USC Libraries Scripter Award

The USC Libraries Scripter Award honors the year's best adaptation of the written word for the screen, and it is unusual in recognizing both the author of the original work and the screenwriters who adapted it. The award was founded in 1988 by Glenn Sonnenberg and Marjorie Lord, supporters of the University of Southern California's libraries, and its annual ceremony on the USC campus raises money and attention for the libraries.

A selection committee of writers, scholars and film professionals reviews English-language adaptations of books, novellas, short stories and other printed works, names a group of finalists and then chooses a winner. Since 2016 a second Scripter has gone to the best adaptation for an episodic series, and the libraries also present a Literary Achievement Award for a body of work. The Top Book List follows the Scripter for the books behind honored films and series.

English-language films and episodic series released during the year that are adapted from a published book, novella, short story or other printed work.