Hollywood's awards season thrives on surprises, and this year's Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards nominations are no exception. In a landscape dominated by post-pandemic storytelling shifts, the nominations offer both validation and unpredictability, shaking up the Oscar race.
Original Screenplay: Spotlight on ‘Challengers'
Justin Kuritzkes' Challengers, a script that dances between intimacy and spectacle, faced a surprising snub at the BAFTAs. Yet, the WGA nod offers a lifeline. With its nuanced exploration of human vulnerability, Challengers underscores Kuritzkes' growing prowess. This recognition might push the Academy's Writers Branch to reconsider its stance, amplifying its Best Original Screenplay chances despite fierce competition.
Notably, Alex Garland's cerebral Civil War and Megan Park's indie gem My Old Ass add texture to the category. While neither is a front-runner, Garland's ability to meld societal critique with gripping narratives and Park's sharp comedic undertones hint at broader appeal.
Adapted Screenplay: A Rising Contender in ‘A Complete Unknown'
Jay Cocks and James Mangold's Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, emerges as the season's dark horse. Blending poetic lyricism with raw biographical insight, the film's WGA and DGA nominations cement its credibility. The narrative, a meditation on fame and identity, echoes themes of artistic resilience, marking it as a serious contender for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay Oscars.
Conversely, Wicked's nomination feels like a nostalgic anomaly. Its screenplay, though vibrant, lacks the depth typically celebrated in this category. Nevertheless, its nod indicates a rare acknowledgment of musicals in contemporary awards.
TV Nominations: Familiar Faces and Fresh Surprises
The WGA drama nominations largely mirror the 2024 Emmys, with Shōgun and The Boys commanding attention. However, the comedy category surprises with farewell nods to Curb Your Enthusiasm and What We Do in the Shadows. These choices celebrate the enduring wit and charm of both series, signaling a heartfelt goodbye to beloved staples.
In limited series, Ripley's refusal to extend beyond its initial arc exemplifies disciplined storytelling—a virtue that might secure another Emmy for creator Steve Zaillian.
Full list of nominees:
Original Screenplay:
- A Real Pain – Written by Jesse Eisenberg
- Anora – Written by Sean Baker
- Challengers – Written by Justin Kuritzkes
- Civil War – Written by Alex Garland
- My Old Ass – Written by Megan Park
Adapted Screenplay:
- A Complete Unknown – Written by James Mangold and Jay Cocks; based on the book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald
- Dune: Part Two – Written by Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts; based on the novel Dune by Frank Herbert
- Hit Man – Written by Richard Linklater and Glen Powell; based on the Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth
- Nickel Boys – Written by RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes; based on the book The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
- Wicked – Written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox; based on the musical stage play with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire
Documentary Screenplay:
- Jim Henson: Idea Man – Written by Mark Monroe
- Kiss the Future – Screenplay by Bill S. Carter, story by Bill S. Carter and Nenad Cicin-Sain
- Martha – Written by R. J. Cutler
- War Game – Written by Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss
Radio Awards:
Radio Documentary:
- “Art on Trial” – One Year: 1990 (Slate) – Written by Evan Chung
- “Deadly Exes: Domestic Violence Awareness with Annie Elise” – Serial Killers (Spotify Studios) – Written by Maggie Admire
- “A Hotbed of Homosexuality” – Slow Burn (Slate) – Written by Christina Cauterucci
- “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie… Will He Want a Welfare Check?” – Decoder Ring (Slate) – Written by Cheyna Roth and Patrick Fort
Radio News Script – Regularly Scheduled, Bulletin, or Breaking Report:
- “6:40am News – November 6, 2023” – (1010 WINS AM & FM) – Written by Philip Pilato
- “World News This Week – Week of December 15, 2023” – (ABC News Radio) – Written by Joan B. Harris
Radio News Script – Analysis, Feature, or Commentary:
- “Inside a Gaza Hospital” – What Next (Slate) – Written by Mary Harris and Rob Gunther
- “Passages: Three Women Who Made A Difference” – (CBS News Radio) – Written by Gail Lee
- “World News This Year 2023” – (ABC News Radio) – Written by Robert Hawley
Radio Audio Script – Short Form:
- “The Athleticism and Empathy of Horses” – Press Play 2024 (ABC News Radio) – Written by Robert Hawley
- “The Bleeding Edge” – Unexplainable (Vox) – Written by Byrd Pinkerton
- “Charles Osgood Remembered” – (CBS News Radio) – Written by Gail Lee
Promotional Writing:
- “Fortune Favors the Bold. Promotions for Tracker and King & Conqueror” – (CBS) – Written by Molly Neylan
- “LC Voting Ads” – (YouTube) – Written by Desireena Almoradie and Angad Bhalla
- “NCIS: Season 21 Legacy, Launch and Beyond Trailers” – (CBS) – Written by Erial Tompkins
- “NYSNA AMC Campaign” – (YouTube) – Written by Adrianna Hernandez Stewart and Angad Bhalla
Conclusion
The 2025 WGA Awards nominations have sparked intrigue, highlighting narratives that explore the human condition with unflinching honesty. Whether these films and shows translate their guild recognition into Oscar glory remains uncertain, but their inclusion enriches the awards conversation.
Personal Impressions
The nominations embody the spirit of surprise that keeps awards season compelling. A Complete Unknown resonates deeply with its poignant depiction of artistic reinvention, while Challengers captures the delicate interplay of ambition and vulnerability. Both works reaffirm cinema's power to probe life's complexities, reminding us why stories matter.
Which WGA-nominated screenplay do you think stands the best chance at an Oscar win, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
