Academy Overhauls Nicholl Fellowships, Tapping Global Universities and Film Labs for Submissions

Photo Credit:  Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 

Academy Overhauls Nicholl Fellowships, Tapping Global Universities and Film Labs for Submissions

In a sweeping evolution of its approach to nurturing screenwriting talent, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that it will partner exclusively with global universities, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker development programs to identify candidates for its prestigious Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting.

The move, which repositions the long-standing fellowship program within a global academic and artistic infrastructure, marks one of the most significant changes in the fellowship’s nearly 40-year history. Beginning with the 2025 application cycle, each participating partner institution will vet and submit a curated slate of screenplays directly to the Academy. The Black List, a respected online platform for screenwriting, will serve as the sole portal for individual public submissions.

“As part of the globalization of the Academy and to deepen our relationship with educational partners around the U.S. and the world, we are excited to evolve the Nicholl Fellowships program to include a stronger connection to universities, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker programs and their incredible pool of emerging talent,” said Howard Berger, governor of the Academy and president of the Academy Foundation Board, in a statement.

Founded in 1985 by Gee Nicholl in memory of her late husband, British-born television screenwriter Don Nicholl, the Nicholl Fellowships have long been regarded as one of the most influential gateways for emerging writers seeking to break into Hollywood. The program offers winners a $35,000 grant, mentorship from Academy members, and year-round support through networking opportunities and educational seminars. To date, 186 fellowships have been awarded.

The revised submission structure reflects a growing trend within the Academy to internationalize its programs and foster relationships with institutions outside the traditional studio system. The list of newly announced partners spans five continents and includes a wide range of universities and industry organizations, such as the Australian Film Television and Radio School, Bangkok University, the Berlin International Film Festival, Howard University, CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), and the Sundance Institute. Film schools from New York University, Columbia University, the University of Oxford, and Universidad del Cine in Argentina are also among the named collaborators.

Scripts submitted by these institutions will undergo a multi-tiered review process, with each entry read and evaluated by Academy members. Submissions will open in late July, with a deadline expected in late August. Fellowship recipients will be announced in spring 2026.

Winners are expected to complete a feature-length screenplay during their fellowship year. The Academy makes clear that it acquires no rights to the fellows’ work and does not participate commercially in the development or sale of completed scripts. The emphasis, officials say, remains firmly on talent cultivation.

In addition to the financial award and mentorship, fellows will participate in a structured year of career development that includes virtual seminars, in-person networking events, and access to the Academy’s Gold Alumni Program. 

That initiative, launched to ensure long-term industry inclusion and professional growth for underrepresented creators, provides alumni with continued access to resources, workshops, and exposure to established industry professionals.

While the fellowship has already helped launch the careers of several notable writers—including Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich), Doug Atchison (Akeelah and the Bee), and Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12)—the Academy hopes the expansion will identify promising talent in new places and across emerging formats.

“Our commitment to discovering and supporting new voices remains stronger than ever,” Berger added. “I’m thankful to my fellow Academy members for dedicating their time and expertise to support this mission.”

The initiative also aligns with the Academy’s broader efforts to redefine its role in the evolving film landscape and respond to calls for more inclusive, global programming. By forging formal ties with institutions in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America, the Nicholl program signals a recalibration—one designed to both honor the fellowship’s legacy and meet the moment.

For the full list of participating institutions and updates on the 2025 Nicholl Fellowships, visit oscars.org/nicholl.