Politically active (he played a visible role in George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign and served as an unofficial advisor in Gary Hart's ill-fated 1988 bid), Beatty appeared in two of the more socially astute films of the 1970s: THE PARALLAX VIEW (1974), about an organization of political conspirators, and SHAMPOO (1975), tangentially a satire of the amorality of the Nixon era. He also starred with Julie Christie in Robert Altman's McCABE & MRS. MILLER (1971). He scored a great success with HEAVEN CAN WAIT (1978), for which he received four Oscar® nominations.
Beatty's acting, directing, screenwriting and producing efforts reached a peak with REDS (1981), a churning love story set against the Russian revolution and based on the life of journalist John Reed. After the celebrated embarrassment of ISHTAR (1987), he successfully directed and starred in the comic-strip hit DICK TRACY (1990), before going on to produce and star in the Barry Levinson-directed BUGSY (1991). While the film received mixed reviews, Beatty's work was lauded, and his leading lady in the film, Annette Bening, became the leading lady in his life.
The two went on to star in LOVE AFFAIR (1994), the third remake of a 1939 Leo McCarey film. Producer-writer Beatty, for his up-dated version, managed to charm screen legend Katharine Hepburn out of semi-retirement to play a one-scene role. With Beatty cast as a former playboy who settles down with an engaged woman, many were compelled to read parallels to Beatty and Bening's private life -- which both vehemently denied. The generally old-fashioned sentiments of the film met with a less than enthusiastic reception and a weak box office.
He got another chance to express his political views in BULWORTH (1998), where the outspoken opinions of the "new" Jay Bulworth in the movie were really his own. He was one of the many stars in the 2001 romantic comedy TOWN AND COUNTRY.
He and Annette Bening have had four children since they partnered in 1992. Other tidbits: Romantically involved in the past with Natalie Wood, Leslie Caron (named as co-respondent in her 1966 divorce from producer Peter Hall), Joan Collins, Julie Christie, Liv Ullmann, Brigitte Bardot, Carly Simon (who is rumored to have written "You're so Vain" about him), Madonna, Goldie Hawn, Elle Macpherson, Candice Bergen, Britt Ekland and Diane Keaton. He is the godfather of Melanie Griffith's son, Alexander. Was the first choice to play Michael Corleone in THE GODFATHER, but turned it down. Was the first choice to play the lead in THE WAY WE WERE (1973).
Nominated for Best Picture 1967: BONNIE AND CLYDE - Producer
Nominated for Actor 1967: BONNIE AND CLYDE
Nominated for Writing (Best Original Screenplay) 1975: SHAMPOO (w. Robert Towne)
Nominated for Best Picture 1978: HEAVEN CAN WAIT - Producer
Nominated for Directing 1978: HEAVEN CAN WAIT (w. Buck Henry)
Nominated for Actor 1978: HEAVEN CAN WAIT
Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay based on material from another medium) 1978: HEAVEN CAN WAIT (w. Elaine May)
Nominated for Best Picture 1981: REDS - Producer
Directing 1981: REDS
Nominated for Actor 1981: REDS
Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1981: REDS (w. Trevor Griffiths)
Nominated for Best Picture of the Year 1991: BUGSY - Producer (w. Mark Johnson & Barry Levinson)
Nominated for Best Performance By an Actor in a Leading Role 1991: BUGSY
Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1998: BULWORTH (w. Jeremy Pikser, Story by Warren Beatty)
Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award 1999.
14 nominations, 1 Award, 1 Honorary Award