Los Angeles, CA – In a shocking development on the eve of the Oscars, the Best Picture nominee “The Holdovers” is facing accusations of plagiarism from screenwriter Simon Stephenson. Stephenson, known for his work on popular films like “Luca” and “Paddington 2,” alleges that “The Holdovers” bears striking similarities to his own decade-old screenplay for a movie that was never produced.
Stephenson claims that the director of “The Holdovers,” Alexander Payne, may have been influenced by a script called “Frisco,” which Stephenson had shared in Hollywood back in 2013. According to Stephenson, the resemblance between the two films is so blatant that it amounts to plagiarism.
The screenwriter detailed his findings in emails to the Writer’s Guild of America, outlining how scenes, dialogue, and characters in “The Holdovers” closely mirror those in his own script. Despite Pee reportedly reading the “Frisco” script in 2013, he went on to work on “The Holdovers” with first-time writer David Hemingson, who also received credit for the film.
Stephenson’s accusation has thrown a spotlight on the integrity of the filmmaking process, raising questions about the originality and authenticity of Hollywood productions. The incident has sparked discussions within the industry about the importance of crediting and respecting the work of writers.
As “The Holdovers” garners nominations at the Oscars, including one for Best Original Screenplay, the allegations of plagiarism against the film have cast a shadow over its success. Both Stephenson and Payne have remained silent on the matter, leaving the industry and fans alike waiting for further developments.
The controversy surrounding “The Holdovers” serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that filmmakers and writers carry when bringing stories to life on the big screen. With the Oscars looming, the outcome of Stephenson’s allegations could have far-reaching implications for the future of the industry.