When Faye Dunaway read the script, director Sidney Lumet told her that her character didn't have any weaknesses, adding "and don't try to sneak them in because I'll take them out in the editing room." Her performance as the ruthless executive earned her an Oscar. After his death of a heart attack in January 1977, Peter Finch became the only actor to win Best Actor posthumously. Beatrice Straight won Best Supporting Actress for her work as William Holden's wife. Screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky won his third Oscar for "Network".

The film had six additional nominations: William Holden, also for Best Actor; Ned Beatty for Supporting Actor, on the strength of a single, unforgettable monologue; Owen Roizman for cinematography; Sidney Lumet for directing; producer Howard Gottfried for Best Picture; and editor Alan Heim, who three years later would win an Oscar for "All That Jazz". --SD

Bonus features on this 2-disc special edition include feature commentary by Lumet; "The Making of 'Network'", a six-part documentary; and a Dinah Shore interview with Paddy Chayefsky shortly after the film's release.