During his lifetime, Jacques-Yves Cousteau received many awards for his contributions that are listed below.
- Cross of War 1939 – 1945 (1945)
- Special Prize from the Centre for the Arts, Literature and the Cinema for Epaves (1946)
- Cannes International Film’s Festival’s Palme d’Or Award for The Silent World (1956)
- American Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ Oscar award
- National Geographic Society’s Special Gold Metal (1961)
- Commander of the Legion of Honour (1972)
- Officer of the Order of Maritime Merit (1980)
- Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (1985)
- U.S Presidential Medal of Freedom (1985)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Special on Cousteau/Mississippi: The Reluctant Ally (1985)
- Induction into the Television Hall of Fame (1987)
- International Emmy Award for Founders from International Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1987)
- National Geographic Society’s Centennial Award for special contributions to mankind (1988)
- Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia (26 January, 1990)