The movie was adapted by James Poe from the novel by William E. Barrett. It was directed by Ralph Nelson.
It won the Academy Award for Best Actor (Sidney Poitier) and was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Lilia Skala), Best Cinematography, Black-and-White, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.
Poitier was the first African-American actor to win a Best Actor Oscar for his role in this film.