In 1974, she returned to film in "Thieves Like Us", co-produced by her husband and Robert Altman, who also directed. When the two had a falling out on Altman's next project, ("Nashville" (1975)), Altman decided to cast Lily Tomlin for the role of Linnea Reese, initially created for and by Fletcher. Meanwhile, director Miloš Forman saw Fletcher in "Thieves" and consequently cast her as McMurphy's nemesis Nurse Ratched in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" (1975). Fletcher gained international recognition and fame for the role, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as a BAFTA Award and Golden Globe. When Fletcher accepted her Oscar, she used sign language to thank her parents.