The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting 2025 is one of the most respected and career-defining programs for emerging screenwriters. Run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this fellowship awards $35000 to up to five writers each year. It’s not just about the money — winners get the chance to work with industry professionals attend Academy events and get a major career boost.
The Nicholl Fellowship was launched in 1986 to support new voices in feature screenwriting. The program is open to writers who have not earned more than $25000 from film or television writing. The main requirement is submitting an original feature-length script (typically between 70 to 160 pages.
Nicholl Fellowship 2025 Dates and Deadlines
This year brings big changes. For 2025 the Academy is only accepting scripts through partner organizations and The Black List platform
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Black List submissions open | May 15 2025 |
| Black List deadline (or 2500 entry limit) | June 15 2025 |
| Partner organization submissions open | Late July 2025 |
| Partner organization deadline | Late August 2025 |
| Final winners announced | Spring 2026 |
Many writers have been discussing the Nicholl Fellowship 2025 deadline Reddit thread where concerns about the shortened public entry time have been raised.
If you’re wondering When does the Nicholl Fellowship open the answer depends on your submission route — for public applicants it opened on May 15 2025 via The Black List.
New Rules in 2025
Unlike previous years the Nicholl Fellowship 2025 will no longer accept open public submissions on their own site. You can now only apply through
- The Black List (for general public)
- Partner Institutions (film schools labs universities)
A full list of accepted partners includes top names like UCLA AFI Columbia University and TIFF. You can also view updates on Nicholl Fellowship 2025 Facebook pages and writing forums.
Due to a 2500 submission cap on The Black List early submission is key. Once the limit is reached submissions close — even if it’s before June 15.
How to Apply for the Nicholl Fellowship 2025
Option 1 – Through The Black List
- Upload your script and logline to blcklst.com
- Pay the hosting and evaluation fees (around $100–$150)
- Submit to the Nicholl Fellowship via the official link
Option 2 – Through a Partner Program
- Enroll in or be invited by a university or screenwriting lab partnered with AMPAS
- Submit your script to the partner they will nominate selected writers to the Academy
Tip: Keep an eye on discussions on Nicholl Fellowship 2025 Reddit to stay updated on submission experiences and deadlines.
Nicholl Fellowship-Winning Scripts PDF
Writers often search for past winners to understand the competition standard. The Academy hosts a collection of Nicholl fellowship-winning scripts PDF on their official website. These are incredibly valuable for studying structure pacing and original storytelling.
Notable past winners include
- Destin Daniel Cretton – Short Term 12
- Elizabeth Chomko – What They Had
- Anthony Grieco – Best Sellers
What Do Winners Get
If selected as a Nicholl Fellowship 2025 winner you’ll receive
- $35000 in four payments
- Invitation to Academy events and workshops
- One-on-one mentorship from a Hollywood screenwriter
- A requirement to write a new script during the fellowship year
Winning is more than just a check — it’s your entry into the professional screenwriting world. Many winners secure representation or studio interest shortly after the announcement.
Community Buzz
The screenwriting community has been actively discussing the 2025 changes. According to users on Nicholl Fellowship 2025 Reddit many feel the reduced access could limit opportunities for those outside major programs.
On the other hand partner programs like Cal State LA and Howard University are proud to be included saying it creates new chances for underrepresented voices.
Follow real-time discussions on Reddit or updates via the Nicholl Fellowship 2025 Facebook community.
Final Checklist
Before you apply
- Make sure your script is between 70–160 pages
- Have a strong logline and polished PDF version
- Choose your route Black List or Partner Organization
- Submit early to avoid the entry cap
- Keep checking Reddit and Facebook for updates
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