The Black List Annual Screenwriting Awards
Recognition and industry exposure from The Black List for unproduced screenplays voted as the most liked by Hollywood development executives, with lab and fellowship opportunities for writers.
Overview
The Black List is an annual survey of Hollywood development executives that identifies the most liked unproduced screenplays of the year. Founded in 2005 by Franklin Leonard, The Black List has become one of the most important mechanisms for discovering screenwriting talent outside the traditional agency system. Scripts that appear on The Black List gain immediate industry attention, and many go on to be produced as major films.
Beyond the annual list, The Black List operates an online platform where writers can upload screenplays for professional evaluation and industry discovery. Scripts that receive high ratings from Black List readers are flagged for industry professionals, creating a meritocratic pathway for writers who lack representation or industry connections.
The Black List also runs labs and fellowship programs, including partnerships with Sundance, the Austin Film Festival, and other organizations, that provide selected writers with mentorship, development support, and direct industry introductions. These programs specifically target writers from underrepresented backgrounds.
What It Covers
- Annual Black List -- recognition as one of the year's most liked unproduced screenplays, generating immediate industry attention
- Online platform -- professional script evaluations and industry discovery for a fee
- Black List Labs -- development workshops for selected scripts, often in partnership with other organizations
- Fellowship programs -- mentorship and industry introductions for writers from underrepresented communities
- Industry exposure -- scripts on The Black List are read by agents, managers, producers, and studio executives
Eligibility
The annual Black List is compiled from votes by Hollywood development executives and is not a competition that writers enter. The online platform is open to any writer who uploads a screenplay and purchases evaluations. Lab and fellowship programs have specific eligibility criteria, often targeting writers from underrepresented backgrounds or writers at specific career stages. Check the Black List website for current program details.
How to Apply
Writers can upload screenplays to the Black List online platform at any time for a monthly hosting fee plus evaluation fees. Lab and fellowship applications are submitted through the Black List website or partner organization portals when specific programs are open. The annual list is not something writers apply for; it is compiled from industry votes.
Who Should Apply
Screenwriters at all career stages who have completed feature-length screenplays and want industry exposure. The online platform is particularly valuable for unrepresented writers seeking a pathway to professional attention. Writers from underrepresented backgrounds should explore The Black List's lab and fellowship programs.
See Also
For screenwriting career guidance, see Screenwriting Essentials. To explore the business of screenwriting, visit the Filmmaker Glossary.
