Five full weeks after the Oscars, the Writers Guild of America finally got around to giving out its awards. Oscar winner Cord Jefferson (“American Fiction”) won the original screenplay prize while David Hemingson (“The Holdovers”) picked up the adapted screenplay trophy; he had lost at the Oscars to “Anatomy of a Fall,” which was ineligible here.
Three other scripts deemed ineligible by the WGA went on to win Oscars in the past decade: “Birdman” (2015; original), “The Father” (2021; adapted), and “Belfast” (2022; original). During that time, 68 of the WGA Awards nominees numbered among the 100 screenplays that reaped Oscar bids.
Two other Oscar contenders — “Poor Things,” and “The Zone of Interest” — were ruled out of the running by the guild before nominations were announced way back on Feb. 21. The WGA included “Barbie” in the original lineup while the academy had it over in adapted. That was the third time in a decade that...
Three other scripts deemed ineligible by the WGA went on to win Oscars in the past decade: “Birdman” (2015; original), “The Father” (2021; adapted), and “Belfast” (2022; original). During that time, 68 of the WGA Awards nominees numbered among the 100 screenplays that reaped Oscar bids.
Two other Oscar contenders — “Poor Things,” and “The Zone of Interest” — were ruled out of the running by the guild before nominations were announced way back on Feb. 21. The WGA included “Barbie” in the original lineup while the academy had it over in adapted. That was the third time in a decade that...
- 4/15/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
David Hemingson’s The Holdovers at Focus Features won original screenplay and Cord Jefferson’s Oscar-winning American Fiction from Amazon MGM Studios took adapted honours at the strike-delayed Writers Guild Awards on Sunday.
This was a second major adapted screenplay award in relatively short order for Jefferson after last month’s Oscar win.
The Holdovers prevailed in an original screenplay category that included Barbie and May December, but not the Oscar winner Anatomy Of A Fall, rendered ineligible here because it was not produced under a Writers Guild of America (WGA) contract.
The best documentary screenplay award went to Errol Morris for The Pigeon Tunnel.
This was a second major adapted screenplay award in relatively short order for Jefferson after last month’s Oscar win.
The Holdovers prevailed in an original screenplay category that included Barbie and May December, but not the Oscar winner Anatomy Of A Fall, rendered ineligible here because it was not produced under a Writers Guild of America (WGA) contract.
The best documentary screenplay award went to Errol Morris for The Pigeon Tunnel.
- 4/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
David Hemingson’s The Holdovers at Focus Features won original screenplay and Cord Jefferson’s Oscar-winning American Fiction from Amazon MGM Studios took adapted honours at the strike-delayed Writers Guild Awards on Sunday.
This was a second major adapted screenplay award in relatively short order for Jefferson after last month’s Oscar win.
The Holdovers prevailed in an original screenplay category that included Barbie and May December, but not the Oscar winner Anatomy Of A Fall, rendered ineligible here because it was not produced under a Writers Guild of America (WGA) contract.
The best documentary screenplay award went to Errol Morris for The Pigeon Tunnel.
This was a second major adapted screenplay award in relatively short order for Jefferson after last month’s Oscar win.
The Holdovers prevailed in an original screenplay category that included Barbie and May December, but not the Oscar winner Anatomy Of A Fall, rendered ineligible here because it was not produced under a Writers Guild of America (WGA) contract.
The best documentary screenplay award went to Errol Morris for The Pigeon Tunnel.
- 4/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Writer/director Cord Jefferson on the set of ‘American Fiction’ (Photo credit: Claire Folger © 2023 Orion Releasing LLC)
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) stretched out the awards season, handing out their annual awards during ceremonies held in Los Angeles and New York on April 14, 2024. Niecy Nash-Betts (Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story) had the honor of hosting the Writers Guild of America West’s ceremony while Josh Gondelman (Desus & Mero) handled hosting duties for the Writers Guild of America East.
The final season of Succession was recognized with Drama Series and Episodic Drama awards, and the first season of The Last of Us snagged the New Series trophy. The Bear and Beef continued their winning streaks, scoring Comedy Series and Limited Series wins.
David Hemingson’s The Holdovers and Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction were recognized as the best original and adapted screenplays of 2023. And Errol Morris’ The Pigeon Tunnel took...
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) stretched out the awards season, handing out their annual awards during ceremonies held in Los Angeles and New York on April 14, 2024. Niecy Nash-Betts (Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story) had the honor of hosting the Writers Guild of America West’s ceremony while Josh Gondelman (Desus & Mero) handled hosting duties for the Writers Guild of America East.
The final season of Succession was recognized with Drama Series and Episodic Drama awards, and the first season of The Last of Us snagged the New Series trophy. The Bear and Beef continued their winning streaks, scoring Comedy Series and Limited Series wins.
David Hemingson’s The Holdovers and Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction were recognized as the best original and adapted screenplays of 2023. And Errol Morris’ The Pigeon Tunnel took...
- 4/15/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
With the 2024 Oscars and the 2023 Emmys firmly in the rearview mirror, the film and TV awards calendar is all but ready to return to normalcy after last years Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes disrupted the first half of award season. The last major event to be impacted by the altered schedule is today’s WGA Awards, which took place in an unusual post-Oscars slot after the strikes forced the guild to delay its voting process. As most of Hollywood looks ahead to the 2024 film and TV slate, today’s concurrent ceremonies in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium and New York City’s Edison Ballroom gave award watchers one last chance to celebrate the best screenwriting of 2023.
David Hemingson’s “The Holdovers” won the night’s marquee award for Original Screenplay, beating out heavyweights including Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s “Barbie” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives.” In the Adapted Screenplay category,...
David Hemingson’s “The Holdovers” won the night’s marquee award for Original Screenplay, beating out heavyweights including Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s “Barbie” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives.” In the Adapted Screenplay category,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
The David Hemingson-scripted Alexander Payne dramedy The Holdovers and Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction were the big film winners at the strike-delayed 2024 Writers Guild Awards, which were handed out Sunday in Los Angeles and New York.
Jefferson — who also was honored with the WGA West’s Paul Selvin Award — followed his Oscar win for Adapted Screenplay as the WGA’s weird, wild and elongated Awards season wrapped with simultaneous ceremonies on both coasts. Hemingson scored a modicum of revenge for losing the Original Screenplay Academy Award to Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for Anatomy of a Fall.
The latter script, however, wasn’t eligible for a Writers Guild Award. That’s because, unlike other guilds, the WGA deems ineligible any scripts for movies not produced under its Minimum Basic Agreement or a bona fide collective bargaining agreement with various affiliated countries.
Later, the Documentary prize went to Errol Morris...
Jefferson — who also was honored with the WGA West’s Paul Selvin Award — followed his Oscar win for Adapted Screenplay as the WGA’s weird, wild and elongated Awards season wrapped with simultaneous ceremonies on both coasts. Hemingson scored a modicum of revenge for losing the Original Screenplay Academy Award to Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for Anatomy of a Fall.
The latter script, however, wasn’t eligible for a Writers Guild Award. That’s because, unlike other guilds, the WGA deems ineligible any scripts for movies not produced under its Minimum Basic Agreement or a bona fide collective bargaining agreement with various affiliated countries.
Later, the Documentary prize went to Errol Morris...
- 4/15/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Succession’ has gone out with one final bang: The HBO drama won two Writers Guild of America Awards on Sunday night — the most of any series — for best drama series and also for best drama episode. Creator Jesse Armstrong was on hand in New York to accept the award, while several of the show’s writers were also in LA to accept the honor.
This reps the final major awards show where “Succession” (which ended its run last May) was still eligible. Besides best drama, the show also won the episodic drama prize, for the episode “Living+,” written by Georgia Pritchett and Will Arbery.
The WGA Awards recognized the best of 2023’s television and film via its annual event held this year at the Hollywood Palladium for the West Coast edition and at New York’s Edison Ballroom for the East Coast ceremony.
Big winners on the film side included “American Fiction” writer Cord Jefferson,...
This reps the final major awards show where “Succession” (which ended its run last May) was still eligible. Besides best drama, the show also won the episodic drama prize, for the episode “Living+,” written by Georgia Pritchett and Will Arbery.
The WGA Awards recognized the best of 2023’s television and film via its annual event held this year at the Hollywood Palladium for the West Coast edition and at New York’s Edison Ballroom for the East Coast ceremony.
Big winners on the film side included “American Fiction” writer Cord Jefferson,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
His work triumphed at the Oscars, but the Booker-shortlisted author isn’t interested in acclaim. He talks to the Guardian about race, taking on Mark Twain and why there’s nothing worse than preaching to the choir
It’s 10am on the morning of the Oscars, and Percival Everett is nowhere to be seen. We’re supposed to be meeting at his neighbourhood coffee shop in leafy South Pasadena, a suburb of Los Angeles, before he makes his way across the city for the ceremony, which begins its long march towards best picture just after lunch.
American Fiction, the film of his novel Erasure, is nominated for best adapted screenplay, up against Barbie, but tipped to win. The hour went forward last night, but surely he knows that? At 10.25am I WhatsApp him, but the message remains unread. Eventually I call. “Yes, this is Percival Everett. We’re meeting in half an hour?...
It’s 10am on the morning of the Oscars, and Percival Everett is nowhere to be seen. We’re supposed to be meeting at his neighbourhood coffee shop in leafy South Pasadena, a suburb of Los Angeles, before he makes his way across the city for the ceremony, which begins its long march towards best picture just after lunch.
American Fiction, the film of his novel Erasure, is nominated for best adapted screenplay, up against Barbie, but tipped to win. The hour went forward last night, but surely he knows that? At 10.25am I WhatsApp him, but the message remains unread. Eventually I call. “Yes, this is Percival Everett. We’re meeting in half an hour?...
- 4/6/2024
- by David Shariatmadari
- The Guardian - Film News
‘American Fiction’ Star Erika Alexander Lands Series Regular Role In Apple’s ‘Invasion’ For Season 3
Exclusive: Coming off a busy award season, Erika Alexander has landed a series regular role in Apple’s Invasion for Season 3. Production is currently underway on the Simon Kinberg and David Weil-created series.
Alexander joins the ensemble cast that includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Enver Gjokaj and Shane Zaza.
Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Details regarding the Season 3 storyline and who Alexander will play are under wraps. The first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker, the series is created by Kinberg and Weil, who also serve as executive producers alongside Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, Dan Dietz and Katie O’Connell Marsh. Nick Nantell serves as executive producer for Boat Rocker; Grace Gilroy serves as producer.
Alexander joins the ensemble cast that includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Enver Gjokaj and Shane Zaza.
Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Details regarding the Season 3 storyline and who Alexander will play are under wraps. The first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker, the series is created by Kinberg and Weil, who also serve as executive producers alongside Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, Dan Dietz and Katie O’Connell Marsh. Nick Nantell serves as executive producer for Boat Rocker; Grace Gilroy serves as producer.
- 3/27/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West announced on Tuesday that American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson has been named recipient of the 2024 Paul Selvin Award for the Amazon MGM Studios film, for which he won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay earlier this month.
Additionally, American Fiction — based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett — is nominated for the WGA Award for best adapted screenplay.
The comedy, which stars Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist who writes a satirical book under a pen name that exposes the publishing industry’s limited view of Black life, has garnered numerous awards in addition to the Oscar, including the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, a BAFTA award for best adapted screenplay and Film Independent Spirit Awards for best actor (Wright) and adapted screenplay. The film was also named as one of the year’s best by the...
Additionally, American Fiction — based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett — is nominated for the WGA Award for best adapted screenplay.
The comedy, which stars Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist who writes a satirical book under a pen name that exposes the publishing industry’s limited view of Black life, has garnered numerous awards in addition to the Oscar, including the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, a BAFTA award for best adapted screenplay and Film Independent Spirit Awards for best actor (Wright) and adapted screenplay. The film was also named as one of the year’s best by the...
- 3/26/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In collaboration with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Paris Theater has announced it will be presenting the New York “Academy Museum Branch Select” screening series starting April 3. Each of the 18 branches of the Academy has selected a film for the series that represents a major milestone in the evolution of filmmaking. Some of the films included are “Fantastic Mr.Fox,” “Showgirls,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Nashville,” “Yi Yi,” “In the Mood for Love” and “Citizen Kane.”
Screenings will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 12 p.m. at both the Paris Theater and the Academy Museum. Tickets will be available March 28 on the Paris Theater and Academy Museum websites respectively.
Cord Jefferson to Receive Wgaw’s Paul Selvin Award
Cord Jefferson will receive the Writers Guild of America West’s 2024 Paul Selvin Award for penning the screenplay for “American Fiction.” He will receive the honor at the 2024 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday,...
Screenings will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 12 p.m. at both the Paris Theater and the Academy Museum. Tickets will be available March 28 on the Paris Theater and Academy Museum websites respectively.
Cord Jefferson to Receive Wgaw’s Paul Selvin Award
Cord Jefferson will receive the Writers Guild of America West’s 2024 Paul Selvin Award for penning the screenplay for “American Fiction.” He will receive the honor at the 2024 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Jaden Thompson and Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
This is fact: Oscar-winning American Fiction screenwriter Cord Jefferson will receive the WGA West’s 2024 Paul Selvin Award next month. The first-time feature scribe will be feted during the West Coast ceremony for strike-delayed 77th Writers Guild Awards on April 14 at the Hollywood Palladium.
He also is up for the Adapted Screenplay prize at the WGA Awards, having written his script based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure.
Jefferson also directed American Fiction, which stars Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a frustrated novelist fed up with the literary establishment’s continual ignorance and blind promotion of what they consider “Black” entertainment. He writes an outlandish “Black” book of his own under a pen name, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Related: 2024 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For Writers Guild, Tonys & More
Along with the accolades for Jefferson’s first big-screen script,...
He also is up for the Adapted Screenplay prize at the WGA Awards, having written his script based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure.
Jefferson also directed American Fiction, which stars Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a frustrated novelist fed up with the literary establishment’s continual ignorance and blind promotion of what they consider “Black” entertainment. He writes an outlandish “Black” book of his own under a pen name, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Related: 2024 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For Writers Guild, Tonys & More
Along with the accolades for Jefferson’s first big-screen script,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Oppenheimer took home the most golden statues — including director Christopher Nolan’s very first Academy Award — at the 2024 Oscars, which was hosted once again by Jimmy Kimmel.
Christopher Nolan’s J. Robert Oppenheimer biopic led the pack with 13 nominations and ultimately won best picture, best director, best actor (Cillian Murphy), best supporting actor (Robert Downey Jr.), best cinematography (Hoyte van Hoytema) and best original score (Ludwig Göransson). It was followed by Poor Things, which won four awards (including best actress for Emma Stone) and was nominated for 11. Killers of the Flower Moon earned 10 noms but left the show empty-handed, while Barbie was nominated for eight Oscars and won best original song for “I’m Just Ken.”
The 96th Oscars were held on Sunday, March 10 at Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Those who missed the live telecast can stream the ceremony on demand on Hulu.
Many of the Oscar-nominated movies are...
Christopher Nolan’s J. Robert Oppenheimer biopic led the pack with 13 nominations and ultimately won best picture, best director, best actor (Cillian Murphy), best supporting actor (Robert Downey Jr.), best cinematography (Hoyte van Hoytema) and best original score (Ludwig Göransson). It was followed by Poor Things, which won four awards (including best actress for Emma Stone) and was nominated for 11. Killers of the Flower Moon earned 10 noms but left the show empty-handed, while Barbie was nominated for eight Oscars and won best original song for “I’m Just Ken.”
The 96th Oscars were held on Sunday, March 10 at Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Those who missed the live telecast can stream the ceremony on demand on Hulu.
Many of the Oscar-nominated movies are...
- 3/12/2024
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 96th Academy Awards, like any other year, was a historic event. While movies like Oppenheimer made it big and entered into the history books, Cord Jefferson made history in his way. The first-time director not only won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for his feature American Fiction but also called out Hollywood for its lack of inclusivity when it comes to movies and budgets.
Cord Jefferson | Source: CBS
Advocating for the film industry and the audience to be more inclusive towards small-budget films, his speech has been going viral on the internet, earning some well-earned praise from the fans.
Oscar Winner Cord Jefferson Goes Brutal At The Oscars
Cord Jefferson at the Oscars (Image: YouTube | ABC News)
Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction is not a big-budget film, yet it has an Oscar win against five nominations and countless other accolades. A critical hit, the movie is based on the 2011 novel by Percival Everett,...
Cord Jefferson | Source: CBS
Advocating for the film industry and the audience to be more inclusive towards small-budget films, his speech has been going viral on the internet, earning some well-earned praise from the fans.
Oscar Winner Cord Jefferson Goes Brutal At The Oscars
Cord Jefferson at the Oscars (Image: YouTube | ABC News)
Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction is not a big-budget film, yet it has an Oscar win against five nominations and countless other accolades. A critical hit, the movie is based on the 2011 novel by Percival Everett,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Actor Sterling K. Brown is popularly known for portraying Randall Pearson in NBC’s This Is Us from 2016 to 2022. He has also appeared in the NBC sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. With his stature as an actor in addition to appearing in critically acclaimed projects, the actor is regarded as one of the most influential people in the world.
Sterling K. Brown portrayed the character of N’Jobu in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther in 2018. He has been a part of projects including Waves, Marshall, Frozen II, and more. The actor recently appeared in American Fiction for which he received the Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Academy Awards 2024. Sterling K. Brown’s endearing reaction to holding a friend’s award is the most inspiring thing on the Internet.
Sterling K. Brown, Jeffrey Wright, and Erika Alexander,
Sterling K. Brown’s endearing reaction...
Sterling K. Brown portrayed the character of N’Jobu in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther in 2018. He has been a part of projects including Waves, Marshall, Frozen II, and more. The actor recently appeared in American Fiction for which he received the Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Academy Awards 2024. Sterling K. Brown’s endearing reaction to holding a friend’s award is the most inspiring thing on the Internet.
Sterling K. Brown, Jeffrey Wright, and Erika Alexander,
Sterling K. Brown’s endearing reaction...
- 3/11/2024
- by Avneet Ahluwalia
- FandomWire
Take a look at more footage from the Oscar-winning satirical comedy drama "American Fiction", written, directed by Cord Jefferson based on the 2001 novel "Erasure" by Percival Everett, starring Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown:
"...in a film about the consequences of turning one's art into a simple commodity, 'Monk Ellison', a professor of English literature, is in a rut with his own writing. His agent repeatedly explains to him that publishing houses don't believe his writing to be 'black enough', while another book from author 'Juanita Mae Jenkins', titled 'We's Lives In Da Ghetto' is a national best seller and critical darling..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...in a film about the consequences of turning one's art into a simple commodity, 'Monk Ellison', a professor of English literature, is in a rut with his own writing. His agent repeatedly explains to him that publishing houses don't believe his writing to be 'black enough', while another book from author 'Juanita Mae Jenkins', titled 'We's Lives In Da Ghetto' is a national best seller and critical darling..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 3/11/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Oscars: ‘Oppenheimer’ Scores Seven Wins Including Best Picture, Actor, Supporting Actor and Director
Oppenheimer was the opposite of a bomb at the 2024 Oscars, winning seven Oscars over the course of the ceremony — including best picture, director, actor, supporting actor, original score, cinematography and film editing.
The Universal historical epic scored actors Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. their first Oscars for best actor and supporting actor, respectively, while Christopher Nolan won best director — also his first win following eight nominations.
Said Nolan while accepting his best director Oscar: “Movies are just a little bit over 100 years old. I mean, imagine being there 100 years into painting or theater. We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here. But to know that you think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”
Murphy immediately thanked longtime collaborator Nolan and his producer-wife Emma Thomas. “It’s been the wildest, most exhilarating, most creatively satisfying journey you’ve taken...
The Universal historical epic scored actors Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. their first Oscars for best actor and supporting actor, respectively, while Christopher Nolan won best director — also his first win following eight nominations.
Said Nolan while accepting his best director Oscar: “Movies are just a little bit over 100 years old. I mean, imagine being there 100 years into painting or theater. We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here. But to know that you think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”
Murphy immediately thanked longtime collaborator Nolan and his producer-wife Emma Thomas. “It’s been the wildest, most exhilarating, most creatively satisfying journey you’ve taken...
- 3/11/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cord Jefferson won at the Oscars on Sunday, taking home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay for American Fiction.
Based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, the film straddled the line between drama and satire to depict social commentary on microaggression and pigeonholing of Black creatives in the publishing and film industry. To tell this story, American Fiction centers around Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), an intelligent and jaded author frustrated by the high-profit margins on Black entertainment that relies on discriminatory behaviors and tropes. But, in wanting to challenge the construction and prove his point about the bias for Black narratives that are more palatable for white audiences, he uses an alias to create a stereotypical book that accidentally gains him critical acclaim and notoriety.
The first-time director and now Academy Award winner talked about the importance of what his Oscar meant to him in light of telling...
Based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, the film straddled the line between drama and satire to depict social commentary on microaggression and pigeonholing of Black creatives in the publishing and film industry. To tell this story, American Fiction centers around Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), an intelligent and jaded author frustrated by the high-profit margins on Black entertainment that relies on discriminatory behaviors and tropes. But, in wanting to challenge the construction and prove his point about the bias for Black narratives that are more palatable for white audiences, he uses an alias to create a stereotypical book that accidentally gains him critical acclaim and notoriety.
The first-time director and now Academy Award winner talked about the importance of what his Oscar meant to him in light of telling...
- 3/11/2024
- by Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
Cord Jefferson is calling on Hollywood to take more “risks” when it comes to low- and mid-budget films.
The “American Fiction” writer/director won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for adapting Percival Everett’s “Erasure” for the big screen. Jeffery Wright and Sterling K. Brown are additionally nominated in the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories, respectively; the film is also up for Best Picture.
“I understand that this is a risk-averse industry, I get it,” Jefferson said during his acceptance speech onstage. “But $200 million movies are also a risk. And it doesn’t always work out, but you the risk anyway. Instead of making one $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies. Or 50 $4 million movies.”
Jefferson, who was previously celebrated at the 2023 IndieWire Honors, called his remarks “a plea to acknowledge and recognize that there are so many people out there who want the opportunity that I was given.
The “American Fiction” writer/director won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for adapting Percival Everett’s “Erasure” for the big screen. Jeffery Wright and Sterling K. Brown are additionally nominated in the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories, respectively; the film is also up for Best Picture.
“I understand that this is a risk-averse industry, I get it,” Jefferson said during his acceptance speech onstage. “But $200 million movies are also a risk. And it doesn’t always work out, but you the risk anyway. Instead of making one $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies. Or 50 $4 million movies.”
Jefferson, who was previously celebrated at the 2023 IndieWire Honors, called his remarks “a plea to acknowledge and recognize that there are so many people out there who want the opportunity that I was given.
- 3/11/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In a very competitive race, Cord Jefferson won his first Academy Award in the Adapted Screenplay category for the dramedy “American Fiction.” Based on the 2001 novel “Erasure“ by Percival Everett, “Fiction” overcame a slew of worthy nominees such as Christopher Nolan‘s screenplay for “Oppenheimer,” Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach‘s bizarrely categorized script for “Barbie,” and Tony McNamara’s adaptation of “Poor Things” to take the prize.
Continue reading Cord Jefferson Wins Adapted Screenplay Oscar For ‘American Fiction’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Cord Jefferson Wins Adapted Screenplay Oscar For ‘American Fiction’ at The Playlist.
- 3/10/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Quick Answer: Viewers can watch American Fiction online by renting it on Prime Video, streaming it on Apple TV+, or by getting a free trial on Philo.
Get free trial at philo
Step into the world of American Fiction, a film that dives deep into the complexities of creativity and cultural identity with unparalleled depth and cinematic grandeur. Adapted from Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, this Cord Jefferson...
Quick Answer: Viewers can watch American Fiction online by renting it on Prime Video, streaming it on Apple TV+, or by getting a free trial on Philo.
Get free trial at philo
Step into the world of American Fiction, a film that dives deep into the complexities of creativity and cultural identity with unparalleled depth and cinematic grandeur. Adapted from Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, this Cord Jefferson...
- 3/8/2024
- by Noel Santos
- Rollingstone.com
Sterling K. Brown doesn’t like drawing attention to himself, especially when it comes to fashion. But since earning his first Oscar nomination for best supporting actor for his role in Cord Jefferson’s comedy-drama American Fiction, even more eyes have been on the three-time Emmy-winning TV and film star.
“I’ll be honest with you, it is at times a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to clothes and all the gear,” says Brown, 47, whose awards season obligations pile on by the day. “You can’t just go back and get your same suit every time. You’ve got to come with a fit that’s got a little bit of drip to it.”
Brown’s had good practice, portraying Clifford Ellison in the film based on Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure. The flamboyant plastic surgeon is the brother of main character Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a writer and professor who,...
“I’ll be honest with you, it is at times a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to clothes and all the gear,” says Brown, 47, whose awards season obligations pile on by the day. “You can’t just go back and get your same suit every time. You’ve got to come with a fit that’s got a little bit of drip to it.”
Brown’s had good practice, portraying Clifford Ellison in the film based on Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure. The flamboyant plastic surgeon is the brother of main character Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a writer and professor who,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Adapted Screenplay Oppenheimer, from left: Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, 2023. © Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Cord Jefferson stands on the brink of potentially making history in the adapted screenplay category with “American Fiction,” potentially becoming only the second...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Adapted Screenplay Oppenheimer, from left: Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, 2023. © Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Cord Jefferson stands on the brink of potentially making history in the adapted screenplay category with “American Fiction,” potentially becoming only the second...
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
With the final voting complete, the 96th Oscars telecast will be broadcast on Sunday, March 10 and air live on ABC at 8:00 p.m. Et/ 5:00 p.m. Pt. We update predictions through awards season, so keep checking IndieWire for all our 2024 Oscar picks.
The State of the Race
Summer blockbusters “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” are back to vying against each other in this category now that the Academy has switched two-time screenwriter Oscar nominees Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s outrageous based-on-an-unwritten-character scenario from Original back to Adapted.
Also nominated twice for screenwriting, Christopher Nolan painstakingly created a twisty ticking-bomb timeline for “Oppenheimer,” which is adapted from Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin’s lauded tome “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.” Every word counts as a gamut of real-life characters move in and out of the frame, always centered on the point-of-view of scientist Oppenheimer and...
The State of the Race
Summer blockbusters “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” are back to vying against each other in this category now that the Academy has switched two-time screenwriter Oscar nominees Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s outrageous based-on-an-unwritten-character scenario from Original back to Adapted.
Also nominated twice for screenwriting, Christopher Nolan painstakingly created a twisty ticking-bomb timeline for “Oppenheimer,” which is adapted from Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin’s lauded tome “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.” Every word counts as a gamut of real-life characters move in and out of the frame, always centered on the point-of-view of scientist Oppenheimer and...
- 3/4/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction” won outstanding film adaptation at the 36th annual USC Libraries Script Awards on Saturday, while Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses” won in the episodic series category for the second year in a row.
Jefferson and Percival Everett accepted the award for “American Fiction.” In his speech, Jefferson recalled his experience reading Everett’s novel “Erasure” in 2020, which he went on to adapt into “American Fiction.”
“It felt like I was reading a book written specifically for me. It felt like I understood what was going on in these characters in the story on a molecular level,” he said. “It felt like somebody crawled into my brain and put it into words on a page. It felt like the book was electrified as I was holding it.”
Jefferson then reached out to Everett about adapting the novel. After a half-hour conversation, Everett agreed to give Jefferson...
Jefferson and Percival Everett accepted the award for “American Fiction.” In his speech, Jefferson recalled his experience reading Everett’s novel “Erasure” in 2020, which he went on to adapt into “American Fiction.”
“It felt like I was reading a book written specifically for me. It felt like I understood what was going on in these characters in the story on a molecular level,” he said. “It felt like somebody crawled into my brain and put it into words on a page. It felt like the book was electrified as I was holding it.”
Jefferson then reached out to Everett about adapting the novel. After a half-hour conversation, Everett agreed to give Jefferson...
- 3/3/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
As the Oscars draw closer, more and more category winners seem to be locking into place. One of those categories that took another step to being pretty much over is Adapted Screenplay. “American Fiction’s” Cord Jefferson has taken the BAFTA Award, the Independent Spirit Award, and, tonight, won the prestigious USC Scripter Award for Film alongside the original novel’s author, Percival Everett.
Read More: “Barbie,” “American Fiction” and “Star Trek: Picard” earn 2024 WGA Awards nominations
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Oh, and Jefferson also has a WGA Award nomination but due to the strike last year, those honors won’t be handed out until over a month after the Oscars.
Continue reading ‘American Fiction’ & ‘Slow Horses’ Take 2024 USC Scripter Awards at The Playlist.
Read More: “Barbie,” “American Fiction” and “Star Trek: Picard” earn 2024 WGA Awards nominations
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Oh, and Jefferson also has a WGA Award nomination but due to the strike last year, those honors won’t be handed out until over a month after the Oscars.
Continue reading ‘American Fiction’ & ‘Slow Horses’ Take 2024 USC Scripter Awards at The Playlist.
- 3/3/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
The USC Libraries announced the winners for the 36th annual USC Libraries Scripter Award, which honors the year’s best film and television adaptations, as well as the works on which they are based. This group of academics, industry professionals, and critics (for which I vote) is often predictive of the Adapted Screenplay Oscar race.
For the second year in a row, “Slow Horses” took home the prize for episodic series; Cord Jefferson won the 2024 award for film adaptation; both he and the author of the novel he adapted, Percival Everett, were in attendance. Jefferson thanked Everett for trusting him with his 2001 novel, which he felt was written just for him. “He has managed to mine my novel for the material he needed to make this film,” said Everett, who teaches at USC. “And then I sat back and did nothing. So good job. Thank you.”
“I wouldn’t be here without without him,...
For the second year in a row, “Slow Horses” took home the prize for episodic series; Cord Jefferson won the 2024 award for film adaptation; both he and the author of the novel he adapted, Percival Everett, were in attendance. Jefferson thanked Everett for trusting him with his 2001 novel, which he felt was written just for him. “He has managed to mine my novel for the material he needed to make this film,” said Everett, who teaches at USC. “And then I sat back and did nothing. So good job. Thank you.”
“I wouldn’t be here without without him,...
- 3/3/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The 36th annual USC Libraries Scripter Awards on Saturday named Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction its outstanding film adaptations, giving the Oscar-nominated script a boost leading into next weekend’s Academy Awards.
Apple TV+’s Slow Horses won in the episodic series category for a second year in a row during the ceremony tonight at the University of Southern California’s Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library.
The Scripters honor writers of the year’s most accomplished film and episodic TV series adaptations, as well as the writers of the works on which they are based.
American Fiction, written by Jefferson based on the novel Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, was joined on tonight’s finalist list by two other Oscar nominees, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Tony McNamara’s Poor Things. Also nominated tonight were Ava DuVernay’s Origin and Martin Scorsese and Eric Roth’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
Apple TV+’s Slow Horses won in the episodic series category for a second year in a row during the ceremony tonight at the University of Southern California’s Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library.
The Scripters honor writers of the year’s most accomplished film and episodic TV series adaptations, as well as the writers of the works on which they are based.
American Fiction, written by Jefferson based on the novel Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, was joined on tonight’s finalist list by two other Oscar nominees, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Tony McNamara’s Poor Things. Also nominated tonight were Ava DuVernay’s Origin and Martin Scorsese and Eric Roth’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
- 3/3/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The writers behind the feature American Fiction and the TV adaptation Slow Horses took home the top honors at the USC Scripter Awards, which honors the best adapted projects of the year. Both the original authors as well as the screenwriters share the award.
In the film category, American Fiction (Cord Jefferson’s adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel Erasure) topped fellow nominees Killers of the Flower Moon (Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of David Grann’s book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI); Oppenheimer (Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer); Origin (Ava DuVernay’s adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents); and Poor Things (Tony McNamara’s adaptation of Aliasdair Gray’s novel of the same name).
On the TV side,...
In the film category, American Fiction (Cord Jefferson’s adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel Erasure) topped fellow nominees Killers of the Flower Moon (Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of David Grann’s book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI); Oppenheimer (Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer); Origin (Ava DuVernay’s adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents); and Poor Things (Tony McNamara’s adaptation of Aliasdair Gray’s novel of the same name).
On the TV side,...
- 3/3/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeffrey Wright plays the role of a lifetime as a frustrated Black professor driven to write a cliche-riddled crime saga – and makes universal his struggle to be seen and heard
Oscars 2024: best picture nominees – reviews, awards and where to watch
If cinema is, as Roger Ebert called it, a machine that generates empathy, few works have ever expressed the sentiment of exasperation quite like American Fiction, Cord Jefferson’s adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel Erasure. At its centre is Jeffrey Wright in a once-in-a-lifetime performance, sighing, deadpanning, and raising his eyebrows a fraction of a millimetre to show how very close he is to giving up in the face of the unshakable stupidity that is modern culture.
It takes about 30 seconds for American Fiction to stake its claim. Wright’s Thelonious “Monk” Ellison is an author and professor foolish enough to think “we’re all adults here” is...
Oscars 2024: best picture nominees – reviews, awards and where to watch
If cinema is, as Roger Ebert called it, a machine that generates empathy, few works have ever expressed the sentiment of exasperation quite like American Fiction, Cord Jefferson’s adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel Erasure. At its centre is Jeffrey Wright in a once-in-a-lifetime performance, sighing, deadpanning, and raising his eyebrows a fraction of a millimetre to show how very close he is to giving up in the face of the unshakable stupidity that is modern culture.
It takes about 30 seconds for American Fiction to stake its claim. Wright’s Thelonious “Monk” Ellison is an author and professor foolish enough to think “we’re all adults here” is...
- 2/27/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- The Guardian - Film News
An Academy Award nomination wasn’t on Sterling K. Brown’s bingo card for 2024.
In fact, when he heard the news, albeit a bit delayed, on Jan. 23, his response, he tells THR, was, “Well, I’ll be damned.”
Winning an Oscar, however, was always a dream of the actor’s and part of a long-term goal of one day becoming an Egot. That desire grew out of his winning three Primetime Emmy Awards, first in 2016 for outstanding supporting actor in a limited series or movie for his portrayal of Christopher Darden in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, again in 2017 for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his role as Randall Pearson in This Is Us, and, most recently, in 2021 for outstanding narrator for Lincoln: Divided We Stand.
“After getting a few Emmys or whatnot, you realize, all right, that’s a quarter of the way to the Egot,...
In fact, when he heard the news, albeit a bit delayed, on Jan. 23, his response, he tells THR, was, “Well, I’ll be damned.”
Winning an Oscar, however, was always a dream of the actor’s and part of a long-term goal of one day becoming an Egot. That desire grew out of his winning three Primetime Emmy Awards, first in 2016 for outstanding supporting actor in a limited series or movie for his portrayal of Christopher Darden in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, again in 2017 for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his role as Randall Pearson in This Is Us, and, most recently, in 2021 for outstanding narrator for Lincoln: Divided We Stand.
“After getting a few Emmys or whatnot, you realize, all right, that’s a quarter of the way to the Egot,...
- 2/27/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Prior to American Fiction, Sterling K. Brown was best known as Randall Pearson in the long-running, award-winning NBC family drama series This is Us. The part that director Cord Jefferson was offering him couldn’t have been more different: in Jefferson’s adaptation of the satirical novel by Percival Everett, Brown plays Clifford ‘Cliff’ Ellison, a caustic plastic surgeon and brother to the film’s protagonist, Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison (Jeffrey Wright). After divorcing his wife, Cliff comes out as gay, further estranging him from his uptight family. This nuanced role allowed Brown to explore the many facets of Blackness and the challenges of the LGBTQ+ community.
Deadline: You studied economics at Stanford and interned at the Federal Reserve, among other things that mesh with this upper echelon of the Black experience. American Fiction also touches on other avenues of the Black experience. How did you relate?
Sterling K. Brown:...
Deadline: You studied economics at Stanford and interned at the Federal Reserve, among other things that mesh with this upper echelon of the Black experience. American Fiction also touches on other avenues of the Black experience. How did you relate?
Sterling K. Brown:...
- 2/24/2024
- by Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
Before American Fiction producer Ben LeClair ends his interview, he wants to apologize for overusing the word “crazy.” But, in this case, the adjective does not feel like filler in describing Cord Jefferson’s feature film debut based on Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure. When the comedic drama about a frustrated author (Jeffrey Wright), who writes what he considers to be a satire of stereotypical Black books only to have a runaway hit on his hands, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, it won the People’s Choice Award. The accolades have continued to roll in, culminating in five Academy Award nominations, among them best picture, best actor and best adapted screenplay.
“Crazy is an apt word for what the last three months have been like,” adds LeClair. “Especially when working in smaller budget filmmaking, you hope the movie is seen and has a life, but to connect on this level,...
“Crazy is an apt word for what the last three months have been like,” adds LeClair. “Especially when working in smaller budget filmmaking, you hope the movie is seen and has a life, but to connect on this level,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Carita Rizzo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeffrey Wright is finally an Oscar nominee. The actor’s storied career had already brought him under the direction of masters such as Sidney Lumet, Ang Lee, and most recently, newcomer Cord Jefferson in the satirical dramedy “American Fiction.” But with his Oscar nom, Wright says he feels more supported than ever by the Hollywood community and studios.
“I’ve never had this level of support behind a project that I was central to from the powers that be, the business side of our industry,” he tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I’ve never had it until now. I’m really grateful for that. We’re here now, and I’m so pleased the film has been recognized across the board. With a small movie and 26 days of filming, our budget was probably the catering budget for the last Bond movie I did.”
In this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
“I’ve never had this level of support behind a project that I was central to from the powers that be, the business side of our industry,” he tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I’ve never had it until now. I’m really grateful for that. We’re here now, and I’m so pleased the film has been recognized across the board. With a small movie and 26 days of filming, our budget was probably the catering budget for the last Bond movie I did.”
In this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
- 2/22/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
As was the case last year, only six of the current 10 Oscar nominees for screenplay achieved similar recognition from the Writers Guild of America. Three of the four films that were excluded from the WGA rosters revealed on February 21 – “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Poor Things,” and “The Zone of Interest” – had been deemed ineligible in January, while “Maestro” simply failed to garner enough support from the guild.
Although it’s competing for the adapted screenplay Oscar, “Barbie” is included in the WGA’s original lineup. This marks the third such instance in 10 years, following the cases of “Whiplash” (2015) and “Moonlight” (2017), the latter of which won the favor of both organizations. The remaining original WGA contenders are “Air” and Oscar hopefuls “The Holdovers,” “May December,” and “Past Lives.”
The films presently running first and second in Gold Derby’s adapted Oscar race – “Oppenheimer” and “American Fiction” – will also face off at the WGA Awards,...
Although it’s competing for the adapted screenplay Oscar, “Barbie” is included in the WGA’s original lineup. This marks the third such instance in 10 years, following the cases of “Whiplash” (2015) and “Moonlight” (2017), the latter of which won the favor of both organizations. The remaining original WGA contenders are “Air” and Oscar hopefuls “The Holdovers,” “May December,” and “Past Lives.”
The films presently running first and second in Gold Derby’s adapted Oscar race – “Oppenheimer” and “American Fiction” – will also face off at the WGA Awards,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The strike-delayed nominations for the 2024 Writers Guild Awards are out. Check out the list below.
In a flipping of the script this season, the WGA Awards will be held on April 14 – more than a month after the Academy Awards.
As always, the Writers Guild of America has different eligibility requirements than the Movie Academy, so some awards-season favorite scripts are missing from today’s nominations.
Related: Oscar Nominations: Diversified Voting Throws The Love Around As ‘Oppenheimer’ Tops With 13, With ‘Poor Things’, ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ And ‘Barbie’ Close Behind – Full List
The guild and the Oscars mostly are on the same page for Original Screenplay, with both nominating The Holdovers, May December and Past Lives. The WGA also cited Air, while the Academy went with Anatomy of a Fall and Maestro. But the Writers Guild also has Barbie on its Original List, whereas the script for 2023’s No. 1 movie...
In a flipping of the script this season, the WGA Awards will be held on April 14 – more than a month after the Academy Awards.
As always, the Writers Guild of America has different eligibility requirements than the Movie Academy, so some awards-season favorite scripts are missing from today’s nominations.
Related: Oscar Nominations: Diversified Voting Throws The Love Around As ‘Oppenheimer’ Tops With 13, With ‘Poor Things’, ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ And ‘Barbie’ Close Behind – Full List
The guild and the Oscars mostly are on the same page for Original Screenplay, with both nominating The Holdovers, May December and Past Lives. The WGA also cited Air, while the Academy went with Anatomy of a Fall and Maestro. But the Writers Guild also has Barbie on its Original List, whereas the script for 2023’s No. 1 movie...
- 2/21/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The nominees for the 2024 Writers Guild of America Awards are finally here.
The Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) have announced nominations for outstanding achievement in screenwriting, television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing for 2023.
Oscar-nominated screenplays for “Barbie,” “The Holdovers,” “May December,” “Past Lives,” “American Fiction,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Oppenheimer” were expected WGA nominations. However, surprise nods for “Air,” “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” and “Nyad” prove the WGA Awards still have a few tricks up their sleeve. If you’re wondering, “Poor Things” was not eligible because it wasn’t produced under a WGA contract, per a source close to the project.
Despite now taking place one month after the Academy Awards, the WGA nominations still carry weight this season — and could be a deciding factor for final Oscar voting. As IndieWire’s Anne Thompson predicted,...
The Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) have announced nominations for outstanding achievement in screenwriting, television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing for 2023.
Oscar-nominated screenplays for “Barbie,” “The Holdovers,” “May December,” “Past Lives,” “American Fiction,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Oppenheimer” were expected WGA nominations. However, surprise nods for “Air,” “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” and “Nyad” prove the WGA Awards still have a few tricks up their sleeve. If you’re wondering, “Poor Things” was not eligible because it wasn’t produced under a WGA contract, per a source close to the project.
Despite now taking place one month after the Academy Awards, the WGA nominations still carry weight this season — and could be a deciding factor for final Oscar voting. As IndieWire’s Anne Thompson predicted,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Writers Guild of America’s west and east arms have announced nominations for this year’s honors in screenwriting, television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing during 2023. Delayed due to the Hollywood strikes, this year’s ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Here are the nominees:
Screenplay Nominees
Original Screenplay
“Air,” Written by Alex Convery; Amazon MGM Studios
“Barbie,” Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach; Warner Bros. Pictures
“The Holdovers,” Written by David Hemingson; Focus Features
“May December,” Screenplay by Samy Burch, Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik; Netflix
“Past Lives,” Written by Celine Song; A24
Adapted Screenplay
“American Fiction,” Screenplay by Cord Jefferson, Based upon the novel “Erasure” by Percival Everett; Amazon MGM Studios
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.,” Screenplay by Kelly Fremon Craig, Based on the book by Judy Blume; Lionsgate
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Screenplay by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese,...
Screenplay Nominees
Original Screenplay
“Air,” Written by Alex Convery; Amazon MGM Studios
“Barbie,” Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach; Warner Bros. Pictures
“The Holdovers,” Written by David Hemingson; Focus Features
“May December,” Screenplay by Samy Burch, Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik; Netflix
“Past Lives,” Written by Celine Song; A24
Adapted Screenplay
“American Fiction,” Screenplay by Cord Jefferson, Based upon the novel “Erasure” by Percival Everett; Amazon MGM Studios
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.,” Screenplay by Kelly Fremon Craig, Based on the book by Judy Blume; Lionsgate
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Screenplay by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The 2024 Writers Guild Awards nominations have been revealed.
The nominees in the category of original screenplay are Air, Barbie, The Holdovers, May December and Past Lives.
In the adapted screenplay category the nominees are American Fiction, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Killers of the Flower Moon, Nyad and Oppenheimer.
In an unusual move this year, the WGA Awards will take place after the Oscars, with the winners awarded on April 14.
A complete list of this year’s nominees follows.
Screenplay Nominees
Original Screenplay
Air, Written by Alex Convery; Amazon MGM Studios
Barbie, Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach; Warner Bros. Pictures
The Holdovers, Written by David Hemingson; Focus Features
May December, Screenplay by Samy Burch, Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik; Netflix
Past Lives, Written by Celine Song; A24
Adapted Screenplay
American Fiction, Screenplay by Cord Jefferson, Based upon the novel Erasure by Percival Everett; Amazon MGM Studios
Are You There God?...
The nominees in the category of original screenplay are Air, Barbie, The Holdovers, May December and Past Lives.
In the adapted screenplay category the nominees are American Fiction, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Killers of the Flower Moon, Nyad and Oppenheimer.
In an unusual move this year, the WGA Awards will take place after the Oscars, with the winners awarded on April 14.
A complete list of this year’s nominees follows.
Screenplay Nominees
Original Screenplay
Air, Written by Alex Convery; Amazon MGM Studios
Barbie, Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach; Warner Bros. Pictures
The Holdovers, Written by David Hemingson; Focus Features
May December, Screenplay by Samy Burch, Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik; Netflix
Past Lives, Written by Celine Song; A24
Adapted Screenplay
American Fiction, Screenplay by Cord Jefferson, Based upon the novel Erasure by Percival Everett; Amazon MGM Studios
Are You There God?...
- 2/21/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Writers Guild Of America has announced its feature nominees and the roster includes The Holdovers, May December and Barbie for original screenplay and American Fiction, Oppenheimer and Killers Of The Flower Moon in the adapted category.
Air is the surprise among the original contenders and takes its place alongside Past Lives. Barbie earned an Oscar nod in the adapted screenplay category.
Anatomy Of A Fall was ineligible as it was not produced under a WGA contract. Justine Triet’s film, like Maestro, which was not in Wednesday’s announcement, earned an Oscar nod.
Competing for the adapted screenplay prize are...
Air is the surprise among the original contenders and takes its place alongside Past Lives. Barbie earned an Oscar nod in the adapted screenplay category.
Anatomy Of A Fall was ineligible as it was not produced under a WGA contract. Justine Triet’s film, like Maestro, which was not in Wednesday’s announcement, earned an Oscar nod.
Competing for the adapted screenplay prize are...
- 2/21/2024
- ScreenDaily
Hollywood is often criticized about the amount of follow through there is on promises for diversity and inclusivity. Yet there is much to celebrate about the films that are being made about Black life, and the 15th annual awards by the African American Film Critics Assn. will do just that on Feb. 21.
“American Fiction,” “The Color Purple” and “Origin” — named best comedy, musical and drama, respectively — all scored multiple film honors and inclusion on Aafca’s list of top 10 films of the year. Performers including Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Lily Gladstone, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Danielle Brooks will also be celebrated during the ceremony, hosted once again by Roy Wood Jr.
Aafca will follow up that event with a March 3 special achievement ceremony honoring industry figures including Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner for their work producing films such as “The Burial,” choreographer Fatima Robinson for her work on “The Color Purple...
“American Fiction,” “The Color Purple” and “Origin” — named best comedy, musical and drama, respectively — all scored multiple film honors and inclusion on Aafca’s list of top 10 films of the year. Performers including Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Lily Gladstone, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Danielle Brooks will also be celebrated during the ceremony, hosted once again by Roy Wood Jr.
Aafca will follow up that event with a March 3 special achievement ceremony honoring industry figures including Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner for their work producing films such as “The Burial,” choreographer Fatima Robinson for her work on “The Color Purple...
- 2/21/2024
- by Daric L. Cottingham
- Variety Film + TV
I share my colleague Pete Hammond’s fascination with Cord Jefferson’s BAFTA win for his screenplay adaptation, American Fiction. It is no small thing for a self-consciously American story to win a very British award against competition as formidable as Christopher Nolan, especially for a debut film.
Pete has a point when he notes that American Fiction, based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, about a black novelist who hits it big when his send-up of African-American cultural clichés is taken at face value, probably got traction as the only currently Oscar-nominated adaptation that is all about writing.
Fair enough. But I’d go one step more.
In fact, American Fiction is the only Oscar-nominated script that takes a serious bite out of contemporary socio-political reality.
The rest, even that wild pink feminist fly-by Barbie, which does get tangled in reality, are in a sense doing what the phrase-coining...
Pete has a point when he notes that American Fiction, based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, about a black novelist who hits it big when his send-up of African-American cultural clichés is taken at face value, probably got traction as the only currently Oscar-nominated adaptation that is all about writing.
Fair enough. But I’d go one step more.
In fact, American Fiction is the only Oscar-nominated script that takes a serious bite out of contemporary socio-political reality.
The rest, even that wild pink feminist fly-by Barbie, which does get tangled in reality, are in a sense doing what the phrase-coining...
- 2/20/2024
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Best Adapted Screenplay is one of the most interesting categories at the Oscars this year. “Barbie” has been shoved into that lineup after months of campaigning in Best Original Screenplay pitting it against the likes of awards titans “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things” Coming on strong is “American Fiction,” which writer-director Cord Jefferson adapted from Percival Everett‘s 2001 novel “Erasure.”
He followed up his Adapted Screenplay win at the Critics Choice Awards with a victory at the BAFTAs, triumphing over rival nominees “All of Us Strangers” (Andrew Haigh), “Oppenheimer” (Christopher Nolan), “Poor Things” (Tony McNamara), and “The Zone of Interest” (Jonathan Glazer). But what sets his adaptation the part as the best of the pack?
“To me, the key to a great adaptation isn’t keeping close to the source material, it’s keeping close to the way that the book makes you feel. The essence and spirit of what the author was trying to accomplish.
He followed up his Adapted Screenplay win at the Critics Choice Awards with a victory at the BAFTAs, triumphing over rival nominees “All of Us Strangers” (Andrew Haigh), “Oppenheimer” (Christopher Nolan), “Poor Things” (Tony McNamara), and “The Zone of Interest” (Jonathan Glazer). But what sets his adaptation the part as the best of the pack?
“To me, the key to a great adaptation isn’t keeping close to the source material, it’s keeping close to the way that the book makes you feel. The essence and spirit of what the author was trying to accomplish.
- 2/19/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Every year, I get a kick out of interviewing the Oscar-nominated screenwriters at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This year’s panel included two rookie film writer-directors (Cord Jefferson of “American Fiction” and Celine Song of “Past Lives”), two first-time feature screenwriters (Samy Burch of “May December” and David Hemingson of “The Holdovers”), two who studied law (Hemingson and Josh Singer of “Maestro”) and two co-writers with live-in partners (Burch and Arthur Harari of “Anatomy of a Fall”). And oddly, three have westerns in the works as their next projects.
Here’s a few highlights of what I gleaned from these brilliant writers.
1. David Hemingson leaned on his relatives for “The Holdovers.”
The television writer first wrote a pilot about an East Coast boarding school that his agent told him he could use as a writing sample. But the script got to Alexander Payne who liked it and cold-called...
Here’s a few highlights of what I gleaned from these brilliant writers.
1. David Hemingson leaned on his relatives for “The Holdovers.”
The television writer first wrote a pilot about an East Coast boarding school that his agent told him he could use as a writing sample. But the script got to Alexander Payne who liked it and cold-called...
- 2/16/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Sterling K. Brown made audiences cry as the obsessively responsible Randall Pearson on the hit NBC drama “This Is Us.” Randall wasn’t humorless, exactly, but he was more serious than his siblings Kate and Kevin on the show, and the drama’s most emotional moments often hinged on revealing the cracks in Randall’s tortured facade.
So it’s a joy to watch him cut loose in “American Fiction” as Cliff, a recently outed gay man who uses drugs, sex and a sharp wit to deal with grief. Though not the lead, Brown steals every scene. Whether flaunting his new lover in front of Monk, frolicking in the family’s swimming pool in the middle of the night or enjoying a cocktail for breakfast, Cliff is the screw-up an audience can’t help but adore. Or, to put it in “This Is Us” terms: After years of playing Randall,...
So it’s a joy to watch him cut loose in “American Fiction” as Cliff, a recently outed gay man who uses drugs, sex and a sharp wit to deal with grief. Though not the lead, Brown steals every scene. Whether flaunting his new lover in front of Monk, frolicking in the family’s swimming pool in the middle of the night or enjoying a cocktail for breakfast, Cliff is the screw-up an audience can’t help but adore. Or, to put it in “This Is Us” terms: After years of playing Randall,...
- 2/15/2024
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Cord Jefferson to Write Gender-Swapped Series Adaptation of ‘Just Cause’ Starring Scarlett Johansson
Cord Jefferson already has his post-“American Fiction” project in the works.
Jefferson (“Watchmen”) will return to TV to write and executive produce the adaptation of John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel “Just Cause” for Amazon Prime Video. He’s up for it: “American Fiction,” culled from Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” was Jefferson’s first adaptation. We’d say it worked out.
This “Just Cause” will star Scarlett Johansson in the gender-swapped lead role, marking her first major television job. It’s a return to the material for Johansson, who as a 10-year-old starred in the 1995 feature film of the same name starring Sean Connery. Johansson was Connery’s daughter. That version also featured Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris, Ruby Dee, and Kate Capshaw.
John Wells will co-write the series as well as executive produce. Johansson’s production company banner These Pictures produces the TV series adaptation. Variety first reported the news.
Jefferson (“Watchmen”) will return to TV to write and executive produce the adaptation of John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel “Just Cause” for Amazon Prime Video. He’s up for it: “American Fiction,” culled from Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” was Jefferson’s first adaptation. We’d say it worked out.
This “Just Cause” will star Scarlett Johansson in the gender-swapped lead role, marking her first major television job. It’s a return to the material for Johansson, who as a 10-year-old starred in the 1995 feature film of the same name starring Sean Connery. Johansson was Connery’s daughter. That version also featured Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris, Ruby Dee, and Kate Capshaw.
John Wells will co-write the series as well as executive produce. Johansson’s production company banner These Pictures produces the TV series adaptation. Variety first reported the news.
- 2/14/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
American Fiction filmmaker Cord Jefferson and writer John Wells have signed on to Just Cause, Amazon’s upcoming thriller limited series, starring and executive produced by Scarlett Johansson, Deadline has confirmed.
Jefferson and Wells will co-write the first episode and executive produce the series. John Wells Productions has joined as producer of the series.
Based on John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel, Just Cause hails from writer Christy Hall, Johansson’s These Pictures banner and Warner Bros. TV. In a very competitive situation, the project landed at Amazon Studios with a straight-to-series order for Prime Video.
In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison “Madi” Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.
Jefferson and Wells will co-write the first episode and executive produce the series. John Wells Productions has joined as producer of the series.
Based on John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel, Just Cause hails from writer Christy Hall, Johansson’s These Pictures banner and Warner Bros. TV. In a very competitive situation, the project landed at Amazon Studios with a straight-to-series order for Prime Video.
In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison “Madi” Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.
- 2/14/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Cord Jefferson will write and executive produce the upcoming Scarlett Johansson limited series, which serves as her first major television role.
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
“American Fiction” star Sterling K. Brown and 17 Gold Derby experts have something in common: they all expect Brown to lose Best Supporting Actor at the 2024 Oscars to “Oppenheimer” star Robert Downey Jr.
“I know I’m not going to win,” Brown – a first-time Oscar nominee for his acclaimed performance in “American Fiction” – said during an appearance on Friday’s “The Graham Norton Show.”
When fellow guest and Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo doubted Brown’s stance, the actor added, “I’m fine with it. Totally fine with it.” Brown added that he felt Downey would win and that the beloved Hollywood star was “incredibly deserving” of the honor.
“He’s an incredible actor. Like, you should give him love,” Brown said. “The fact that I get a chance to be nominated along with him and Mr. [Robert] De Niro and Ryan Gosling and [Mark] Ruffalo… I’m just happy to be in the room.
“I know I’m not going to win,” Brown – a first-time Oscar nominee for his acclaimed performance in “American Fiction” – said during an appearance on Friday’s “The Graham Norton Show.”
When fellow guest and Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo doubted Brown’s stance, the actor added, “I’m fine with it. Totally fine with it.” Brown added that he felt Downey would win and that the beloved Hollywood star was “incredibly deserving” of the honor.
“He’s an incredible actor. Like, you should give him love,” Brown said. “The fact that I get a chance to be nominated along with him and Mr. [Robert] De Niro and Ryan Gosling and [Mark] Ruffalo… I’m just happy to be in the room.
- 2/4/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Sterling K. Brown said he isn’t expecting to take home an Oscar this year, but he’s “totally fine” with it.
The actor, who is up for best supporting actor for his role in American Fiction, recently joked during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, “There’s no losing yet — it’ll happen in its own due time.”
Brown proceeded to say that “Colman [Domingo] will probably win,” adding, “I know that I’m not going to win.” Domingo was also a guest on the BBC show, as well as scored a best leading actor Oscar nomination for Rustin.
Though Graham Norton and the other guests pushed back, telling Brown that he still has a good chance at winning, the This Is Us actor admitted he’s “totally fine” if he doesn’t take home the trophy.
“Robert Downey Jr. is going to win, and he’s incredibly deserving,...
The actor, who is up for best supporting actor for his role in American Fiction, recently joked during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, “There’s no losing yet — it’ll happen in its own due time.”
Brown proceeded to say that “Colman [Domingo] will probably win,” adding, “I know that I’m not going to win.” Domingo was also a guest on the BBC show, as well as scored a best leading actor Oscar nomination for Rustin.
Though Graham Norton and the other guests pushed back, telling Brown that he still has a good chance at winning, the This Is Us actor admitted he’s “totally fine” if he doesn’t take home the trophy.
“Robert Downey Jr. is going to win, and he’s incredibly deserving,...
- 2/4/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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