2023 Oscars: Best Original Screenplay Nominees & Winner

What an incredible year for original storytelling at the 95th Academy Awards, guys! The Best Original Screenplay category is always a spicy one, showcasing fresh, inventive tales that haven't been seen before. It's where pure imagination meets the silver screen, and 2023 was no exception. We saw a fantastic lineup of films that really pushed the boundaries and got us all talking. Let's dive into who was nominated and, of course, the big winner who took home that coveted golden statue!

The Nominees: A Showcase of Cinematic Brilliance

The Best Original Screenplay Oscar celebrates scripts conceived directly by the writer(s), not based on any pre-existing material like books or sequels. This means we're looking at completely new worlds, characters, and plotlines that sprung from someone's brilliant mind. For the 2023 Oscars, the competition was fierce, with a diverse range of stories vying for the top prize. Each film brought something unique to the table, demonstrating the incredible breadth of talent within the screenwriting community. It's always fascinating to see the different genres and themes represented, and this year was particularly exciting because it highlighted stories that were both deeply personal and universally resonant. We had comedies that made us laugh until we cried, dramas that tugged at our heartstrings, and thrillers that had us on the edge of our seats, all born from entirely original concepts. The sheer creativity on display is a testament to the power of human imagination and the art of crafting a compelling narrative from scratch. These writers took risks, explored complex ideas, and delivered narratives that stayed with us long after the credits rolled. It's this kind of bold, original thinking that keeps cinema vibrant and exciting. The Academy certainly had a tough decision on their hands, as each of these scripts offered a masterclass in storytelling. They proved that groundbreaking cinema doesn't always need a sequel or a remake; sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones we've never encountered before, emerging fully formed from the ether of creative genius. The nominees represent the pinnacle of this achievement, each deserving of recognition for their unique contributions to the art of film.

The Banshees of Inisherin - Martin McDonagh

This dark comedy-drama, penned by the brilliant Martin McDonagh, took us to the windswept shores of a remote Irish island. The Banshees of Inisherin is a tale of friendship, loneliness, and the absurdity of stubbornness. It follows Pádraic Súilleabháin, a simple farmer, whose lifelong friend, Colm Doherty, abruptly decides he no longer wants to be friends with him. What unfolds is a hilariously tragic and poignant exploration of male relationships, the fear of mortality, and the devastating consequences of pride. McDonagh, known for his sharp wit and poignant dialogue, delivered a script that was both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving. The characters are richly drawn, their motivations understandable even when they become destructive. The setting itself plays a crucial role, enhancing the sense of isolation and the unchanging nature of life on the island, which mirrors the unyielding stalemate between the two protagonists. The screenplay masterfully balances its comedic elements with profound sadness, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a story that lingers, making you ponder your own relationships and the choices that define them. McDonagh's dialogue is particularly noteworthy, filled with a unique blend of bluntness and poeticism that feels utterly authentic to the characters and their world. He has a gift for creating situations that are both absurdly funny and devastatingly real, and in The Banshees of Inisherin, he hit a career high. The film’s exploration of the breakdown of communication and the destructive power of ego is handled with a delicate touch, ensuring that despite the bleakness of the subject matter, the human element remains front and center. It’s a testament to McDonagh's skill that he can weave such complex emotional threads into a narrative that is, at its core, a story about two men who simply stop talking to each other. The result is a film that is both profoundly human and darkly comedic, a rare feat that cements its place as a standout original screenplay. The sheer audacity of the premise, coupled with McDonagh's masterful execution, makes this film a true original.

Everything Everywhere All at Once - Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert

Get ready, because this one is a wild ride! Everything Everywhere All at Once, written and directed by the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), is a mind-bending, genre-defying adventure that took audiences by storm. The film centers on Evelyn Quan Wang, a Chinese-American woman who discovers she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a cosmic threat. What starts as a story about a laundromat owner struggling with her taxes and her family relationships quickly explodes into a multiverse-spanning epic filled with martial arts, philosophy, and a whole lot of heart. The screenplay is a triumph of originality, blending action, sci-fi, comedy, and heartfelt family drama into a cohesive and utterly unique cinematic experience. The Daniels managed to take an incredibly complex concept – the multiverse – and ground it in the relatable struggles of a single family. They explore themes of generational trauma, immigrant experiences, nihilism versus optimism, and the importance of kindness, all wrapped up in a visually stunning and wildly imaginative package. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often surprisingly profound, reflecting the characters' inner turmoil and the vastness of the possibilities they face. The sheer creativity in imagining different universes and the ways Evelyn navigates them is breathtaking. It’s a film that challenges conventions and delivers an emotional punch that resonates deeply. The sheer ambition of this script is astounding. It dares to ask big questions about life, the universe, and our place within it, all while delivering some of the most inventive action sequences seen in years. The way the Daniels weave together the mundane struggles of a family with the extraordinary chaos of the multiverse is nothing short of genius. It’s a film that makes you think, makes you laugh, and ultimately, makes you feel. It’s a perfect example of how original storytelling can captivate and move audiences on a massive scale, proving that even the most outlandish concepts can be anchored by genuine human emotion and relatable characters. The success of Everything Everywhere All at Once is a powerful reminder that audiences are hungry for unique and daring cinematic visions.

The Fabelmans - Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner

Steven Spielberg, a master storyteller, teamed up with acclaimed playwright Tony Kushner for The Fabelmans, a deeply personal and semi-autobiographical story about growing up in post-World War II America. The film follows young Sammy Fabelman as he discovers his passion for filmmaking and the impact it has on his family relationships, particularly his parents. It's a poignant look at the power of art to reveal truths, both beautiful and painful. This screenplay offers a heartfelt exploration of the magic of cinema and the complexities of family dynamics. Spielberg and Kushner have crafted a narrative that is both nostalgic and deeply resonant, capturing the wonder of childhood discovery alongside the painful realities of adult life. The dialogue feels authentic, evoking the specific time and place while also speaking to universal themes of love, loss, and identity. The film beautifully illustrates how Sammy's love for movies becomes both an escape and a way to process the world around him, including the secrets his parents keep. It's a love letter to the art form itself, celebrating the way movies can shape our perceptions and help us understand ourselves and each other. The script is imbued with a sense of genuine emotion and a deep understanding of human nature. It’s a story that celebrates the transformative power of creativity, showing how art can illuminate the hidden corners of our lives and provide solace in times of uncertainty. The intimate portrayal of the Fabelman family, with all their flaws and triumphs, makes the story incredibly compelling. It’s a film that feels both grand in its scope and intimate in its emotional delivery, a rare combination that speaks to the mastery of its creators. The narrative structure, which follows Sammy's growth as an artist and as a person, is expertly handled, drawing the audience into his world and his emotional journey. The Fabelmans is a testament to the enduring power of personal stories and the unique ability of film to capture the essence of memory and experience. It’s a beautifully crafted screenplay that reminds us why we fell in love with movies in the first place.

Tár - Todd Field

Todd Field’s Tár is a captivating and unsettling character study of Lydia Tár, a fictional world-renowned composer and conductor at the height of her career. The film delves into the complex psyche of an artist grappling with power, ambition, and the potential for her own downfall. This screenplay is a meticulously crafted exploration of genius, power, and accountability. Field’s writing is precise and incisive, creating a rich, immersive world centered around the rarefied atmosphere of classical music. The dialogue is sharp, intelligent, and often layered with subtext, revealing Tár’s intricate manipulations and her growing isolation. The film doesn't shy away from ambiguity, inviting the audience to question Tár's actions and motivations, making it a truly thought-provoking piece. It’s a film that trusts its audience to engage with complex themes and challenging characterizations. The portrayal of Tár is nuanced, showcasing both her brilliance and her deep flaws, creating a magnetic and ultimately disturbing portrait of an artist at the precipice. Field’s screenplay is a masterclass in building tension and exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the corrupting influence of unchecked power. The film's structure and pacing contribute to its unsettling atmosphere, drawing the viewer deeper into Tár's world with each scene. It’s a testament to the power of original screenwriting when it tackles such mature and complex subjects with such confidence and skill. The film’s exploration of cancel culture, artistic integrity, and the abuse of power is handled with a sophisticated touch, avoiding easy answers and instead presenting a deeply human, albeit flawed, protagonist. Tár is a film that sparks debate and lingers in the mind, a true testament to the power of a compelling original story told with uncompromising vision. The meticulous detail in the world-building and the psychological depth of the protagonist are hallmarks of a truly exceptional screenplay.

Triangle of Sadness - Ruben Östlund

Ruben Östlund's Triangle of Sadness is a satirical black comedy that skewers the world of fashion, the ultra-rich, and the dynamics of power. The film follows a celebrity couple who are invited on a luxury cruise for the ultra-wealthy, which turns into a disaster when a storm hits. What follows is a sharp, often brutal, critique of social hierarchies and the absurdity of human behavior when stripped of societal norms. This screenplay offers a biting social commentary wrapped in dark humor. Östlund’s writing is incisive and provocative, using satire to expose the hypocrisy and pretentiousness of the elite. The dialogue is often hilariously uncomfortable, highlighting the characters' shallowness and their desperate attempts to maintain appearances. The film is divided into three acts, each exploring different facets of social class and power dynamics, culminating in a truly unforgettable and chaotic third act. It’s a film that aims to provoke thought and discussion, challenging viewers to examine their own assumptions about wealth, beauty, and status. The sharp wit and observational humor are trademarks of Östlund's style, and in Triangle of Sadness, he delivers some of his most potent social critique to date. The screenplay is daring in its execution, unafraid to push boundaries and confront uncomfortable truths about society. It’s a film that will make you laugh, cringe, and perhaps even reflect on the world we live in. The way Östlund constructs his narratives to dissect societal norms and human behavior is unparalleled, and this screenplay is a prime example of his unique genius. The film's ability to be both outrageously funny and deeply unsettling is a testament to the strength of its original concept and its execution. Triangle of Sadness is a bold and unforgettable cinematic experience that uses humor as a weapon to disarm and critique.

The Winner: A Multiverse of Triumph!

And the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay at the 95th Academy Awards goes to... Everything Everywhere All at Once! Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert absolutely blew us away with their wildly imaginative and emotionally resonant script. This win was a massive moment for independent filmmaking and for stories that dare to be different. The Daniels brought us a story that was both epic in scope and deeply intimate, exploring universal themes of family, identity, and connection through the dazzling, chaotic lens of the multiverse. It’s a testament to their unique vision and incredible talent that they were able to craft a narrative that was so original, so complex, and yet so accessible and moving. Their win proves that bold, original storytelling can capture the hearts and minds of audiences and critics alike. It’s a victory for creativity, for pushing boundaries, and for reminding us all that the most compelling stories are often the ones we never saw coming. Congrats to the Daniels and everyone involved in bringing this incredible film to life!

Looking Ahead: The Future of Original Screenplays

The 2023 Oscars race for Best Original Screenplay was a powerful reminder of the incredible talent and boundless creativity within the film industry. We saw stories that were personal, provocative, hilarious, and deeply moving, all born from the spark of original ideas. These scripts not only entertained us but also challenged us, made us think, and connected with us on a profound level. The success of films like Everything Everywhere All at Once is a beacon of hope for aspiring screenwriters and for anyone who believes in the power of unique voices. It shows that audiences are eager for fresh perspectives and innovative narratives. As we look to the future, we can only anticipate more groundbreaking work from these talented writers and from those who will undoubtedly be inspired by their achievements. The art of original screenwriting is alive and well, and it continues to be the driving force behind some of the most exciting and memorable films of our time. Keep an eye on these storytellers, guys, because the next big thing could be just around the corner!