USC Scripter Awards Nominations: ‘Peter Hujar’s Day’ Surprises Alongside ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Hamnet’ and More

Key Highlights

• Among the film finalists are several Oscar hopefuls, each based on acclaimed literary works: “Frankenstein” (Netflix) — Guillermo del Toro — based on the novel “Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus” by Mary Shelley; Penguin (publisher) “Hamnet” (Focus Features) — Chloé Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell — based on O’Farrell’s novel of the same name; Vintage Books (publisher) “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.) — Paul Thomas Anderson — based on the novel “Vineland” by Thomas Pynchon; Penguin (publisher) “Peter Hujar’s Day” (Janus Films/Sideshow) — Ira Sachs — based on the book of the same name by Linda Rosenkrantz; Magic Hour Press (publisher) “Train Dreams” (Netflix) — Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar — based on the novella of the same name by Denis Johnson; Picador (publisher) Ira Sachs’ period drama “Peter Hujar’s Day,” which explores the life of famed New York photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda in 1974, is the biggest surprise on the list.
• The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, after which it was acquired by Janus Films and Sideshow.
• Related Stories Comcast's Versant Spin-Off From NBCU Set to Close in January Telemundo Has Sold 90% of Ad Time Tied to 2026 FIFA World Cup Telecasts Sachs, a mainstay of independent American cinema for more than 25 years, has never been nominated for an Oscar despite acclaimed works such as “Keep the Lights On” (2012), “Love Is Strange” (2014) and “Passages” (2023).
• Could this nomination provide the momentum he needs for his first major career recognition?
• Popular on Variety The Scripter Awards’ strict eligibility requirements and highbrow tastes excluded several high-profile contenders.