In 1978, he directed the anti-war musical "Hair" which premiered at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival. In 1981, he directed the turn of the century drama film, "Ragtime" which was known for its large ensemble. The film went on to receive 8 Academy Award nominations. His next feature was a period biographical film, "Amadeus" (1984), based on the life of famed classical musical Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart starring Tom Hulce, and F. Murray Abraham. The film was both a critical and financial success earning 11 nominations with 8 wins including for Best Picture, and another win for Forman as Best Director. In 1996, Forman received another Academy Award nomination for Best Director for "The People vs. Larry Flynt" (1996).