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Simon Wincer has won equal success in the United States after ascending to the position of one of Australia's most celebrated film and television directors.

In the summer of 1993,Wincer's Free Willy was a critical and commercial hit, which took in more than $200 million worldwide. For American television, Wincer directed the hugely successful epic miniseries Lonesome Dove, which ranks among the top dramatic programs ever screened in the U.S. Lonesome Dove was nominated for an incredible 18 Emmy Awards, winning seven, including Best Director for Wincer.

In 1999,Wincer directed P.T. Barnum for A&E, starring Beau Bridges. The four-hour miniseries was nominated for Best Miniseries and Best Performance by an Actor at the 2000 Emmy Awards. Also in 2000, Wincer's Crossfire Trail, a Louis L'Amour Western starring Tom Selleck, became the highest-rated movie ever screened on U.S. cable television.

In January 2003, Wincer's Monte Walsh, starring Selleck and Isabella Rossellini screened to another ratings record – the highest audience ever for a Friday night movie on cable and a combined three night audience of 36 million.

Wincer has been involved with some of the largest-grossing Australian films in history. As the executive producer of The Man from Snowy River and the director of Phar Lap, Wincer proved to be one of the few filmmakers in his country able to channel his expertise into producing and directing with equal success.

In 1998,Wincer directed the critically acclaimed and hugely successful Hallmark Hall of Fame movie The Echo of Thunder, starring Judy Davis (who was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance). In 1995-6,Wincer directed Paramount Pictures' The Phantom, based on Lee Falk's comic book hero. In 1995, he filmed Walt Disney Pictures' adventure movie, Operation Dumbo Drop.

Wincer's other Australian features include Snapshot, Harlequin, and The Lighthorsemen, the latter a huge historical spectacle about the last successful cavalry charge in history. He also helmed Lightning Jack, the comedic Western starring Paul Hogan and Cuba Gooding Jr. For U.S. producers, Wincer also directed Paramount's D.A.R.Y.L., Quigley Down Under, and Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man.

Wincer is currently directing his second 15/70 film, entitled NASCAR:The IMAX Experience 3D for a Spring 2004 release in IMAX Theatres worldwide.