Screenwriter Scott Frank to Deliver Keynote at Academy’s Nicholl Dinner

Beverly Hills, CA (October 28, 2008)— Oscar^®-nominated screenwriter Scott Frank will deliver the keynote address at the presentation dinner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 23rd annual Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting on November 13, 2008, at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

Frank earned an Oscar nomination in 1998 for the screenplay of “Out of Sight.” He is also the screenwriter of the upcoming “Marley & Me,” based on John Grogan's book, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. His other writing credits include “The Lookout“ (2007), which he also directed, “The Interpreter“ (2005), “Minority Report” (2002), “Get Shorty” (1995) and “Little Man Tate” (1991).

The Academy annually awards up to five Nicholl Fellowships of $30,000 each. Ten scripts, including three by writing teams, have advanced to the final round of the competition this year. Since the program’s inception in 1985, 103 fellowships have been awarded.

Fellowships are awarded with the understanding that the recipients will each complete a feature-length screenplay during their fellowship year. The Academy acquires no rights to the works of Nicholl fellows and does not involve itself commercially in any way with their completed scripts.

For a complete list of 2008 Nicholl Finalists go to: http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2008/08.10.13.html