The Best Adapted Screenplay category is yet another predictable category that can foreshadow the ultimate Best Picture winner. This year the category is made up of four Best Picture nominees and one film that has a sole nomination. Previous winners in this category include "Argo," "The Descendants," "The Social Network," and "Precious."
"Before Midnight" - The nomination for Richard Linklater and Julie Delpy marks the pair's second mention in this category. The duo was previously nominated for "Before Sunset." Meanwhile, Ethan Hawke is receiving his third Oscar nomination and second in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. "Before Midnight" has won seven precursor awards including the National Society of Film Critics award. It was also nominated for the Critics Choice and Writers Guild of America in this category. However, unlike the other four nominees in this category, "Before Midnight" is not nominated for Best Picture and therefore does not stand a chance to win.
"Captain Phillips" - Billy Ray received his first nomination at the Academy Awards. "Captain Phillips" was one of the best reviewed films of the year and was nominated for writing at the Critics Choice and surprisingly won the WGA. However, the film's lack of awards during the precursors and the fact that the Academy ignored the movie's director and lead actor does not bode well for the film's chances in this category.
"Philomena" - Steve Coogan received his second nomination at the Academy Awards while Jeff Pope received his first mention. "Philomena" was well regarded throughout the precursor awards and was nominated at the BAFTA, Critics Choice and Golden Globes. However, it was excluded by the WGA because it was disqualified. The movie was a big surprise when nominations were announced and with the Weinstein Company backing it, it is possible the movie could surprise.
"12 Years a Slave" - The nomination for John Ridley marks his first at the Academy Awards. The film is highly regarded as the front-runner to win the award. The film has already won 16 screenplay awards including the Critics Choice award. It was also nominated for the Golden Globe, BAFTA but missed out on the WGA because it was deemed ineligible. Nevertheless, with all the buzz and the fact the movie is regarded as a front-runner to win the Oscar, John Ridley can assure himself a win for Best Adapted Screenplay.
"The Wolf of Wall Street" - This is writer Terrence Winter's first nomination for an Academy Award. "The Wolf of Wall Street" has been the most divisive film nominated this year and while the movie won three precursor awards including the National Board of Review, there is little possibility of an Oscar victory. The movie might have been nominated for the BAFTA, Critics Choice but it missed a nod at the Golden Globes and lost the WGA.
Predictions: Ridley will win the Oscar for his work on "12 Years a Slave," likely helping the movie win the Best Picture award.