The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is broadening the reach of its prestigious Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program, adding 15 new partners and introducing the Writers Guild Foundation as a public submission portal for the 2026-2027 cycle.
The expanded network now includes 55 partners spanning universities, film festivals, screenwriting labs and filmmaker programs around the world. New additions include the University of Southern California, Carnegie Mellon University, Morehouse College, Austin Film Festival, The Writers Lab and Storyhouse Dublin Screenwriting Festival.
The Academy also announced that the Writers Guild Foundation will join returning partner The Black List as a public entry point for aspiring screenwriters. Public submissions through The Black List open June 8 and remain open through July 6 or until 2,500 entries are received. The Writers Guild Foundation submission window opens June 22 and runs through July 20 or until 2,000 entries are received.
The changes reflect the Academy’s continued effort to broaden access to one of the industry’s most respected screenwriting development programs.
“After the incredible success of the Nicholl Fellowships last year, the Academy is thrilled to continue expanding this global program through our partners around the world as we deepen our commitment to discovering and championing emerging screenwriters,” said Kim Taylor-Coleman, Academy governor and president of the Academy Foundation Board. “By broadening the program’s international and domestic reach, we aim to open pathways for talented new writers to develop their crafts and bring fresh perspectives to the screen.”
Unlike traditional screenplay competitions, the Nicholl program functions as a talent development initiative. Fellows receive financial support, mentorship from Academy members, pitch workshops, media training, and networking opportunities. They also gain access to the Academy’s Gold Alumni Network, which provides ongoing career development and educational resources.
The expansion follows a successful 2025-2026 cycle that attracted participation from more than 500 Academy members across all 19 branches. Forty partner organizations submitted 101 scripts, with finalists emerging from both public submissions and programs affiliated with institutions including New York University, Sundance Institute, Columbia University, and Urbanworld Festival.
Since its founding in 1986, the Nicholl Fellowships have awarded 191 fellowships and helped launch the careers of numerous writers who have gone on to work across film and television.
Among the partner organizations participating in the 2026-2027 program are UCLA, USC, Northwestern University, Columbia College Chicago, DePaul University, Howard University, Gold House, CAPE, the Sundance Institute, Toronto International Film Festival, and the Berlin International Film Festival.
The Academy will select 10 finalists from partner submissions before choosing up to five fellowship recipients, who will be announced in spring 2027.
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