The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has proudly unveiled the recipients of its 2025-2026 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, recognizing both individual talents and collaborative writing duos. This esteemed program is dedicated to fostering the development of non-professional screenwriters on an international scale, offering comprehensive support that includes direct assistance, valuable resources, and extensive networking opportunities within the film industry. The distinguished fellows for this cycle are Leo Aguirre from San Antonio, Texas; Lynn McKee hailing from Queens, New York; Katla Sólnes from New York City; the writing pair of Omar Al Dakheel and Elie El Choufany based in Los Angeles; and the Brooklyn-based team of Sara Crow and David Rafailedes. Each of these recipients will embark on a journey that promises to elevate their craft and connect them with leading figures in cinema.
Recipients of the Nicholl Fellowship gain access to an unparalleled suite of benefits designed to accelerate their careers. These include invaluable direct support and ongoing resources from the Academy, participation in exclusive events alongside Oscar-nominated and winning professionals, such as workshops focused on pitching, media training sessions, and personalized meet-and-greets. Furthermore, the Gold Alumni Network Program offers continuous career advancement, professional development, and educational resources, ensuring sustained growth and connection for all alumni of the Academy's global talent development initiatives. The creative works of all Nicholl fellowship recipients are carefully preserved within the Academy Collection, making them accessible to scholars and enthusiasts through the esteemed Margaret Herrick Library.
The selection process for the Nicholl Fellowships is rigorous and inclusive, commencing with exclusive partnerships with 40 universities, screenwriting laboratories, film festivals, and filmmaker programs worldwide. Notably, The Black List served as a vital conduit for public submissions, broadening the program's reach. More than 500 members from all 19 branches of the Academy generously volunteered their time to meticulously read and evaluate the submitted scripts, leading to the identification of ten finalists. From this select group, a dedicated Nicholl Committee, comprised of 23 Academy members, made the final determination of the fellowship recipients. This year's committee was co-chaired by Academy Foundation board president and Academy governor Kim Taylor-Coleman and producers branch member Julie Lynn, who expressed excitement about the diverse and international cohort representing the future of cinematic storytelling.
The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program, since its inception in 1986 and endowed by Gladys “Gee” Nicholl in honor of her husband, writer-producer Don Nicholl, continues to be a beacon for aspiring screenwriters. The Academy's commitment to nurturing new voices, providing them with a platform, and fostering an environment of creative growth exemplifies the enduring power of film to inspire and reflect the human experience. Through initiatives like the Nicholl Fellowships, the Academy not only supports individual artists but also ensures the ongoing vitality and evolution of storytelling in cinema, paving the way for future narratives that will captivate and move audiences worldwide.
