The Writers Guild Awards on Saturday night saw big wins for the films “Anora” and “Nickel Boys,” giving them a boost as Oscar voting comes to a close. “Anora,” which has been racking up wins at various award shows, took home the original screenplay prize for Sean Baker. On the other hand, “Nickel Boys” secured the award for RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes.
This year marked the first Writers Guild Awards nominations and wins for Baker, Ross, and Barnes. The event took place simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York, celebrating the best writing in television and film for 2024. The West Coast ceremony was held at the Beverly Hilton, while the East Coast event took place at New York’s Edison Ballroom.
Joel Kim Booster hosted the Los Angeles event, while comedian Roy Wood Jr. hosted the New York ceremony. Wood humorously commented on the state of affairs in the world, poking fun at the new presidential administration and the entertainment industry’s resilience.
The awards also honored industry legends, with “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan receiving the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement, and the late David Lynch receiving the Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement. Additionally, RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes received the Paul Sevlin Award for their script’s embodiment of constitutional rights and liberties.
In his acceptance speech, Ross highlighted the importance of imagination as a form of resistance in the face of challenges to civil rights. Gilligan, known for creating the complex character of Walter White, emphasized the need for more positive role models in today’s political climate.
The event also recognized outstanding work in various categories, including original screenplay, adapted screenplay, drama series, comedy series, limited series, and more. Notable nominees included first-time WGA nominees like Sean Baker, Jesse Eisenberg, and Justin Kuritzkes.
Presenters at the event included industry talents like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kiernan Shipka, and Lisa Ann Walter in Los Angeles, and Jesse Eisenberg, Rosie Perez, and Michael McKean in New York.
Overall, the Writers Guild Awards celebrated the best in writing across film and television, honoring both established and emerging talent in the industry. The event showcased the creativity and talent of writers who bring stories to life on screen.
