Los Angeles, California – The 2024 Writers Guild Awards are currently underway with simultaneous ceremonies being held in New York and Los Angeles. The event kicked off in Los Angeles with the presentation of the award for best adapted screenplay going to the Oscars’ adapted screenplay winner, American Fiction.
Among the winners at the ceremony, The Last of Us took home the award for best writing for a new series, while Beef was honored for best limited series writing. The L.A. ceremony is being hosted by Niecy Nash-Betts, while the New York edition is hosted by Josh Gondelman.
This year’s Writers Guild Awards come after a months-long writers strike in 2023, leading to an unusual timing for the ceremonies, taking place more than a month after the 2024 Oscars. The strike ultimately resulted in a new three-year deal between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, ensuring protections against the use of AI, data transparency, and residuals tied to streaming success.
In New York, the 2024 recipients of the Writers Guild East’s Richard B. Jablow Award were recognized for their unwavering support and sacrifice during the 148-day strike. WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen presented the award, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among unions.
Addressing the strikes in her monologue at the L.A. ceremony, Nash-Betts highlighted the industry’s resilience in facing challenges and advocating for equal pay and rights for writers. She humorously noted the struggles faced by the industry during the record-breaking 148-day strike.
In addition to competitive awards, honorary awards were also presented at both ceremonies, recognizing individuals for their career achievements and contributions to the industry. Cord Jefferson, Cord Jefferson, Walter Hill, Linda Bloodworth Thomason, and the 2023 WGA negotiating committee co-chairs were among the recipients of these special accolades.
As the Writers Guild Awards celebrate excellence in screenwriting and storytelling, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of writers’ contributions to the entertainment industry. The awards showcase the creativity, talent, and dedication of writers in bringing compelling narratives to life across various mediums.
The Writers Guild Awards honor the hard work and talent of writers in shaping the stories that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on viewers. From television series to film adaptations, the awards recognize the outstanding achievements of writers who craft engaging and thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.