In the early '70s, Huston reappeared in some unmemorable roles; after surviving a serious car crash, she took stock and began to hone her acting skills. Hard work resulted in a string of successes, including Frances (1982) and Prizzi's Honor (1985), which won her the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a gangster's daughter.
Other memorable performances include Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), The Grifters (1990), The Addams Family (1991) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). In 1996, Huston made her directorial debut with Showtime's Bastard Out of Carolina.