Early test screenings for "Wild at Heart" had a poor reception; Lynch estimated that 300 people walked out of an early screening. On release, the film had mixed critical reviews and was a moderate success at the box office, grossing $14 million, above its $10 million budget. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival, which at the time was considered a controversial decision. Diane Ladd was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. It has since received some positive re-evaluation from critics.