What does it mean when a movie like ‘Barbie‘ is being considered for an adapted screenplay?
Is it inspired by a book, a real-life experience, or perhaps a doll known for her love of pink?
These questions have surfaced as the “Barbie” movie vies for recognition in the upcoming awards season, particularly at the Oscars.
The film initially aimed for the best original screenplay category but faced a twist when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) ruled it eligible for best-adapted screenplay.
This decision was based on the film’s use of existing characters and its acknowledgment of Mattel in its credits.
So, what sets an adapted screenplay apart from an original one?
In the world of screenwriting, there are two distinct Academy Awards categories: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay.
The latter is reserved for entirely new creations, originating solely from the writers’ imagination, free from any source material.
On the other hand, the adapted screenplay category encompasses films based on preexisting works, whether derived from a play, a book, or even a sequel.
Notable examples, such as “Toy Story 3” and “12 Years a Slave,” fall into this category, demonstrating that the distinction doesn’t imply superiority or inferiority.
Surprisingly, even blockbusters like the “Transformers” movies can be considered adapted, given their foundation on a toy line and the prevalence of sequels.
How does ‘Barbie’ fit into this narrative?
While AMPAS views “Barbie” as an adapted screenplay, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) sees it differently, categorizing it as an original screenplay for the WGA Awards.
This discrepancy between AMPAS and WGA isn’t unprecedented, with the two occasionally differing in their classifications.
Notably, the 2016 film “Moonlight” was labeled an adapted screenplay by AMPAS but considered an original screenplay by WGA, ultimately winning in the former category.
What implications does this hold for ‘Barbie’?
In terms of awards, winning in the adapted screenplay category is comparable to winning in the original category; an Oscar trophy is an Oscar trophy, regardless.
However, the competition may vary, with “Barbie” potentially facing formidable contenders like “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Oppenheimer” in the adapted screenplay category.
Regardless of the category, “Barbie” is poised to be a notable presence at the 2024 Academy Awards, sparking discussions about whether or not the iconic doll secures a statuette.
The 96th Academy Awards nominations will be unveiled on January 23, with the ceremony scheduled for March 10th.
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