Emmy Awards
The Mini-series was nominated in 16 categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards in 1983, 7 of which were for acting. The winning actors were:
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special- Barbara Stanwyck.
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special- Richard Kiley.
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special- Jean Simmons.
Also nominated for their roles:
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special- Richard Chamberlain.
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special- Bryan Brown.
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special- Christopher Plummer.
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special- Piper Laurie.
Competing against these actors were Roger Rees and David Threlfall for their performances in the television version of the Royal Shakespeare Company's The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, which beat out both The Thorn Birds and The Winds of War for Best Miniseries.
Read more about this topic: The Thorn Birds (TV Miniseries)