, Reina Sofia in Madrid, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others.

Schnabel has also directed films, including "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "Miral," "At Eternity's Gate," and "Before Night Falls."

What are Julian Schnabel’s sources of income?

Art and films have been the main sources of income for Schnabel who rented a studio in the Heights neighborhood of Houston in 1975. After persistent requests, Jim Harithas, director of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, granted him a show. The 1976 exhibit showcased Schnabel's early yet palpable paintings.

His breakthrough came in 1979 at the Mary Boone Gallery, followed by his participation in the Venice Biennale and other acclaimed exhibitions. His distinctive style, characterized by large-scale, neo-expressionist works using various materials, garnered both praise and criticism.

Schnabel forayed into showbiz with "Basquiat" in 1996, which was a biopic on the life of painter Jean-Michel Basquiat. He served as both the director and the writer for the film. The movie also featured his contributions as a composer and music writer for tracks such as "Suicide Hotline Mode" and "She Is Dancing."

In 2000, Schnabel directed "Before Night Falls," where he again took on the roles of both director and writer, in addition to serving as an executive producer. His 2007 project "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" earned him the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Director.

Beyond films, Schnabel directed the documentary film "Lou Reed's Berlin" in 2007.

Personal life 

Schnabel's first marriage was with the designer Jacqueline Beaurang in 1980. They had three children before their divorce in 1992. He then tied the knot with Olatz LópIez Garmendia in 1993 and had twin sons, Olmo and Cy. However, the couple parted ways in 2010.

Schnabel was linked with journalist Rula Jebreal and model May Andersen before he married Swedish interior designer Louise Kugelberg in 2019. The couple resides in his 'Palazzo Chupi' home in the West Village area of New York City. 

Awards and recognition

- Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2009: Best Foreign Language Film for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

- Boston Society of Film Critics Awards 2007: Best Director for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

- Cannes Film Festival 2007: Best Director for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

- Satellite Awards 2007: Auteur Award for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

- Golden Globes, USA 2008: Best Director - Motion Picture for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

- Guild of German Art House Cinemas 2008: Foreign Film (Ausländischer Film) for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

- Hamptons International Film Festival 2007: Feature Film Prize in Science and Technology for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

FAQs

How many awards has Julian Schnabel won?

Julian Schnabel has won 27 awards and secured 62 nominations. 

What inspired Julian Schnabel's artwork?

Schnabel was inspired by his European travels and Antoni Gaudí's tile work in Barcelona. 

Does Julian Schnabel have any children? 

Yes. Julian Schnabel has five children namely Stella, Lola, Vito, Olmo, and Cy.