About the Don & Gee Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
Qualifications
Screenwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 writing fictional work for film or television.
Entry scripts must be the original work of one writer, or the collaborative work of two writers, and must be written originally in English. Adaptations and translated scripts are not eligible.
Entry Deadline
Entries, including script submissions, must be postmarked each year by May 1.
Prizes
Up to five $30,000 fellowships are awarded each year to promising new screenwriters. From the program’s inception in 1986 through 2008, over $2.7 million have been awarded to 115 writers.
Entry Requirements
- original feature film screenplay approximately 90 to 120 pages in length (there is no page limit)
- an application form
- US $30 entry fee.
Register and Apply
You may create an online account at any time. When the competition opens each year, you may use that account to apply online. Follow the links to the Log In page. The online system allows entrants to submit an application form electronically, pay the entry fee with a credit card and submit a PDF version of their script. It also allows entrants to confirm receipt of their entry and to update their contact information at any time during the competition.
You may also download a PDF or Word version of the application, or request a printed application by contacting us via e-mail at nicholl@oscars.org or via regular mail at the mailing address above.
Script Submissions
Entrants may submit their script online or via regular mail or delivery service. Online entrants can complete their application, make their credit card payment and upload a PDF version of their script during a single online session. Those who choose to submit a printed copy of their script must complete and attach a printed application form to the script for identification purposes. Scripts submitted online must be uploaded no later than 11:59 p.m. PT on May 1, 2009. Printed scripts must be sent via regular mail or delivery service, postmarked on or before the May 1, 2009, to the mailing address above.
Payment
The US$30 entry fee may be paid online via credit card or via check or money order made out to Academy Foundation.
The Competition
Since 1991, over 3,500 writers have entered the Nicholl Fellowships each year. A record 6,380 entries were received in 2009. All scripts are read at least once in the competition. About half are read a second time and about one-sixth are read a third time. About five percent of entries advance to the competition quarterfinals, about two percent advance to the semifinals and about 10 reach the finals.
Judging
The first and quarterfinal rounds are judged by industry professionals who are not members of the Academy. The semifinal round is judged by Academy members drawn from across the spectrum of the motion picture industry. The finalist scripts are judged by the Nicholl Committee.
Announcements
All entrants will receive notification of their status by mail sent no later than August 1 of each year. Quarterfinalist letters are mailed by August 1; fellowship recipients are announced in late October.
