My Name Is Bill W. is a 1989 ABC Hallmark Hall of Fame made-for-television drama film directed by Daniel Petrie, starring James Woods, JoBeth Williams and James Garner. William G. Borchert, who wrote the film script for television, based it on the true story of William Griffith Wilson and Robert Holbrook Smith (the men respectively called "Bill W." and "Dr. Bob"), the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. James Woods won an Emmy for his portrayal of Wilson.
Plot
The movie details the true story of stockbroker William Griffith Wilson, a World War I veteran whose drinking problem becomes a serious addiction and causes him to lose his fortune in the stock market collapse of 1929. Wilson's career and his domestic life are in tatters when he meets Robert Holbrook Smith, also struggling with a drinking problem. The duo founded a support group that became the nucleus for the society Alcoholics Anonymous.
Featured cast
Awards and nominations
1990 American Cinema Editors Awards (Eddies) Nominated – Best Edited Television Special: Paul Rubell, John Wright
1990 American Society of Cinematographers
Nominated – Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Movies of the Week/Pilots: Neil Roach
1990 Directors Guild of America
Nominated – Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Specials: Daniel Petrie
1989 Emmy Awards
Won – Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie: James Woods
Nominated – Outstanding Costumes For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special: April Ferry Nominated – Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special: Daniel Petrie Nominated – Outstanding Made For Television Movie: Peter K. Duchow, James Garner, Daniel Petrie Nominated – Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Miniseries Or A Movie: Paul Rubell, John Wright Nominated – Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie: James Garner Nominated – Outstanding Writing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special: William G. Borchert
1990 Golden Globe Awards
Nominated – Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Nominated – Best Actor - Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: James Woods