Cord Jefferson's 'American Fiction' was recognized as the outstanding film adaptation at the 36th annual USC Libraries Script Awards. The episodic series category saw Apple TV+'s 'Slow Horses' clinch the top spot for the second consecutive year. Jefferson and Percival Everett accepted the award for 'American Fiction,' with Jefferson sharing his profound connection to Everett's novel 'Erasure,' which he adapted into the award-winning film.
Jefferson expressed how reading 'Erasure' felt like a personal revelation, resonating deeply with him on a fundamental level. This led him to approach Everett for the adaptation rights, a request that Everett generously granted for six months without charge, a rare gesture in the entertainment industry.
Novelist Mick Herron and screenwriter Will Smith of 'Slow Horses' secured a repeat victory in the episodic series category for their work on the Season 3 episode 'Negotiating with Tigers,' adapted from Herron's book 'Real Tigers.' Despite Smith's absence due to filming commitments, Herron conveyed Smith's gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of honoring the author's contribution to the show.
The Scripter nominees included films such as 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Oppenheimer,' 'Origin,' 'Poor Things,' and 'American Fiction,' along with TV series like 'The Crown,' 'Daisy Jones and the Six,' 'The Last of Us,' 'Slow Horses,' and 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.'
The USC Libraries Script Awards are considered a precursor to the Oscars' best adapted screenplay category, with past winners like '12 Years a Slave,' 'Moonlight,' and 'Nomadland' going on to secure Academy Awards. Notably, 'Barbie' was absent from the Scripter nominations, as the film's team confirmed it was not submitted for consideration, raising questions about its eligibility due to its source material being a toy rather than a book or printed material.
From a pool of 80 films and 56 episodic series, the Scripter finalists emerged, showcasing the diverse talent and creativity in the world of adapted storytelling.
