This international program, renowned for identifying and nurturing promising screenwriters, is now deepening its roots by partnering exclusively with leading global university programs, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker initiatives. Announced in Los Angeles, this evolution signals a commitment to inclusivity, education, and the globalization of cinematic talent.
For nearly four decades, the Nicholl Fellowships have served as a launchpad for new voices in screenwriting. Now, with this strategic shift, the Academy is tapping into a broader, more diverse talent pool by collaborating with institutions and organizations worldwide. From the American Film Institute to the University of Cape Town, and from Sundance Institute to Bangkok University, the list of 2025 partners reads like a who’s who of creative education and innovation. This network will vet and submit scripts for consideration, ensuring a rigorous and varied selection process. Meanwhile, The Black list will continue to play a pivotal role as the portal for public submissions, maintaining an accessible entry point for independent writers.
Howard Berger, Academy governor and president of the Academy Foundation Board, sees this as a natural progression. “By strengthening our ties with educational and creative partners across the U.S. and beyond, we’re not just expanding our reach—we’re enriching the future of film,” Berger said. “The passion and expertise of our Academy members, who will read and review every submitted script, underscore our unwavering dedication to this mission.”
A Fellowship That Goes Beyond the Page
For the writers selected as Nicholl fellows, the rewards extend far beyond recognition. Each recipient is paired with an Academy member mentor for a year-long journey of guidance and growth. The fellowship includes virtual seminars, a meet-and-greet with the Nicholl committee, and in-person networking events—opportunities designed to bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry insiders. Beyond the fellowship year, fellows gain access to the Gold Alumni Program, a robust support system offering ongoing professional development and career advancement.
The expectation is clear: fellows must complete a feature-length screenplay during their tenure. Yet, in a testament to its commitment to artistic freedom, the Academy acquires no rights to these works and refrains from any commercial involvement, allowing writers to retain full ownership of their creative output.
A Global Stage for New Voices
The 2025 partner lineup reflects the Academy’s ambition to cast a wide net. Prestigious institutions like Columbia University, London Film School, and the University of Oxford join forces with dynamic programs such as Sundance Institute, Toronto International Film Festival, and IFFR Pro. This blend of academic rigor and festival-driven innovation ensures that the Nicholl Fellowships will unearth talent from every corner of the globe—whether it’s a student at RMIT University in Melbourne or a participant in the Latino Film Institute’s programs.
Submissions from partners will open in late July and close in late August, with fellows announced in spring 2026. The process is streamlined yet thorough, relying on the expertise of both the partner organizations and the Academy’s own members to identify scripts that promise to shape the future of storytelling.
A Legacy of Discovery
Since its inception in 1985, thanks to Gee Nicholl’s endowment in memory of her husband, Don, the Nicholl Fellowships have awarded 186 fellowships, launching careers and amplifying voices that might otherwise have gone unheard. This latest chapter builds on that legacy, adapting to a world where storytelling knows no borders.
For stakeholders in the film industry—educators, producers, and creatives alike—this development is a call to action. It’s an invitation to engage with a program that not only discovers talent but also invests in its potential. As the Academy continues to evolve, the Nicholl Fellowships stand as a beacon of opportunity, proving that the art of screenwriting thrives when given the chance to grow.
For more details on the program and its partners, visit oscars.org/nicholl. The future of film is being written—and it’s a story worth watching.
