The movie was adapted by Elaine May, Warren Beatty and Robert Towne (uncredited). It was directed by Beatty and Henry.
It won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction, and was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Warren Beatty), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Jack Warden), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Dyan Cannon), Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Music, Original Score, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.
This movie should not be confused with the 1943 movie also called Heaven Can Wait. Instead, it is a remake of the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan.