Ava DuVernay’s ‘Origin’ Deemed an Original Screenplay by WGA, Will Not Campaign Adapted for Oscars

Ava DuVernay’s poignant drama “Origin” takes audiences on author Isabel Wilkerson‘s powerful journey to pen her renowned nonfiction novel “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent.” This film recently transitioned from being an adapted screenplay to an original one, as confirmed by the Writers Guild of America (WGA). The WGA also designated Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” Noah Baumbach’s “The Bikeriders,” and Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders” as original screenplays. “Origin” will compete for one of the highly coveted Oscar nominations alongside top-tier contenders such as David Hemingson’s “The Holdovers” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives.”

“Origin” features an exceptional ensemble cast including Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, and Niecy Nash-Betts.

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The WGA Awards in January will maintain the original screenplay categorization, but the decision to classify it differently lies with the Writer’s Branch committee at the Academy. The final determination will be made through voting.

Previous years have seen movies like “Moonlight” (2016) campaigned as “original” by the WGA but later shifted to the adapted category by the committee due to the source material never being published. Nevertheless, “Moonlight” triumphed in its category and won two other Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. Other films that underwent such classification changes include nominees like “Syriana” (2005) and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (2018), as well as non-nominated films like “Loving” (2016).

Following Isabel’s emotional journey to write her bestselling book, the film intertwines excerpts from the novel through narration, capturing the audience with its authenticity.

“Origin” premiered at the Venice Film Festival and later screened at Toronto. It has also added an original song called “I Am,” performed by New Zealand Māori artist Stan Walker, who co-wrote it with Michael Fatkin, Vince Harder, and Te Kanapu Anasta, further enhancing its prospects for an Oscar nomination.

The nationwide release of “Origin” is scheduled for January 19, 2024, following its initial openings in New York and Los Angeles on December 8.

The Hollywood Reporter was the first to break this news.

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