Introduction

The anticipation surrounding the 77th annual Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards has reached a fever pitch as the nominees were unveiled on Wednesday. Celebrate the best in film, TV, new media, and more with standout nominations including the beloved films Anora, Challengers, Nickel Boys, and the adaptation of the Broadway sensation Wicked.

Event Details

Mark your calendars for February 15, when the winners will be celebrated during simultaneous ceremonies in New York's Edison Ballroom and the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Despite the devastating wildfires impacting schedules in LA, the award date remains steadfast.

Original Screenplay Nominations

In the coveted Original Screenplay category, Cannes Palme d'Or winner Anora, written and directed by Sean Baker, goes head-to-head with Justin Kuritzkes' tennis drama Challengers, along with Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain. Also competing are Civil War by Alex Garland and Megan Park’s My Old Ass.

Adapted Screenplay Nominations

For the Adapted Screenplay category, nominees include the musical adaptation Wicked, co-written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, James Mangold's tribute to Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, and RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Nickel Boys. Rounding out the nominations are Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts' epic Dune: Part Two and Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s Hit Man.

Surprising Omissions

However, not all films were eligible for consideration. Several highly acclaimed projects missed the cut due to WGA eligibility rules. This means that awards-season favorites such as Peter Straughan’s Conclave, Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, and the much-anticipated Inside Out 2 were excluded.

Disqualified Entries

A notable number of original screenplay entries also faced disqualification, including All We Imagine as Light (by Payal Kapadia) and His Three Daughters (by Azazel Jacobs), presenting a competitive landscape for this year’s awards.

Impact of Wildfires on Nominations

The postponement of this year’s nominations was a direct result of the wildfires, which forced various awards bodies, including the Oscars, to extend voting deadlines. The Academy will now announce its nominations on January 23.

Looking Ahead to the Ceremony

As we look forward to the WGA ceremony on February 15, the stakes are high. Last year’s WGA Awards saw The Holdovers and American Fiction triumph in the film categories, with Cord Jefferson's work on American Fiction eventually leading to an Oscar win for Adapted Screenplay.

Television Nominations

In television, the resounding star The Bear aims to defend its title for Best Comedy Series, alongside challengers Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and What We Do in the Shadows.

Conclusion

As we approach the award date, excitement builds around the nominations and the caliber of work recognized within the industry. Who will emerge victorious, and what surprises await us on this prestigious night? Stay tuned!