Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

The nominees: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Peter Baynham, Dan Maze and Todd Phillips

Previous nominations: Not one between the five of them.

Other notable previous work: The Ali G show, of course. Todd Philips is also the director of Old School and Starsky & Hutch.

I’m not sure how you compare the writing in Borat to the writing necessary to adapt a novel or an Asian movie. There is a lot of writing in Borat, make no mistake about it, but it is a different kind of writing, one that has to take into account the reaction of people that are not in on the joke.

Still, I’m happy for this nomination. They did impressive work.

Children of Men

The nominees: Alfonso Cuarón, Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby

Previous Nominations: Cuarón has a best original screenplay nomination for Y tu mamá también.

Other notable previous work: Cuarón is, of course, the director of Y tu mamá también and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . He also doubled as writer in several of his projects. David Arata wrote Spy Game. This is the first major work for the others.

I actually don’t like this choice. Although I thought Children of Men was amazing, that was mostly because of the direction. In my opinion the screenplay was the weakest aspect of the movie and prevented it from being great. But the academy likes what the academy likes.

The Departed

The nominee: William Monahan

Previous nominations: First

Other notable previous work: Wrote Kingdom of Heaven.

Now, this choice I approve. Monahan kept a lot of the plot of Infernal Affairs, but added much flavor to it and just generally made what was already there better. Brilliant work.

Little Children

The nominees: Todd Field and Tom Perrotta

Previous nominations: Todd Field was nominated for his writing in In the Bedroom. The film, which he directed and produced, was also nominated for best picture.

Other notable previous work: Like I said, In the Bedroom for Todd Field. Tom Perrotta wrote the novel in which the movie Election was based.

A more classic adaptation work, but nevertheless a very good one.

Notes on a Scandal

The nominees: Patrick Marber

Previous nominations: First timer

Other notable previous work: Wrote Closer (both the play and the screenplay).

Solid work, but below most of the other nominees.

Who will win: I’m guessing William Monahan takes it. But could go to Todd Field and Tom Perrotta or to the Children of Men men.

Who I wish would win: Monahan deserves it, but I would not be sad if the Borat people pulled an upset