Academy awards |
| 1990 year 63th |
| Best motion picture of the year | | Winner |
| Performance by an actor in a leading role | Kevin Costner | Nomination |
| Best Supporting Actor | Graham Greene | Nomination |
| Best Supporting Actress | Mary McDonnell | Nomination |
| Achievement in cinematic direction | Kevin Costner | Winner |
| Best Cinematography | Dean Semler | Winner |
| Original Dramatic Score | John Barry | Winner |
| Best Sound | Russell Williams II | Winner |
| Best Production Design | Lisa Dean | Nomination |
| Costume Design | | Nomination |
| Writing Adapted Screenplay | Michael Blake | Winner |
| Film Editing | Neil Travis | Winner |
Golden Globe Awards |
| 1990 year 48th |
| Best Motion Picture – Drama | | Winner |
| Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama | Kevin Costner | Nomination |
| Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture | Mary McDonnell | Nomination |
| Best Director - Motion Picture | Kevin Costner | Winner |
| Best Screenplay - Motion Picture | Michael Blake | Winner |
| Best Original Score - Motion Picture | John Barry | Nomination |