Sunday Night’s 75th WGA Award show celebrated the best in writing for 2022. The “flighty” or “the bird” award as Bob Odenkirk calls them, or, “the majestic seagull” (Matt Walsh), simultaneously flew down upon New York and Los Angeles for a resounding beat of union solidarity.
At the historic Edison Ballroom in New York, Paul Simms was presented with the Herb Sargent (SNL Weekend Update Creator) Award for Comedy Excellence and Mentorship by Donald Glover, who explained that Paul was essential to the success of ATLANTA. Glover explained that comedy mentorship from the likes of Tina (Fey) and Robert (Carlock) also recipients of this award in years previous, assisted in his success. Tina and Robert would say,
“Hard work pays off. Even set-ups can be punchlines. Nothing comes easy in comedy.”
Paul would say, “What is successful? Any show on the air, that you would watch.”
Paul read suggested award recipient remarks from his new show staff on WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS. “Now that I have become a man, please congregate in the center of the room and lift me high in the chair,” and “My work is ultimately a meditation on grief.” So fun.
In Los Angeles, the award's show previous happy home was the historic Beverly Hilton. This year, however, a new hotel dynasty is back on scene -- The Fairmont Century Plaza.
In Los Angeles, the vibe was a bit more serious. While Charlie Kaufman’s 2023 Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement speech touched on key elements of success. Charlie Kaufman (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND) states, the world opens up when you take that (film structure) away. Explore truthfully, find voice, be dilligent and somewhat courageous in your attempt to do your stuff in the world. “
Meanwhile, Rebecca Lenkiewicz received the Paul Selvin Award for Outstanding Screenwriting for SHE, SAID, whose script "embodies the spirit of constitutional and civil rights and liberties that are indispensable to the survival of free writers everywhere." While SHE, SAID lost the Best Adapted Screenplay to WOMEN TALKING, SHE, SAID's fight against the abuses of power in Hollywood, is the absolute most brave script arriving the scene this year.
The award show in both regions were unaired except for clips on the designated WGA Instagram and YouTube Channels.
Ariane Von Kamp
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