- Claims that he has never been invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) because they "don't like" him and are biased against directors who shoot their own films. In 1996, he said this to Conrad L. Hall, who didn't believe him. After Hall and Haskell Wexler offered to sign recommendations on an application letter for him, the ASC summoned him for a 90-minute interview. Two days later he received a rejection letter in the mail. He keeps it framed on his office wall.
- One of the few writer/directors of major films who also serves as his own cinematographer.
- Onetime Chicago news anchorman.
- "Spota" (the name used in most Hyams movies) is his wife's maiden name. His love for her and her family makes the fact that most of the "Spotas" in his movies are villains ironic.
- Was asked to direct Night of the Living Dead (1990), but turned it down to work on Narrow Margin (1990).
- Brother of Danna Hyams & Nessa Hyams.
- Was the first director of major films to be admitted into the cinematographers' union.
- Directed O.J. Simpson (Capricorn One) and Robert Blake (Busting) in the 1970s: both who'd eventually become infamous for allegedly murdering their (current or former) spouses.
- Was considered as a director for Hellboy (2004), before Guillermo del Toro was involved.
- His son Nick Hyams is a rapper named Lush One. He was one of the CEOs of the rap battle league Grindtime and has gone onto to be the head of King of the Dot's Fresh coast division.
- Lives in Santa Monica, California.
- Directed 2010 (1984) and shares a birthday with Stanley Kubrick who directed 2001: A Space Odyssey.
- Grandson of Sol Hurok & Tamara Shaprio.
- Son of Barry Hyams & Ruth Hurok-Lief.
- Former brother-in-law of David V. Picker.
- Stepson of Arthur Lief.
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