The USC Libraries have tapped "Children of Men," "The Devil Wears Prada," "The Illusionist," "The Last King of Scotland" and "Notes on a Scandal" as finalists for its Scripter Award.
Nod is awarded annually for achievement in adaptation among English-language films released during the previous year and based on a book, novella or short story. It recognizes both the authors and the screenwriters of a produced book-to-film adaptation.
This year's finalists are Alfonso Cuaron & Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby for "Children of Men," based on the book by P.D. James; screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna and author Lauren Weisberger for "The Devil Wears Prada"; screenwriter Neil Berger for "The Illusionist," based on the story "Eisenheim the Illusionist" by Steven Millhauser; screenwriters Peter Morgan and Jeremy Brock for "The Last King of Scotland," based on the book by Giles Foden; and screenwriter Patrick Marber and author Zoe Heller for "Notes on a Scandal."
The selection committee chose from 45 eligible films.
The winner will be announced Friday and honored on Feb. 18 in USC's Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library. Henry Winkler will emcee, with Hal Kanter returning as grand emcee for the seventh time.
Past Scripter winners include "Capote," "Million Dollar Baby," "The Hours," "A Beautiful Mind," "L.A. Confidential," "The English Patient" and "Schindler's List."
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com