Academy Expands 2026-2027 Nicholl Fellowships with 55 Global Partners and New Submission Windows
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched the 2026-2027 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, expanding to 55 global partners to support emerging talent. Public submissions are now open through The Black List and will soon begin via the Writers Guild Foundation, offering aspiring writers a path to direct mentorship and professional industry development.
RMN Stars Awards Desk
New Delhi | June 9, 2026
Academy Scales Global Search for Screenwriting Talent with Expanded 2026-2027 Nicholl Fellowships
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced a significant expansion for the 2026-2027 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. This international talent development program, dedicated to supporting non-professional screenwriters, has increased its partner network to 55 organizations—a jump of 15 partners from the previous year. This diverse group includes global universities, film festivals, and filmmaker programs such as Carnegie Mellon University, Morehouse College, the University of Southern California, and the Austin Film Festival.
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.
Public Submission Windows and Deadlines: For the 2026-2027 cycle, writers have two distinct public submission portals. Submissions through The Black List opened on Monday, June 8, 2026, and will remain open until July 6, 2026, or until 2,500 entries are received. A second window through the Writers Guild Foundation opens on Monday, June 22, 2026, closing on July 20, 2026, or upon reaching a 2,000-entry cap. Writers are permitted to submit through only one of these public portals, each of which maintains its own unique judging process.
A Pathway to Professional Success: The program’s reach is truly global, with partners ranging from the Berlin International Film Festival to the University of Cape Town. These partners play a crucial role in the selection process, recommending scripts for evaluation by Academy members. The Black List and the Writers Guild Foundation will recommend 25 and 20 scripts, respectively, while other partners may recommend up to two scripts each.
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.
From these submissions, Academy members will determine 10 finalists, from which the Nicholl Committee will select up to five fellowship recipients. The fellows, to be announced in spring 2027, receive direct financial support and ongoing mentorship from Academy members.
Legacy and Mentorship: Recipients benefit from pitch workshops, media training, and networking opportunities, alongside inclusion in the Gold Alumni Network Program for continued career advancement. All winning scripts are archived in the Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library, preserving the work of emerging voices for future generations. Endowed by Gladys “Gee” Nicholl in honor of her husband, writer-producer Don Nicholl, the program has awarded 191 fellowships since its inception in 1986.
