Adapted Screenplay: March 2024

Much like Original, Adapted can be difficult to predict which films are going to be based in either of the two screenwriting categories. One obvious question mark is “Sing Sing” which could be a huge contender come the Academy Awards in 2025. The film is not based on any notable pre-existing material but is based on a true story that is well documented, with real convicts essentially re-enacting their own story.

The remainder of my predictions are based on pre-existing material however, whether that be a novel, stage play or existing feature film. One to keep an eye on is a potential third film in the “Knives Out” saga. Nothing has been announced as of yet in terms of cast or release date but the the previous instalments in the successful mystery franchise both garnered screenplay nominations.

Strong Contenders

1. The Piano Lesson (Virgil Williams, Malcolm Washington)
2. *Sing Sing (Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar)
3. Conclave (Peter Straughan)
4. Queer (Justin Kuritzkes)
5. Dune: Part Two (Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts)

Possible Contenders

1. The Nickel Boys (RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes)
2. The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Tina Mabry, Gina Prince-Bythewood)
3. The Fire Inside (Barry Jenkins)
4. Hit Man (Richard Linklater, Glen Powell)
5. Joker: Folie a Deux (Todd Phillips, Scott Silver)

Outsiders

1. Long Day’s Journey Into Night (David Lindsay-Abaire, Eugene O’Neill)
2. Gladiator II (David Scarpa)
3. Here (Eric Roth, Robert Zemeckis)
4. Nosferatu (Robert Eggers)
5. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (George Miller, Nico Lathouris)