The 2025 Writers Guild Awards nominations were revealed after multiple delays caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. These delays impacted other major awards events as well, including the Oscars and Critics Choice Awards. Despite the disruptions, the Writers Guild managed to highlight outstanding achievements in screenwriting across film, television, and streaming platforms.
This year’s nominees showcase exceptional storytelling, with strong contenders across various categories. From gripping drama series like The Boys and Fallout to comedic favorites like Abbott Elementary and What We Do in the Shadows, the list reflects the industry’s creative diversity and resilience.
Film Nominees
Original Screenplay
- A Real Pain, Written by Jesse Eisenberg; Searchlight Pictures
- Anora, Written by Sean Baker; NEON
- Challengers, Written by Justin Kuritzkes; Amazon MGM Studios
- Civil War, Written by Alex Garland; A24
- My Old Ass, Written by Megan Park; Amazon MGM Studios
Adapted Screenplay
- A Complete Unknown, Written by James Mangold & Jay Cocks, Based on Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald; Searchlight Pictures
- Dune: Part Two, Written by Denis Villeneuve & Jon Spaihts, Based on the novel by Frank Herbert; Warner Bros. Pictures
- Hit Man, Written by Richard Linklater & Glen Powell, Based on the Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth; Netflix
- Nickel Boys, Written by RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes, Based on the book by Colson Whitehead; Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios
- Wicked, Written by Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox, Based on the musical and novel by Gregory Maguire; Universal Pictures
Documentary Screenplay
- Jim Henson: Idea Man, Written by Mark Monroe; Imagine Documentaries
- Kiss the Future, Written by Bill S. Carter; Fifth Season
- Martha, Written by R.J. Cutler; Netflix
- War Game, Written by Tony Gerber & Jesse Moss; Submarine Deluxe
Television and Streaming Nominees
Drama Series
- The Boys; Prime Video
- The Diplomat; Netflix
- Fallout; Prime Video
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith; Prime Video
- Shogun; FX/Hulu
Comedy Series
- Abbott Elementary; ABC
- The Bear; FX/Hulu
- Curb Your Enthusiasm; HBO | Max
- Hacks; HBO | Max
- What We Do in the Shadows; FX/Hulu
New Series
- English Teacher; FX/Hulu
- Fallout; Prime Video
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith; Prime Video
- Nobody Wants This; Netflix
- Shogun; FX/Hulu
Limited Series
- The Penguin; HBO | Max
- Presumed Innocent; Apple TV+
- Ripley; Netflix
- Say Nothing; FX/Hulu
- True Detective: Night Country; HBO | Max
TV & Streaming Motion Pictures
- The Great Lillian Hall; HBO | Max
- Prom Dates; Hulu
- Rebel Ridge; Netflix
- Terry McMillan Presents Forever; Lifetime
Animation
- Bottle Episode (The Simpsons); Fox
- Cremains of the Day (The Simpsons); Fox
- Night of the Living Wage (The Simpsons); Fox
- Saving Favorite Drive-In (Bob’s Burgers); Fox
- The Tina Table: The Tables Have Tina-ed (Bob’s Burgers); Fox
- Winter Is Born (Blood of Zeus); Netflix
Notable Omissions: Surprises Among the Non-Nominees
While the nominees reflect excellence in writing, the absence of certain films has surprised many. Top awards contenders like The Brutalist, Conclave, and The Substance failed to secure nominations in either the original or adapted screenplay categories. Despite their snubs, these films remain strong competitors in other awards circuits.
The Writers Guild Awards once again highlight the craft of storytelling, promising an exciting season for fans and creators alike.