He has directed two films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Chan Is Missing (1982) and The Joy Luck Club (1993).
Was named after his father's favorite actor, John Wayne.
When polled by the AFI as to his favorite all-time film, Wang chose "The Kid" with Charlie Chaplin.
Member of the 'Official Competition' jury at the 59th Berlin International Film Festival in 2009.