:This article concerns the film. "I am Sam" is also the first sentence in the book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. I Am Sam (2001 (2001 in film)) is an American (United States of America) motion picture drama written and directed by Jessie Nelson, and starring Sean Penn as a father with a developmental disability, Dakota Fanning as his intelligent six-year-old daughter, and Michelle Pfeiffer as his lawyer. Dianne Wiest, Loretta Devine, Richard Schiff and Laura Dern appear in supporting roles.

Jessie Nelson and Kristine Johnson, who co-wrote the screenplay, researched the issues facing adults with developmental disabilities by visiting the non-profit organization L.A. Goal (Greater Opportunities for the Advanced Living). They subsequently cast two actors with disabilities, Brad Silverman and Joe Rosenberg, in key roles.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Academy Award for Best Actor) (Sean Penn).