Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
| Nominated |
Best Original Screenplay Lone Star |
1996 |
| Nominated |
Best Original Screenplay Passion Fish |
1992 |
Independent Spirit Awards
| Nominated |
Best Director The Secret of Roan Inish |
1995 |
| Nominated |
Best Director Matewan |
1987 |
| Nominated |
Best Screenplay Lone Star |
1996 |
| Nominated |
Best Screenplay The Secret of Roan Inish |
1995 |
| Nominated |
Best Screenplay Matewan |
1987 |
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
| Won |
Best Screenplay Return of the Secaucus 7 |
1980 |
Sundance Film Festival
| Nominated |
In Competition The Brother from Another Planet |
1985 |
