Has directed 4 actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Jack Albertson (Best Supporting Actor, The Subject Was Roses (1968)), Patricia Neal (Best Actress, The Subject Was Roses (1968)), Barbara Harris (Best Supporting Actress, Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me? (1971)), and Mare Winningham (Best Supporting Actress, Georgia (1995)). Albertson won an Oscar for his performance.
Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 1996.