Screenwriters at the Oscars 2016

Interviews with all ten of the 88th Academy Award screenwriting nominees.

Compiled by John Davis.

At Creative Screenwriting, we pride ourselves on bringing you interviews with the best writers in the business. And with the Oscar nominations in for the 2016 Academy Awards, we have the results to prove it!

We have interviews with all ten of the screenwriters nominated for either Best Original Screenplay or Best Adapted Screenplay. So for a glimpse into the minds of Oscar-nominated writers, or if you just can’t make up your own mind who should win, check out our articles below for insight and advice.

Best Adapted Screenplay

The Big Short: WINNER

Banking on the Big Short. Charles Randolph on adaptation, collaboration, and Oscar nomination.

Brooklyn

Writing Obsession. Brooklyn screenwriter Nick Hornby discusses his first rule of screenwriting, why he doesn’t trust characters without obsessiveness, and how indie filmmakers can “cast up” by creating interesting minor characters.

Carol

“Less is More” when adapting Highsmith. Carol screenwriter Phyllis Nagy discusses adapting Patricia Highsmith, writing for theatre, television and the screen, and how she rations her writing time.

The Martian

Life Goes on. The Martin screenwriter Drew Goddard discusses the challenges of adapting a scientifically-detailed novel, what he loves about collaborating with others on screenwriting, and why something that seems like a setback might be the best possible thing to happen to a film.

Room

Making Room. Room screenwriter Emma Donoghue on adapting her best-selling novel, the locked room as metaphor and the universal experiences of parenthood.

Best Original Screenplay

Bridge of Spies

Spielberg, The Coens and Tom Hanks. Bridge of Spies screenwriter Matt Charman on “the most incredible film school you could ever have.”

Ex Machina

Writing For Robots. Ex Machina writer/director Alex Garland discusses his new film, the trick to exposition, and the connection between writers and actors.

Inside Out

“Is this the Best Story We Can Tell?” Josh Cooley and Meg LeFauve discuss why their lead character was the most difficult to write, how they emotionally connected to the story, and the advantages of working in a creative environment like Pixar.

Spotlight: WINNER

The Burden of Truth. Josh Singer discusses his commitment to truth and authenticity, the power of the newsroom, and the challenge of condensing life stories into a 2 hour film.

Straight Outta Compton

Uncomfortable Truths. Andrea Berloff and Jonathan Herman discuss commitment to research, refusal to shy away from difficult subject matter, and the importance of presenting the truth.