By David Cifarelli | masslive.com | March 10, 2024
A movie based in Massachusetts has won an Oscar for its ability to turn a book into a feature film.
Cord Jefferson’s comedy-drama “American Fiction,” which earned five Oscar nominations this year, took home the award for Best Adaptive Screenplay at the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 10.
The film marked Jefferson’s directorial debut, which he mentioned during his acceptance speech.
There are so many people out there who want the opportunity that I was given,” Jefferson said. “I just feel so much joy being here, I felt so much joy making this movie, and I want other people to experience that joy.”
“American Fiction” beat out fellow nominees “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things” and “The Zone of Interest.”
The movie is based off Percival Everett’s 2001 novel “Erasure,” which follows Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in the film.
Monk is a Los Angeles writer and professor who is brought to his hometown of Boston after his university places him on leave, according to IMDbPro.
While home, he reunites with family and writes a satirical novel called “My Pafology” that ends up becoming a critical and commercial success.
In addition to Best Adaptive Screenplay, “American Fiction” also picked up nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role for Wright, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Brown and Best Music (Original Score).
You can find a full list of winners here.