The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced an ambitious expansion of its prestigious Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program for 2026-2027, reinforcing its commitment to discovering and supporting the next generation of screenwriting talent from around the world.

The internationally recognized talent development initiative, which has helped launch the careers of emerging writers for four decades, will now include 55 global partners, an increase of 15 organizations from the previous year. The expanded network includes leading universities, film festivals, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker development programs across multiple continents.

The Academy’s announcement marks another significant step in broadening access to one of the entertainment industry’s most respected screenwriting fellowships. Since its inception in 1986, the Nicholl Fellowships program has awarded 191 fellowships and has become a respected pipeline for discovering fresh voices and original stories.

For aspiring screenwriters, the 2026-2027 fellowship cycle offers new opportunities through expanded public submission pathways. Writers can now submit through two public portals: The Black List and the newly added Writers Guild Foundation.

Public submissions through The Black List opened on June 8, 2026, and will remain available through July 6, 2026, or until 2,500 entries have been received. The Writers Guild Foundation submission portal opens June 22, 2026, and closes July 20, 2026, or once 2,000 entries have been reached. Writers may submit through only one portal.

Applicants can learn more and submit their work through:

A Global Commitment to New Voices

The Academy continues to expand the reach of the fellowship by partnering with a diverse range of educational institutions and filmmaker development organizations. New partners joining the program include:

  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Morehouse College
  • The Writers Lab
  • Austin Film Festival
  • Storyhouse Dublin Screenwriting Festival

These additions join an impressive roster of organizations that includes the Sundance Institute, Toronto International Film Festival, Howard University, UCLA, NYU, Columbia University, Gold House, CAPE, the Latino Film Institute, and numerous international film schools and cultural institutions.

According to Academy leadership, the expansion reflects a strategic effort to identify screenwriting talent from a broader range of communities, backgrounds, and storytelling traditions.

Kim Taylor-Coleman, Academy governor and president of the Academy Foundation Board, emphasized the organization’s dedication to nurturing emerging creatives and creating greater access to professional opportunities throughout the film industry.

How the Fellowship Works

Scripts submitted through partner organizations and public portals undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Academy members.

More than 500 Academy members participated in evaluating submissions during the previous fellowship cycle, representing all 19 Academy branches. This extensive review process helps identify the most promising projects and writers.

The selection process includes:

  • Initial review through public submission partners and institutional partners.
  • Academy member evaluations.
  • Selection of 10 finalists.
  • Final review by the Nicholl Committee.
  • Awarding of up to five fellowships.

Fellowship recipients receive direct financial support, professional mentorship, networking opportunities, career development resources, and access to Academy programming.

Beyond the Fellowship: Career Development Opportunities

What distinguishes the Nicholl Fellowships from many other screenwriting competitions is its long-term commitment to participants’ professional growth.

Fellows gain access to:

  • Mentorship from Academy members.
  • Pitch workshops.
  • Media training.
  • Industry networking opportunities.
  • Professional development sessions.
  • The Gold Alumni Network Program.

Additionally, all fellowship-winning scripts become part of the Academy Collection and are archived at the Margaret Herrick Library, ensuring long-term preservation and accessibility for future scholars and industry professionals.

Building on Recent Success

The 2025-2026 fellowship cycle demonstrated the growing influence of the program. Forty partner organizations submitted 101 scripts, resulting in 10 finalists selected from both public and institutional pathways.

Finalists emerged from organizations including:

  • Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab
  • Columbia University School of the Arts
  • NYU Tisch School of the Arts
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Urbanworld Festival

Ultimately, the Academy awarded fellowships to three individual writers and two writing teams.

Key Highlights

  • The Academy expands the Nicholl Fellowships network to 55 global partners.
  • Public submissions are available through The Black List and Writers Guild Foundation.
  • The program supports non-professional screenwriters worldwide.
  • Up to five fellowship recipients will be selected for 2026-2027.
  • Fellows receive mentorship, training, networking, and career development support.
  • More information is available at https://oscars.org/nicholl.

As the film industry continues to seek fresh perspectives and original storytelling, the Academy’s expanded Nicholl Fellowships program remains one of the most influential pathways for emerging writers. By increasing access, strengthening partnerships, and investing in talent development, the Academy continues its mission of helping the next generation of screenwriters transform compelling ideas into stories that reach audiences around the world.

Report Tina Nigro

The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting