'' Bugsy '' received very positive reviews from critics . On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 85 % , based on 59 reviews , with the site 's critical consensus reading , " Stylishly scattered , '' Bugsy '' offers cinematic homage to the infamous underworld legend , chiefly through a magnetic performance from Warren Beatty in the title role . " Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film four of four stars , saying " '' Bugsy '' moves with a lightness that belies its strength . It is a movie that vibrates with optimism and passion , with the exuberance of the con-man on his game . " '' Bugsy '' won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration ( Dennis Gassner , Nancy Haigh ) and Best Costume Design . It was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role ( Warren Beatty ) , Best Actor in a Supporting Role ( Harvey Keitel and Ben Kingsley ) , Best Cinematography , Best Director , Best Music , Original Score , Best Picture and Best Writing , Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen . It received eight Golden Globe nominations and won for Best Motion Picture - Drama . '' The Silence of the Lambs '' won many categories where '' Bugsy '' received nominations in 1991 . The film was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 42nd Berlin International Film Festival
42nd Berlin International Film Festival
42nd Berlin International Film Festival
Bugsy