From 1937 to 1947, he was a contract director at Columbia Pictures, where he earned a reputation for sophisticated comedies. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941).
During his tenure from 1937 to 1947, he established himself as a master of sophisticated comedy at Columbia Pictures. His recognition was highlighted by an Oscar nomination in 1941 for his work on Here Comes Mr. Jordan.