Screenwriting : What Oscar winning screenplay would you suggest for a new screenwriter to read & why? by Steven Harris Anzelowitz

Those within the genre you're interested in writing. Contemporary, say within the last ten years or so, and a wider net - Oscar nominated.

Good idea. Many only watch films instead of reading scripts.

Tony S. Got the idea for the thread question after Aaron Sorkin mentioned he would watch the film with screenplay in hand and try to reverse engineer it. Considering his body of work I would call that a good suggestion. Thanks for your comment.

Welcome.

I've done that too. Most recently with Mamet's "The Verdict." There are most likely many screenwriters who practice this.

Although I enjoy reading the genre's I'm interested in (Comedy), I spend a lot of time reading horror screenplays. I find it to be one of the most difficult to define. (Horror vs. Scary) I would suggest Get Out. I've read it and think it is a great example of a horror film without being scary. It scares you, as you are betrayed by your expectations and trust of the characters and their relations. However, the horror comes from not only what is seen it's the unknown element or concept that is waiting around the narrative corner. It also has a bit of unexpected comedy that forces viewers to remember pivotal moments. I actually enjoyed reading the script more than watching the film!

I read a lot, all genres, good to great to poorly written. I do try to read most nominated scripts. Watch most nominated films. The latest bunch of screenplays that I read and do recommend are: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, I, Tonya, The Shape of Water, and Get Out. It's interesting to get your hands on an eariler version, if possible. Not shooting scripts. Also, reading scripts that are currently circulating can be insightful, say, scripts that are on the BL Annual Industry Survey. ;)

I'll read whatever I can get my hands on. I agree with all of Beth's recommended scripts above, they're all an internet search away.

I find it useful to read a bad script sometimes too. I used to read a lot of Amazon Studios submissions, through picking out what didn't work it helped me to see where I might be going wrong with my own writing.

To answer your actual question (and from checking scripts that won an Oscar) I'd recommend Little Miss Sunshine

I have to say "Shawshank Redemption" is one of the top read scripts.

Rashika, I totally agree with you about comedy and horror. I feel like they're nearly identical in structure -- both rely heavily on set up, rising tension, and pay offs that destroy expectations. I believe it's why great comedic writers like Jordan Peele and John Krasinski are making awesome horror.

When it comes to the original question of Oscar-winning screenplays, I'd recommend "Some Like It Hot" by Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond. Even though it was only nominated in 1960 and didn't actually win the little golden dude, "Some Like It Hot" perfectly balances comedy, suspense elements, gender politics, and some of the best dialogue I've ever read.

Raymond J. Negron I was going to say that exact item. Nominated but didn't win.

Eric, Some Like It Hot is a great one!! Read that one too. You are dead on with its structure!

Great comments from all my fellow "HAPPY WRITERS" Also BILLY WILDER is one of my three favorite Comedy Writer/Directors. The other two being WOODY ALLEN and MEL BROOKS. And 'SOME LIKE IT HOT' ZOWIE!!!

I like the “script to screen” videos where they show you both. It helps me learn to write lean and precise. As for best Oscar winning script to read I say “Get out”, as it’s the most recent one and exceptionally good.