In 2014 he received the BAFTA Fellowship for Outstanding British Contribution to Film.

He has also received five Independent Spirit Award nominations for Best International Film winning for Secrets & Lies.

He has also received various award nominations from film festivals including eight nominations from the Cannes Film Festival winning four awards including the Palme d'Or for Secrets & Lies as well as awards for Naked, and Another Year.

He also received three nominations from the Berlin International Film Festival winning twice for his Meantime and The Short & Curlies.

At the Venice International Film Festival he received five nominations winning the prestigious Golden Lion award for Topsy-Turvy and Vera Drake.