'The Spectacular Now,' 'What Maisie Knew' join Oscar heavyweights in USC Scripter nods

Posted by · 8:30 am · January 9th, 2014

The USC Scripter Awards, which recognize both the screenwriters and original authors behind films adapted from published material, nominated Oscar favorites “12 Years a Slave,” “Captain Phillips” and “Philomena,” but also had a surprise up their sleeve.

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Previewing the 2014 WGA nominations

Posted by · 4:49 pm · January 2nd, 2014

Tomorrow brings the WGA nominations, with the unusual selection of ineligibilities that distinguish them from other Guild honors. So which films will benefit? We offer our predictions.

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Roundup: The screenplay Oscar conundrum

Posted by · 4:47 am · November 15th, 2013

In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, Mark Harris considers the confusing categorizations in the Oscars’ screenplay races, and wonders if a third category is necessary. Also: Alfonso Cuaron regrets making “Great Expectations,” and a look at the value of a Cinemascore F.

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Oscar Guide 2013: Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay

Posted by · 7:35 am · February 15th, 2013

‘Argo,’ ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild,’ ‘Life of Pi,’ ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ square off.

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Exclusive: 'Les Mis,' 'Django,' 'Beasts,' 'Amour' among 2012 scripts not eligible for WGA

Posted by · 5:05 pm · December 15th, 2012

Every year it’s worth noting that a number of the original and adapted screenplays in the hunt for Oscar consideration won’t get the extra bump of a nomination from the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Reasons for failing to qualify include the writer of the script not being a guild member or not retroactively handling the requisite process, among other things.

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2013 Best Screenplay Contenders: From 'Anna Karenina' to 'Zero Dark Thirty'

Posted by · 3:36 am · November 21st, 2012

Surveying the varied contenders across both the original and adapted races.

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Oscar Guide 2011: Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Posted by · 9:19 am · February 1st, 2012

A script is a film’s blueprint, making it unsurprising that most of the nominees in this category have historically also been nominated for Best Picture. This year was no exception, with three of the final five adapted screenplay contenders also chalked up as the year’s best films. Room was also made for a particularly challenging adaptation of a classic novel and a star-studded film with no other nominations.

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'Tinker, Tailor,' 'Jane Eyre' nominated for USC Scripter Award

Posted by · 7:50 am · January 12th, 2012

The USC Libraries Scripter nominees have been announced, honoring the written word by screenrwriters and authors alike.

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Predicting the 2011 WGA nominees

Posted by · 9:48 am · January 4th, 2012

Tomorrow the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announces its narrative feature and documentary nominees. Something to remember is that a number of this year’s Oscar-contending screenplays are ineligible for the award due to membership or signatory issues, meaning this is just an opportunity for other films that wouldn’t normally have much room to get into the awards conversation.

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Does Sony have bigger Oscar plans for 'A Separation' and 'In Darkness'?

Posted by · 2:28 pm · October 3rd, 2011

Best Foreign Language Film contenders are frequently content to wait until after the nominations to open in US theaters; however, Sony Pictures Classics has scheduled heavyweight contenders ‘A Separation’ and ‘In Darkness’ for December openings, suggesting they may have other Oscar categories in mind.

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