- 2007: Formed an independent production co. with fellow Mexican filmmakers, Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron
- 2007: Under the newly formed independent production co., signed a deal with Universal's Focus Features to finance and co-own five movies, which will have a combined budget of around $100 million
- 2006: Helmed the ensemble feature, "Babel," which consists of four stories set in Morocco, Tunisia, Mexico and Japan and stars Gael García Bernal, Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt; earned a Golden Globe and Directors Guild of America nomination for Best Director; also received Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Picture
- 2003: Made U.S. feature debut, directing the death-minded drama "21 Grams" starring Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benicio del Toro; written by Guillermo Arriaga
- 2001: Helmed "Powder Keg", one of five short film advertisements for BMW shown over the Internet at bmwfilms.com
- 1999: Feature film debut as director, "Amores Perros/Love's a Bitch," a gritty look at the underbelly of Mexican life; also co-wrote with Guillermo Arriaga; nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award
- 1995: Helmed first half-length feature, "Detrás del dinero," featuring Spanish actor/singer Miguel Bosé
- 1991: Set up Zeta Films, a society for producing advertising and short films as well as television programs
- Made numerous music videos and commercials
- After being expelled from school, worked as a commercial sailor
- Directed "Babel," starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett
- Became a popular disc jockey in Mexico City




