The movie was adapted by Terry George and Jim Sheridan from the autobiography Proved Innocent by Gerry Conlon. It was directed by Jim Sheridan.
It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Daniel Day-Lewis), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Pete Postlethwaite), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Emma Thompson), Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.