What Is 31st Writers Guild of America Awards

Overview

The 31st Writers Guild of America Awards celebrated excellence in writing across film, television, and radio for work produced in 1978. Held on February 17, 1979, the event brought together prominent screenwriters and authors to recognize the most impactful scripts of the year.

The ceremony highlighted the growing influence of writers in shaping cultural narratives during a transformative era in American cinema and television. Awards were given in multiple categories, emphasizing both originality and adaptation.

• The Deer Hunter won Best Original Screenplay, credited to Louis Garfinkle and Quinn K. Redeker for its powerful depiction of the Vietnam War’s psychological toll.
• Heaven Can Wait received the Best Adapted Screenplay award, adapted by Elaine May and Warren Beatty from the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan.
• The ceremony was hosted simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York, reflecting the national reach of the Writers Guild of America.
• Notable nominees included Coming Home, Interiors, and Same Time, Next Year, all recognized for their narrative depth and character development.
• The 1979 event marked a period when screenwriters gained greater recognition, following the success of New Hollywood films in the 1970s.

How It Works

The Writers Guild of America Awards are determined by members of the WGA, who vote on eligible scripts based on originality, structure, dialogue, and cultural impact. Each category follows strict submission guidelines and eligibility windows.

• Eligibility Period: Works must have been first broadcast or released in the United States between January 1 and December 31, 1978, to qualify for the 31st awards.
• Voting Membership: Only active members of the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) or Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) are permitted to submit nominations and cast votes.
• Category Separation: Original and Adapted Screenplay categories are judged separately to ensure fair comparison among works based on source material.
• Judging Criteria: Submissions are evaluated on narrative coherence, character development, thematic depth, and dialogue authenticity by peer-review panels.
• Balloting Process: A two-round system is used—first to narrow nominees, then a final runoff to determine winners, ensuring broad consensus.
• Televised Ceremony: While the 31st edition was not nationally televised, it featured live presentations and speeches in both Los Angeles and New York venues.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares major award categories and winners from the 31st Writers Guild of America Awards alongside key nominees:

This table illustrates the diversity of writing honored in 1979, spanning genres and media formats. The WGA’s recognition of both film and episodic television underscored the importance of scriptwriting across platforms, setting a precedent for future awards.

Why It Matters

The 31st Writers Guild of America Awards highlighted the pivotal role of writers during a golden age of American storytelling. Recognition from the WGA often correlates with broader industry acclaim, including Oscar nominations and box office success.

• The Deer Hunter’s win boosted its profile ahead of the 1979 Academy Awards, where it won Best Picture.
• Winning a WGA Award can increase a writer’s marketability and lead to higher-profile projects and contracts.
• The adaptation of Heaven Can Wait demonstrated renewed interest in reimagining classic stories with modern sensibilities.
• Television writers gained visibility, with shows like All in the Family reflecting societal changes through sharp dialogue.
• The awards emphasized the collaborative nature of screenwriting, even in solo-credited works.
• Historically, the 31st ceremony marked a transition toward more diverse narratives in mainstream media.

By honoring writers directly, the WGA elevated the craft behind the camera, reinforcing that compelling stories begin with the written word.