Made his directorial debut in 1969 with a 30-minute film (that he also wrote) called Michael, which was part of the trilogy Three to Go; won the 1970 Australian Film Institute Best Film award
In 1971, earned his first Best Director award from the Australian Film Institute for the movie Homesdale, which he also cowrote
Took home second Best Director award from the Australian Film Institute in 1981 for Gallipoli
Originally planned to cast a man in the role of Billy Kwan for 1982's The Year of Living Dangerously, but after he saw a photo of Linda Hunt dressed like a man, he decided to give her the part
Received his first Writers Guild of America nomination for The Year of Living Dangerously; seven years later got another nod for Green Card
Awards
2004Critics' Choice Awards-Passion in Film Award:winner
2004BAFTA Film Awards-The David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction:winner
2004BAFTA Film Awards-Best Film:nominated
2004Golden Globe-Best Director - Motion Picture:nominated
2003Directors Guild of America Awards-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film:nominated
2003Chicago Film Critics Association-Best Director:nominated
2003Oscar-Best Motion Picture of the Year:nominated
2003Oscar-Best Achievement in Directing:nominated
1999Golden Globe-Best Director - Motion Picture:nominated
1999BAFTA Film Awards-The David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction:winner
1998Oscar-Best Achievement in Directing:nominated
1998Directors Guild of America Awards-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film:nominated
1994Berlin Film Festival-Special Mention:winner
1992BAFTA Film Awards-Best Original Screenplay:nominated