Rule Twenty-Three: Special Rules for the Writing Awards
- An award shall be given for the best achievement in each of two categories:
Adapted Screenplay
Original Screenplay
- A Reminder List of all pictures eligible in each category shall be sent with nominations ballots to all members of the Writers Branch, who shall vote in the order of their preference for not more than five productions in each category.
- The five productions in each category receiving the highest number of votes shall become the nominations for final voting for the Writing awards.
- Final voting for the Writing awards shall be restricted to active and life Academy members.
Guidelines for Screenplay Classifications
A. Adapted Screenplay
1. Screenplays based on previously produced or published material
- novels, nonfiction books, stories
- graphic novels, comics
- plays, films, TV series, radio broadcasts
- songs
- poems
- other similar materials
- sequels, prequels, remakes
2. Screenplays based on unpublished material not written for the screen
- journals
- galley proofs
- short stories
- other similar materials
B. Original Screenplay
Screenplays created for the screen and not based on previously produced or published material.
C. Additional Guidelines
1. The Writers Branch Executive Committee will act under the presumption that in cases of conflicting or ambiguous evidence in the chain of title, the screenplay is an adaptation.
2. If a screenplay uses significant elements from previously published material – even if updated or in the public domain – it will be presumed to be an adaptation.
3. If a story has multiple sources that were not assigned, purchased, or credited, the screenplay may be deemed original.
