Writers' Guild Nominations

[Sabin]

The big winner is Judas and the Black Messiah. In less than a week past its "wide release" (on HBO), it picks up its first statue beyond Daniel Kaluuya for supporting actor. The film may be late out of the gate but it's certainly getting eyeballs right in a field that certainly does not feel of the ages. With Minari and Mank back in the race, it's unclear whether or not it can elbow into the final five, but this is a good sign.

The big loser is Da 5 Bloods. This is Spike Lee's first film after finally winning an Oscar. We've been going through a rollercoaster ride with this movie about whether or not it is going to be a thing. First it's a performance thing, then it zeroes out at the Golden Globes, then it picks up an Ensemble nomination at the SAG (plus Boseman, minus Lindo), then it gets the National Board of Review award, then we find out it didn't make the BAFTA shortlist for Director, and now it misses out on a WGA nomination over Palm Springs. Whether or not it happens, I think we can all agree that Da 5 Bloods doesn't have strong footing. It's very easy to see a scenario now where it gets nothing.

[Mister Tee]

Reminder" ineligibles include Nomadland, Mank, Minari, Soul

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Judas and the Black Messiah, Screenplay by Will Berson & Shaka King, Story by Will Berson & Shaka King and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas; Warner Bros.

Palm Springs, Screenplay by Andy Siara, Story by Andy Siara & Max Barbakow; Hulu

Promising Young Woman, Written by Emerald Fennell; Focus Features

Sound of Metal, Screenplay by Darius Marder & Abraham Marder, Story by Darius Marder & Derek Cianfrance; Amazon Studios

The Trial of the Chicago 7, Written by Aaron Sorkin; Netflix

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen & Anthony Hines & Dan Swimer & Peter Baynham & Erica Rivinoja & Dan Mazer & Jena Friedman & Lee Kern, Story by Sacha Baron Cohen & Anthony Hines & Dan Swimer & Nina Pedrad, Based on Characters Created by Sacha Baron Cohen; Amazon Studios

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Screenplay by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Based on the Play Written by August Wilson; Netflix

News of the World, Screenplay by Paul Greengrass and Luke Davies, Based upon the Novel by Paulette Jiles; Universal Pictures

One Night in Miami, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on the Stage Play “One Night in Miami” by Kemp Powers; Amazon Studios

The White Tiger, Screenplay by Ramin Bahrani, Based on the Book “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga; Netflix

DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY

All In: The Fight for Democracy, Written by Jack Youngelson; Amazon Studios

The Dissident, Written by Mark Monroe and Bryan Fogel; Briarcliff Entertainment

Herb Alpert Is…, Written by John Scheinfeld; Abramorama

Red Penguins, Written by Gabe Polsky; Universal Pictures

Totally Under Control, Written by Alex Gibney; Neon