It’s time to look at the writers behind some of this years top Oscars movies, and it just so happens that the top two juggernauts in the race both happed to land in adapted screenplay.
Hamnet
Director Chloe Zháo adapted the novel of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell with help from the author herself to bring this powerful tale of love and loss to the screen. Early speculation during this season had readers of the book wondering how it would adapt to screen as much of the novel is poetic in nature. But Zháo and O’Farrell have apparently pulled it off as the movie is equally devastating and delighting audiences at every turn. This is my Best Picture frontrunner and so it only makes sense that it has a big shot at the top prize in its screenplay category as well.
One Battle After Another
The other major challenger for Best Picture also promises to pose a major challenge in adapted screenplay, as Paul Thomas Anderson is as respected as a screenwriter in the industry as he is a director and this is just another chance for an industry that loves him to give him his flowers. And the film is a major feat of adaptation, as Anderson has turned a divisive novel into a universally beloved smash hit while also updating it and wildly variating from the source material. It would be silly not to believe this poses a strong threat in this category.
Bugonia
The Onion writer Will Tracy worked alongside director Yorgos Lanthimos to rework this little-known Korean film into a big hit for American audiences and delivered absolute gold for actors Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone to deliver on screen. There’s a decent shot this film is breaking its way into the Best Picture race, and that could be the determining factor of whether it show up here in this category as well.
No Other Choice
Another film on the Best Picture bubble, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Park Chan-Wook’s latest film show up here as it continues to receive great marks from critics and audiences who have had the opportunity to see it. The sharp satiric script has been particularly noted in reviews and with a fairly weak field, Academy voters may have no other … option but to recognize this movie here.
Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s latest offering is extremely divisive, but for every person that detests his take on the classic tale of monsters and mad men, it seems there are two others proclaiming it as a masterpiece. I still haven’t caught the movie to weigh in with my own thoughts, but this movie seems to be gain strength in the Best Picture race and it wouldn’t be surprising to see adapted screenplay come along for the ride.
Wake Up Dead Man
The third installment in the Knives Out franchise appears to be as strong as the two that came before it, and both of those precursors were nominated for their scripts. Without a lot of competition to beset it, the latest complex murder mystery might be a three-eat for director-writer Rian Johnson.
Train Dreams
If two Netflix offerings weren’t enough, let’s make it three. A Sundance hit, Train Dreams is fast appearing to be the little engine that could. It’s really picking up steam. And it’s chug-a-lugging its way into the Best Picture conversation. With that in mind, you can’t count it out for an appearance in the much less competitive screenplay category.
My Predictions
Oscars (& My Projected Five)
- Hamnet
- One Battle After Another
- No Other Choice
- Frankenstein
- Bugonia
SAWards
- One Battle After Another
- Hamnet
- No Other Choice
- Bugonia
- Wake Up Dead Man
See all 98th Academy Award predictions below:
Best Actor | Best Actress | Best Supporting Actor | Best Supporting Actress | Best Director | Best Adapted Screenplay
