During his tenure at NFB, Ishu Patel produced and directed personal animated films, mentored young filmmakers and developed numerous animation techniques and styles to support his themes and vision. His many international awards include the British Academy Award, two Oscar nominations, the Silver Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival, Grand Prix at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and Grand Prix at the Montreal World Film Festival. He is particularly known for his 1977 film Bead Game which was nominated for an Academy Award.