Independent Spirit Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Picture | Nominated |
NAACP Image Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | NAACP Image Awards | Best Actor | Denzel Washington | Won |
S?o Paulo International Film Festival
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | S?o Paulo International Film Festival | Special Prize | Won |
São Paulo International Film Festival
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | São Paulo International Film Festival | Special Prize | Won |
Venice International Film Festival
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Venice International Film Festival | Osella d'Oro for Best Story and Screenplay | Mira Nair | Won |
| 1991 | Venice International Film Festival | Osella d'Oro for Best Story and Screenplay | Sooni Taraporevala | Won |
