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Novelist's Screenplay Earns Oscar Nod
6 Feb
Summary
- Robert Kaplow received his first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
- His nominated screenplay is for 'Blue Moon,' a biographical dramedy about Lorenz Hart.
- Kaplow, 71, never pursued Hollywood, remaining in New Jersey and teaching.
Robert Kaplow, a novelist and educator for over three decades, has received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The nomination is for "Blue Moon," a biographical dramedy directed by Richard Linklater, which explores the final days of legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart. Kaplow, aged 71, developed the screenplay with a novelist's precision, focusing on language, rhythm, and implication.
Kaplow, who also publishes his local newspaper in Metuchen, New Jersey, remained grounded in his home state while crafting screenplays that prioritized character over spectacle. "Blue Moon" premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, where Kaplow was surprised by the audience's laughter, affirming his vision of Hart as a comedic figure.
The screenplay, a compressed emotional reckoning of Hart's final days, balances wit with underlying devastation from abandonment and the end of a significant partnership. Actor Ethan Hawke, who collaborated closely with Kaplow, brought immense curiosity and generosity to his role, significantly shaping the character's portrayal.
Kaplow learned of his nomination on January 22, 2026, while alone at home, having expected disappointment. The recognition felt like a revelation for a writer who often felt his work vanished into obscurity. He is currently working on two new projects.
