Although Kiesler was dismayed and now disillusioned about taking other roles, "Ecstasy" gained world recognition after winning an award in Rome. Throughout Europe, the film was regarded as an artistic work. However, in the United States, it was banned, considered overly sexual, and made the target of negative publicity, especially among women's groups. The film was also banned in Nazi Germany, justified by Kiesler's Jewish heritage. It was not until 1935, after cuts made by the Nazis, that the film was shown under turmoil in a few German cinemas, with the warning:  "This film offends the youth." Her husband, Fritz Mandl, reportedly spent over $300,000 buying up and destroying copies of the film.