Who won the episodic series prize at the 2026 Scripter Awards?

Mike Makowsky won the episodic series prize for "Death by Lightning," a Netflix adaptation of Candice Millard's book about President James Garfield's assassination.

What is the purpose of the USC Scripter Awards?

The USC Scripter Awards celebrate the best scripts of the year that are adaptations of literary works, bringing together filmmaking and publishing in an academic setting and serving as the USC Libraries' premier fundraising event.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Scripter Awards Honor Adaptations: 'One Battle' & 'Death by Lightning' Triumph

Scripter Awards Honor Adaptations: 'One Battle' & 'Death by Lightning' Triumph

Q: Which films won at the 2026 USC Libraries Scripter Awards?

Paul Thomas Anderson won for outstanding film adaptation with "One Battle After Another," based on Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland."

26 Jan

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Summary

Paul Thomas Anderson won for adapting Thomas Pynchon's novel 'Vineland'.
Mike Makowsky adapted Candice Millard's book on President Garfield for Netflix.
The USC Scripter Awards celebrate literary adaptations in film and TV.

Scripter Awards Honor Adaptations: 'One Battle' & 'Death by Lightning' Triumph

At the 2026 USC Libraries Scripter Awards ceremony, held at USC's Town and Gown, outstanding film and episodic adaptations were honored. Paul Thomas Anderson secured the award for outstanding film adaptation with "One Battle After Another," recognizing his work on Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland."

Mike Makowsky received the episodic series prize for "Death by Lightning," a Netflix limited series based on Candice Millard's non-fiction book "Destiny of the Republic." This work details the assassination of President James Garfield.

The event also paid tribute to crime novelist Michael Connelly with the Scripter Literary Achievement Award, presented by actor Titus Welliver. USC trustee Glenn Sonnenberg opened the ceremony with a moment of reflection, acknowledging the death of nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti.

Outgoing selection committee chair Howard Rodman spoke about the challenges and artistry involved in adapting books for the screen, noting the event's role as USC Libraries' premier fundraising initiative.

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