In 1920, Lillian directed her sister Dorothy in Remodeling Her Husband.

Nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award in 1946 for her role as Laura Belle McCanles in Duel in the Sun.

Received an honorary Academy Award in 1970 for her "superlative artistry and for distinguished contribution to the progress of motion pictures."

In 1982, she was awarded Kennedy Center Honors.

Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Film Institute in 1984.