Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, the screenwriting team behind "The People vs. Larry Flynt," will receive the 1997 Paul Selvin Award from the Writers Guild of America.
The writing duo had been passed over in the WGA's screenwriting nominations, as well as the Academy Awards. The Selvin Award, named in honor of the guild's past counsel, goes to members "whose script best embodies the spirit of the constitutional and civil rights and liberties."
"Flynt" has been the target of a backlash by critics who say that it glorifies the longtime owner of Hustler magazine. But Alexander and Karaszewski, who won the Golden Globe award for the screenplay, say that critics are missing the point.
"What is weird is, people think we made hero out of Larry Flynt in the movie," Alexander said. "I don't think we made him a hero. He is the subject of the movie."
The duo also wrote "Ed Wood" (1994), which was nominated for a WGA Award. Their credits also include "That Darn Cat," "Problem Child" and "Problem Child 2."
"However one may feel about the protagonist of the film or the impression it conveys about Larry Flynt's life and motives, Flynt's use of free expression did indeed challenge the underlying principles of the First Amendment," Brad Radnitz, president of the WGA West, said in a statement. He added that the team "brought the resulting struggle to the screen through their fine script and reminded all of us when we defend the rights of the unpopular or unacceptable, we best preserve the right of free expression for all of us, including the currently 'correct.' "
The awards will be held on March 16 at the Beverly Hilton, with John Lithgow as host. Elayne Boosler will host East Coast ceremonies from New York's Tavern on the Green.
Past recipients of the award include David E. Kelley, Alison Cross, Gary Ross and George Stevens Jr.
Contact Ted Johnson at
ted.johnson@variety.com