After years of performing, writing, and producing, really the only thing left for Miranda to do was direct. He made his feature directorial debut with a film adaptation of "Tick, Tick... Boom!," an early musical by "Rent" composer Jonathan Larson. The semi-biographical musical follows a fictionalized version of Larson as he struggles to write something that will last, all while trying to decide if a creative career is even worth it or if he should just give up as his 30th birthday approaches.
The movie earned a best picture (musical or comedy) nod at the Golden Globes, along with a best actor win for star Andrew Garfield and, later, an Oscar nomination for Garfield. Miranda, meanwhile, earned several accolades from critical and industry groups, including a best director (first-time feature film) nomination from the Directors Guild of America.
