Zoë Wanamaker was nominated for the 1981 Tony Award (New York City) for Supporting or Features Actress in a Drama for "Piaf".
This filmed production is based on the Broadway production of "Piaf" by Pam Gems that opened at the Plymouth Theater on February 5, 1981 and ran for 165 performances. Jane Lapotaire won the 1981 Tony Award for Actress in a Musical for "Piaf" and recreated the title role. David Leary, Robert Christian, Peter Friedman, Judith Ivey and Jean Smart also recreated their stage roles for this filmed production.