* National Book Award for Fiction (1983)
* American Book Award (1983)
* Coretta Scott King Award (1983)
* Spingarn Medal (1984)
* Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album (1984)
* Academy Award for Best Actress (1985)
* Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (1985)
* Academy Award for Best Director (1985)
* Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama (1985)
* Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama (1985)
* Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture (1985)
* BAFTA Award for Best Film (1985)
* BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (1985)
* BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (1985)
* Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or (1985)
* César Award for Best Foreign Film (1986)