The film won the national Edward R. Murrow Award, a 2009
Polk Award for Excellence in Journalism, and the Chris Award at the
Columbus International Film & Video Festival. It was nominated for the
WGA Award for Best Theatrical Documentary. Director Stefan Forbes received the Emerging Filmmaker Award from the
International Documentary Association. The film received wide acclaim from reviewers.
Some conservatives have criticized the film for what they say is
left-wing bias. However, many conservatives have praised the film for its keen insight into American culture wars, with
Roger Stone calling the film "A balanced portrait of Atwater’s quest for power and celebrity...Lee Atwater was a mastermind and a rogue, a genius and charlatan, a visionary and a liar...
Boogie Man captures all of this and is must viewing for anyone who seeks to understand my former partner, Lee Atwater." In
The Washington Times, Christian Toto wrote “Intense...compelling...will touch hearts on both sides of the aisle.” The film has been cited in many political science books, and it often is taught in university political science classes.
The Washington Post called it "one of the best political films ever." ==Other releases==