Development on the film initially started at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer when producer Alan Ladd Jr. picked up the project from Wallace , but when MGM was going through new management , Ladd left the studio and took the project with him . Despite initially declining , Gibson eventually decided to direct the film , as well as star as Wallace . The film was filmed in Scotland and Ireland from June to October 1994 with a budget around $ 65 – 70 million . '' Braveheart '' , which was produced by Gibson 's Icon Productions and The Ladd Company , was distributed by Paramount Pictures in North America and by 20th Century Fox internationally . Released on May 26 , 1995 , '' Braveheart '' received generally positive reviews from critics , who praised the performances , directing , production values , battle sequences , and musical score ; but criticized its inaccuracies regarding Wallace 's title , love interests , and attire . The film grossed $ 75.6 million in the US and grossed $ 210.4 million worldwide . At the 68th Academy Awards , the film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won five : Best Picture , Best Director , Best Cinematography , Best Makeup , and Best Sound Editing
68th Academy Awards
68th Academy Awards
Braveheart