The 38th USC Libraries Scripter Awards recognized outstanding contributions in screenwriting on March 16, 2024. The prestigious ceremony celebrated both original authors and adapted screenplay writers, with notable wins for Paul Thomas Anderson’s film *One Battle After Another* and the Netflix limited series *Death By Lightning*.
In a remarkable achievement, both Anderson and original author Thomas Pynchon took home the award for *One Battle After Another*, a multifaceted crime drama inspired by Pynchon’s 1990 novel. This accolade adds to the film’s impressive accolades, which include victories at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, as well as 13 Oscar nominations. The screenplay triumphed over competition from other films, including *Frankenstein*, *Hamnet*, *Peter Hujar’s Day*, and *Train Dreams*.
In the episodic series category, screenwriter Mike Makowsky and author Candice Millard won for *Death By Lightning*. This four-part Netflix series, based on Millard’s nonfiction book *Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President*, chronicles the events leading to the assassination of President James Garfield by Charles Guiteau. It stood out among nominees that included *Dark Winds*, *Dept. Q*, *Slow Horses*, and *Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light*.
The black-tie event took place at USC’s Town and Gown ballroom, with the ceremony emceed by Melissa Just, the dean of USC Libraries. During the evening, acclaimed crime writer Michael Connelly received the USC Libraries Scripter Literary Achievement Award, with actor Titus Welliver, known for portraying Connelly’s iconic detective character Harry Bosch on Prime Video, presenting the honor.
This year’s Scripter Awards highlighted the critical role that screenwriters play in bringing stories to life, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in both literature and film. The recognition of works like *One Battle After Another* and *Death By Lightning* showcases the collaborative spirit of creativity that thrives in the entertainment industry.
