The 2025 USC Libraries Scripter Awards: A Celebration of Storytelling Excellence
The 2025 USC Libraries Scripter Awards shone brightly as a beacon of storytelling excellence, drawing together some of the most brilliant minds in the world of film and literature. This year’s ceremony was a testament to the art of adaptation, honoring works that effortlessly translate written narratives into compelling visual experiences. Taking the spotlight, Edward Berger’s "Conclave" claimed the prestigious award for outstanding film adaptation, thanks to Peter Straughan’s masterful screenplay. Meanwhile, in the episodic series category, "Say Nothing" emerged victorious, with Joshua Zetumer receiving well-deserved recognition for his adaptation of Patrick Radden Keefe’s nonfiction masterpiece, "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland." Zetumer’s win, for the episode "The People in the Dirt," not only highlighted his artistic prowess but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of taking creative risks.
In his acceptance speech, Zetumer reflected on his journey, recalling the moment he first encountered Keefe’s book. He described it as "exhilarating, insightful, dense, and complicated," acknowledging the daunting challenge of adapting such a complex narrative. This led him to a crossroads: continue along the safe, predictable path of Hollywood conventions or embark on a risky, passion-driven project. His decision to adapt "Say Nothing" was a bold statement in favor of creativity over conformity. This sentiment resonated deeply with fellow nominees and attendees, many of whom have faced similar dilemmas in their careers. Zetumer’s words underscored the essence of storytelling—its power to challenge, inspire, and connect us.
The competition at this year’s Scripter Awards was fierce, with an impressive array of nominees vying for recognition. On the film side, the contenders included "A Complete Unknown," "Conclave," "Nickel Boys," "Sing Sing," and "The Wild Robot," each showcasing the art of adaptation in unique and compelling ways. The television category saw equally impressive works, with "Baby Reindeer," "Ripley," "Say Nothing," "Shōgun," and "Slow Horses" all earning nods for their outstanding episodes. These nominations highlight the diversity and richness of contemporary storytelling, reflecting a wide range of genres, styles, and themes.
The USC Scripter Awards have long been recognized as a reliable indicator of success at the Oscars, particularly in the best adapted screenplay category. Over the years, numerous Scripter winners have gone on to claim Academy Awards, including "12 Years a Slave," "The Imitation Game," and "CODA." This connection between the two awards underscores the importance of the Scripter Awards in identifying and celebrating exceptional storytelling. However, there have been notable exceptions, such as Spike Lee’s "BlacKkKlansman" and "CODA," which won Oscars without prior Scripter nominations. These instances remind us that while the Scripter Awards are a strong predictor of Oscar success, they are not the only path to recognition.
This year’s ceremony also brought attention to the unique eligibility rules that set the Scripter Awards apart from other accolades. For instance, certain films, such as musicals and international productions, may be excluded from consideration due to these rules. As a result, films like "Emilia Pérez," "Wicked," and "I’m Still Here," which were nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, were absent from the Scripter Awards lineup. Despite these exclusions, the competition remained fierce, with films like "Conclave" and "Nickel Boys" going on to secure Oscar nominations for adapted screenplays. These films exemplify the high standard of storytelling celebrated by the Scripter Awards, highlighting the impact of adaptation on both the literary and cinematic worlds.
Founded in 1988, the USC Scripter Awards serve as a vital link between the worlds of publishing and filmmaking, celebrating the adaptation process that brings stories to life on the screen. This year’s selection committee, chaired by USC professor and Academy Vice President Howard Rodman, reviewed 42 films and 66 episodic series submissions, ensuring that only the most exceptional works made the final cut. The ceremony itself is a unique event, held in an academic setting, where the worlds of filmmaking and literature converge to honor the best adaptations of the year. The contributions of Melissa Just, dean of the USC Libraries system, and co-founder Glenn Sonnenberg further enrich the legacy of these awards, ensuring their continued relevance and impact in the ever-evolving world of storytelling.
