The movie was written and directed by Robert Benton, and filmed in the Dallas, Texas area.
It won Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Sally Field) and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. It was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (John Malkovich), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Lindsay Crouse), Best Costume Design, Best Director and Best Picture.
When Sally Field reached the podium to accept her Oscar, her second (the first was for Norma Rae), she uttered the memorable, much-mocked line, "You like me! You really like me!"