He also executive-produced multiple films by director Ken Russell, such as Salome's Last Dance (1987), The Lair of the White Worm (1988), The Rainbow (1989), and Whore (1991).
During his tenure, the festival selected and launched some films, including Blood Simple, The Stunt Man, The Empire Strikes Back, Alien, Poltergeist, Another Country and One False Move.
It was Renée Zellweger's performance in this film that caught the eye of producer James L. Brooks and director Cameron Crowe, and led to her co-starring with Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire (1996).
[8] Ireland worked with Zellweger again when she executive-produced Living Proof, the true story of oncologist Dr. Dennis Slamon, who helped discover the cancer drug Herceptin.
Actress Jessica Chastain, whom Ireland directed in her first major film role in Jolene (2008), paid tribute to him following his death, writing: "When Dan entered a room, the sun shined.
Louisiana artists and filmmakers are eligible for consideration, and funds from the scholarship are dedicated towards an event, showcase or internship in Los Angeles on the recipient’s behalf.
In April 2017, the inaugural Dan Ireland Award was presented by special guest Renée Zellweger to Atila Till for Kills on Wheels.