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Awakenings is a 1990 fact-based film which tells the story of a doctor who tries to help the comatose victims of a years-ago encephalitis epidemic with a new drug, L-DOPA. It stars Robert De Niro, Robin Williams (uncredited), Julie Kavner, Ruth Nelson, John Heard and Penelope Ann Miller.
The movie was adapted by Steven Zaillian from the book of neurologist Oliver Sacks where he tells about his real-life experiences with similar patients. It was directed by Penny Marshall.
It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Robert De Niro), Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.
