Her appearances in Francis Coppola films (The Outsiders, Rumble Fish, The Cotton Club, Jack) finally granted Lane a following, as did the 1989 miniseries "Lonesome Dove." Such early 1990s films as Chaplin and Judge Dredd failed to extend her recognition beyond cult status, but by the end of the decade, Lane was doing notable work in small films (A Walk on the Moon, My Dog Skip).

The Perfect Storm started Lane on a long-overdue career upswing, which peaked with 2002's Unfaithful and her first Oscar nomination. Now having well earned her place on the A list, Lane had a 2003 hit with Under the Tuscan Sun (for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe).