The Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting, backed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is one of the most prestigious awards for emerging screenwriters. Winning this fellowship can open doors to Hollywood, giving writers not only a $35,000 prize but also valuable industry mentorship. Reviewing the loglines of Nicholl Fellowship-winning scripts over the past five years reveals several compelling trends that showcase what types of stories resonate with both judges and audiences. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and narrative styles that have been successful:

1. Diverse Themes and Complex Characters

A significant number of winning scripts explore intense personal struggles and complex identities. Brownie Mary delves into the AIDS crisis through the story of a cannabis activist, while The Lion Makoi follows a young Sudanese artist as he navigates his new life in the United States. These narratives often blend personal growth with broader societal challenges, appealing to audiences through their emotional depth and relatability.

2. Historical and True Story Narratives

Many Nicholl winners incorporate historical elements or are inspired by true events. For example, Gunship follows a WWII pilot leading a misfit crew on suicide missions, and We Are Living Graves tells the story of a factory worker confronting his troubled past. These scripts often highlight unique perspectives on historical events, allowing audiences to see history through a fresh and personal lens.

3. LGBTQ+ Representation

In recent years, LGBTQ+ narratives have been a strong presence among Nicholl winners. Nanshoku, about two Samurai lovers, and Plainclothes, featuring a love story between an undercover cop and his target, reflect a growing inclusivity within the Nicholl Fellowship. These stories not only explore romance but also address broader issues of identity and acceptance.

4. Social Issues and Moral Dilemmas

Many scripts tackle pressing social issues and present characters with challenging moral dilemmas. The Pirates of Fellowship, Maine addresses environmental concerns, while The Young Woman explores the fight against domestic abuse. These narratives are often grounded in real-world issues, pushing characters to make difficult choices that have a broader societal impact.

5. Genre Variety

The Nicholl Fellowship has recognized a wide range of genres, including drama, thriller, comedy, and sci-fi. Redux, a time-travel thriller, and The Second Best Astronaut in the Universe, a romantic comedy set after a nuclear apocalypse, showcase the fellowship's openness to genre-blending and inventive storytelling. This diversity indicates that the fellowship values originality and fresh perspectives, regardless of genre.

Conclusion

These trends suggest that the Nicholl Fellowship judges are drawn to stories that mix personal growth with broader societal themes, feature diverse characters, and address moral dilemmas. The winning scripts reflect an evolving industry that values inclusivity, social awareness, and genre diversity. For aspiring screenwriters, the key takeaway is to focus on crafting narratives that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, offering something new to the landscape of storytelling.