Best Adapted Screenplay Nominees in Oscars 2025

The 97th Academy Awards, set to dazzle audiences on March 2, 2025, celebrate cinematic excellence, with the Best Adapted Screenplay category drawing significant attention. This prestigious Oscar Award honors screenwriters who transform existing works into compelling films.

The nominees for 2025—Conclave, Emilia Pérez, A Complete Unknown, Nickel Boys, and Sing Sing—represent a diverse array of literary adaptations, from novels to plays, each vying for the coveted statuette. This article delves into the contenders, their creators, and the buzz surrounding their nominations, exploring their lifestyle, net worth, and family backgrounds. With insights into voting trends, odds, and predictions, we offer a detailed look at this competitive race, enriched with reviews, commentary, and speculation about the season’s frontrunners.

Best Adapted Screenplay Nominees for the Oscars 2025: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Category and Its Criteria

The Adapted Screenplay category at the Academy Awards recognizes scripts derived from pre-existing material, such as novels, plays, or other films. The eligibility requires that the script be based on a previously published work, distinguishing it from original screenplays. In 2025, the Academy evaluates candidates based on their ability to balance fidelity to the source while crafting a cinematic narrative.

The voting process involves the Writers Branch, with nearly 11,000 members across 19 branches, including actors and directors, contributing to the final decision. The shortlist reflects a meticulous selection, emphasizing writing that resonates emotionally and intellectually. This year’s nominees showcase varied adaptations, from the intense drama of Conclave to the musical flair of Emilia Pérez, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.

Conclave: A Literary Thriller’s Triumph

Conclave, adapted by Peter Straughan from Robert Harris’ novel, leads the race as a favorite. Straughan, aged 56, transforms the papal intrigue into a dialogue-driven masterpiece, earning nominations across awards like BAFTA and Golden Globes. His lifestyle is relatively private, residing in London with his family, including two children. His net worth, estimated at $5 million, stems from his work on films like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Straughan’s scriptwriting prowess lies in weaving tension and philosophical depth, making Conclave a contender for the Oscar. Reviews praise its tight narrative, with odds favoring it due to its literary roots and critical acclaim. The film’s buzz is amplified by its Best Picture nomination, positioning Straughan as a frontrunner in this category.

Also Read: Oscar Nominations 2024 see the Full List

Emilia Pérez: A Musical Adaptation

Emilia Pérez, penned by Jacques Audiard, aged 73, in collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius, and Nicolas Livecchi, adapts Audiard’s opera libretto and Boris Razon’s novel. This vibrant movie explores identity and transformation, earning 13 nominations, a record for a non-English-language film. Audiard, a French filmmaker with a $10 million net worth, lives a cultured lifestyle in Paris with his partner and two children.

His script blends musical elements with emotional depth, making it a hopeful in the Oscars race. Commentary highlights its innovative approach, though betting odds suggest it trails Conclave. Reactions to its nomination are mixed, with some praising its boldness and others noting its unconventional structure, fueling discussion among Academy voters.

A Complete Unknown: A Biopic’s Narrative Craft

A Complete Unknown, written by James Mangold (aged 61) and Jay Cocks (aged 81), chronicles Bob Dylan’s rise, adapted from Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric!. Mangold, a versatile director with a $30 million net worth, lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children, embracing a busy lifestyle balancing film projects. Cocks, a veteran critic-turned-writer, has a $3 million net worth and resides in New York with his family.

Their script captures Dylan’s essence, earning predictions as a strong contender. Reviews applaud its historical accuracy, though some blogs note its conventional biopic structure. Betting odds place it behind Conclave, but its Best Picture nod boosts its chances. The nominee’s updates reflect growing buzz, making it a favorite among Dylan fans.

Also Read: Best Director Nominees for Oscars 2025

Nickel Boys: A Poetic Social Commentary

Nickel Boys, adapted by RaMell Ross (aged 42) and Joslyn Barnes (aged 60) from Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is an emotional contender. Ross, a filmmaker and photographer with a $2 million net worth, leads a creative lifestyle in Alabama with his partner. Barnes, a producer with a $1.5 million net worth, resides in New York with her family.

Their script employs a fragmented narrative to depict institutional cruelty, earning praise in articles for its poetic depth. Forecasts suggest it’s a dark horse, with odds less favorable than Conclave but stronger than Sing Sing. Discussions on X highlight its social relevance, aligning with trends favoring racially conscious films. Its nomination underscores the Academy’s evolving tastes, making it a hopeful for voters seeking impact.

Sing Sing: A Collaborative Script

Sing Sing, written by Clint Bentley (aged 45), Greg Kwedar (aged 43), with story contributions from Clarence Maclin and John “Divine G” Whitfield, adapts The Sing Sing Follies. Bentley and Kwedar, with net worths of $1 million each, share a collaborative lifestyle in Los Angeles, both married with young children. Maclin and Whitfield, former inmates turned actors, have modest net worths under $500,000 and live quietly.

The script’s authenticity, drawn from real experiences, earns reviews for its emotional resonance. Speculation surrounds its chances, with odds suggesting it’s a long shot despite Best Actor nods. Commentary on X praises its heart, but predictions favor Conclave. This nominee’s shortlist inclusion reflects the Academy’s appreciation for unique adaptations, fueling discussion about its potential.

Also Read: Best Actress Nominees for Oscars 2025

Trends and Insights in the 2025 Race

The 2025 Oscars Adapted Screenplay category reflects trends favoring literary adaptations with strong narratives. Conclave’s sweep of precursors like BAFTA and Golden Globes positions it as the frontrunner, with odds at 15/2, per GoldDerby. Emilia Pérez’s 13 nominations highlight its ambition, but its musical format may divide voters, as analysis suggests Academy preferences lean toward dialogue-driven scripts.

A Complete Unknown benefits from its Best Picture nod, while Nickel Boys and Sing Sing appeal to voters valuing social impact. Blogs note the Academy’s recent tilt toward writer-directors, though Conclave’s Peter Straughan breaks this trend. Updates on X show buzz around Conclave and Emilia Pérez, with speculation about upsets driving discussion in the awards season.

Previews and Coverage of the Nominees

Previews of the 2025 Oscars highlight the Adapted Screenplay nominees as a microcosm of cinematic diversity. Conclave’s script is lauded in articles for its intellectual rigor, with reviews calling it a “masterclass in tension.” Emilia Pérez’s bold adaptation garners coverage for its genre-blending, though some blogs question its coherence. A Complete Unknown’s nomination sparks discussion about biopics, with commentary praising its historical depth. Nickel Boys and Sing Sing receive praise for their emotional weight, with features on X emphasizing their social relevance. Rankings place Conclave at the top, followed by Emilia Pérez, with odds reflecting voter preferences. The awards season’s updates keep hopefuls in the spotlight, driving speculation about the Academy’s final choice.

Opinions and Reactions to the Shortlist

The shortlist for Best Adapted Screenplay has sparked varied opinions across platforms. Conclave’s nomination is met with widespread acclaim, with reactions on X calling it a “literary triumph.” Emilia Pérez divides discussion, with some praising its innovation and others critiquing its complexity. A Complete Unknown’s nominee status fuels buzz among music fans, though some blogs argue it’s formulaic. Nickel Boys earns praise for its social commentary, with reactions highlighting its emotional impact. Sing Sing’s script is celebrated for authenticity, but commentary notes its underdog status. Analysis suggests Conclave’s precursor wins make it the favorite, with odds reflecting strong Academy support. The awards season’s discussions underscore the nominees’ diverse appeal, shaping predictions for March 2.

Forecasts and Betting Odds

Betting odds for the 2025 Best Adapted Screenplay Award, per GoldDerby, favor Conclave at 15/2, followed by Emilia Pérez at 8/1 and A Complete Unknown at 23/2. Nickel Boys and Sing Sing trail, with odds of 10/1 and 12/1, respectively. Forecasts highlight Conclave’s precursor dominance, with updates noting its BAFTA and Golden Globe wins. Emilia Pérez’s multiple nominations bolster its chances, but analysis suggests its musical format may hinder it. A Complete Unknown’s Best Picture nod strengthens its case, while Nickel Boys and Sing Sing rely on emotional resonance. Speculation on X points to a potential upset, with commentary debating voter preferences. The race remains fluid, with trends favoring literary adaptations and strong narratives.

Highlights of the Awards Season

The 2025 awards season has been a whirlwind of buzz and speculation, with the Best Adapted Screenplay nominees stealing the spotlight. Conclave’s highlights include its sweep of major precursors, cementing its frontrunner status. Emilia Pérez’s 13 nominations make it a favorite for its ambitious adaptation. A Complete Unknown shines with Timothée Chalamet’s performance, boosting its script’s visibility. Nickel Boys and Sing Sing stand out for their social impact, earning praise in reviews and blogs. Coverage on X emphasizes the category’s diversity, with discussions focusing on literary fidelity versus cinematic innovation. Updates reflect shifting odds, with Conclave leading but Emilia Pérez gaining traction. The Academy’s voting will ultimately decide the winner, shaping trends for future seasons.

News and Updates on the Nominees

Recent news surrounding the 2025 Oscars nominees highlights their unique journeys. Conclave’s Peter Straughan, aged 56, won the Award on March 2, per The Guardian, solidifying his frontrunner status. Emilia Pérez’s Jacques Audiard, 73, navigates controversy over its nomination, with updates noting its historic 13 nods. A Complete Unknown’s Mangold and Cocks, aged 61 and 81, benefit from buzz around Chalamet’s performance. Nickel Boys’ Ross and Barnes, aged 42 and 60, gain traction for their poignant script. Sing Sing’s collaborative team, including Bentley and Kwedar, both in their 40s, earns praise for authenticity. Coverage on X and articles like GoldDerby’s reflect speculation about voter preferences, with Conclave leading predictions for the Academy’s choice.

Wrapping Up: A Competitive Race

The Best Adapted Screenplay nominees for the 2025 Oscars represent a rich tapestry of literary adaptations, from Conclave’s intellectual thriller to Emilia Pérez’s musical innovation. Peter Straughan’s script leads with strong odds and precursor wins, while Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez challenges with its bold vision. A Complete Unknown, Nickel Boys, and Sing Sing offer compelling narratives, each with unique strengths. Analysis of trends, reviews, and betting odds suggests Conclave as the frontrunner, but the race remains open. The Academy’s voting will crown the winner on March 2, shaping discussions and speculation for future awards seasons. This category’s diversity and depth ensure a memorable Oscars night, celebrating the art of scriptwriting.