Original Screenplay

Personally, I find the Original Screenplay category to be one of the most entertaining categories of any year. Here, we can find some of the most eclectic, enjoyable, thought-provoking projects of the year. It's always fun to delve in to the most original and creative projects of the year.



THE PLAYERS
1. Juno
2. Michael Clayton
3. Ratatouille
4. The Savages
5. Lars And The Real Girl

THE CHASERS
1. I'm Not There
2. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
3. Eastern Promises

It's clear that this category loves to award the quirky comedy with an emotional foundation, and that is exactly what Juno delivers. Not only are the lines well scripted, but the characters are too. It's a vast improvement on the Little Miss Sunshine model, and it seems like the clear winner here.

Michael Clayton seemed to be building so much Best Picture steam, only to stumble into the "unlikely" slot. So, the witty and clever adult law drama is likely nominated in this category: often considered the place to say "Oh, I'm sorry you didn't get into Best Picture...but here's a screenplay nod!!!"

Ratatouille has long been praised as one of the best reviewed movies of the year, and will most likely receive a nod here like The Incredibles did a few years ago. It's near impossible for animated films to break into the top five whether or not they deserve it, so once again, this category is where this animated masterpiece will fall.

The Savages and Lars and The Real Girl seem to be building momentum with their precursor nominations. The Savages has racked up the LAFCA award along with some regional nominations, while Lars and The Real Girl picked up the NBR award, a Satellite Award nomination, and a BFCA nomination. These two seem very likely to receive the 4th and 5th slots in this category.

The Chasers represent a completely different tone of film making. I'm Not There could get the weird yet cool nomination. Before The Devil Knows Your Dead could get the thrilling and intense nomination. And Eastern Promises could get the foreign mystery thriller nomination. It's a very cool year, and the range of possibilities is as diverse as it has ever been.

Loves it.

Later Players.