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Oscar Smiles on Women Writers

A record four are up for screenwriting awards

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2008 10:40 AM CST
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(Newser) – When the Oscars for screenplays are awarded tomorrow, chances are pretty good that women's names will be on the envelopes. Three are up for best screenplay and one for adapted screenplay, an Oscar record. Women still make up only 19% of film writers, the AP reports, but the tide may be turning. "We all feel that a victory for one of us is a victory for all," said Diablo Cody, nominated for Juno.

Also nominated are Tamara Jenkins for The Savages, Nancy Oliver for Lars and the Real Girl, and Sarah Polley, who adapted the screenplay for Away From Her. The films have richly drawn female characters, three of whom are represented in the best-actress category, the AP notes. "We are more creative about how we portray ourselves," said Polley. "I think we have a really far way to go, but it is a little bit of progress."

Screenwriter Nancy Oliver poses for a photo Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, at her home in Los Angeles. Oliver's film, Lars and The Real Girl, received an Academy Award nomination Tuesday in the category of best Original Screenplay. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Screenwriter Nancy Oliver poses for a photo Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, at her home in Los Angeles. Oliver's film, "Lars and The Real Girl," received an Academy Award nomination Tuesday in the category of...   (Associated Press)
Diablo Cody arrives at the 19th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Diablo Cody arrives at the 19th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)   (Associated Press)
U.S. writer Diablo Cody, the winner of the Best Original Screenplay Award at the British Academy Film Awards 2008 at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
U.S. writer Diablo Cody, the winner of the Best Original Screenplay Award at the British Academy Film Awards 2008 at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)   (Associated Press)
Actress Sarah Polley arrives at the 2007 New York Film Critic's Circle Awards at Spotlight in Times Square, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in New York. Polley is nominated for a screenwriting Oscar. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Actress Sarah Polley arrives at the 2007 New York Film Critic's Circle Awards at Spotlight in Times Square, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in New York. Polley is nominated for a screenwriting Oscar. (AP Photo/Peter...   (Associated Press)
Tamara Jenkins, director of The Savages, poses before a screening of the film and a tribute to cast member Laura Linney, at the AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Tamara Jenkins, director of "The Savages," poses before a screening of the film and a tribute to cast member Laura Linney, at the AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris...   (Associated Press)
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Juno a frontrunner among diverse screenwriting nominees
Washington Post

Oscar-nominated films a depressing bunch
Reuters

 
Hollywood • Academy Awards • Laura Linney • Diablo Cody • Juno • The Savages • Julie Christie • Away From Her • Lars and the Real Girl • Sarah Polley • Tamara Jenkins • Nancy Oliver

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