Entertainment

Screenwriter John McNamara to Receive WGAW’s 2016 Paul Selvin Award for Trumbo

Published

10 years ago

January 26, 2016

LOS ANGELES, CA (FNN NEWS) – The Writers Guild of America, West has named screenwriter John McNamara the recipient of the 2016 Paul Selvin Award for his screenplay Trumbo. Based on the biography by Bruce Cook, the film chronicles the turbulent career and life of Blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, exploring issues of political freedom, censorship, civil liberties, and what it means to be an American.

McNamara, who is also a producer on the film, will be recognized at the 2016 Writers Guild Awards L.A. ceremony on Saturday, February 13, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. He recently received a WGA Adapted Screenplay nomination for his script.

“The Paul Selvin Award honors ‘that member whose work best embodies the spirit of the constitutional and civil rights and liberties that are indispensable to the survival of free writers everywhere.’ Though we’ve given it since 1989, it might as well have been purpose-built for John McNamara’s Trumbo. In shining light on a dark corner of our history, while at the same time illuminating Dalton Trumbo from within, John McNamara has both illustrated and embodied the importance of courageous writing,” said WGAW President Howard A. Rodman.

“I want to thank the Writers Guild of America, West for stunning me with surprise and filling me with gratitude. This is an award shared by my band of brothers and sisters, we few, we happy few. More on those folks soon. The movie Trumbo exists mainly because I met several blacklisted screenwriters while I was a student at NYU. Arthur Laurents, Waldo Salt and Ring Lardner, Jr. eloquently and selflessly brought that dark time to life for me, while Ian McLellan Hunter painted a both ennobling and warty portrait of his good friend Dalton Trumbo,” said Trumbo screenwriter John McNamara. “In the same way I share this award with biographer Bruce Cook, ShivHans, Bleecker Street, director Jay Roach and the crew, Michael London and our fellow producers, Bryan Cranston and the whole cast, I share it with my four fellow writers whose words first convinced me this story needed telling. A story that obviously wouldn’t exist without Dalton Trumbo and the improbably brave stand he and his family took against a perfect storm of repression, fighting for that first American freedom: the right to be wrong in any political season, out loud, without fear and in glorious Technicolor.”

Having launched a successful screenwriting career in 1937, by the ’40s Dalton Trumbo had become one of the most sought-after and highest-paid screenwriters in Hollywood. But in 1947, as part of the “Hollywood Ten,” he found himself, along with other creative artists, targeted for their political beliefs by the House Un-American Activities Committee during its investigation into alleged Communist influences in the entertainment industry.

Refusing to name names of friends and colleagues to HUAC, Trumbo (who was a member of the Communist Party from 1943 to 1948) found himself out of work, blacklisted by the studios and producers. He ultimately served nearly a year in federal prison after being convicted of contempt of Congress.

Wielding his own words and wit to take on not only studio bosses but the U.S. government, Trumbo exposed the hypocrisy, absurdity, and sheer injustice of the Blacklist, which ruined many lives and careers. Shunned by Hollywood, he still managed to carve out a covert screenwriting career, often writing under various pseudonyms or using “fronts” so he could continue working to support his family. Ironically, he garnered two Academy Awards for screenplays he wrote while being blacklisted: the first for the classic romantic comedy Roman Holiday – credited to his “front,” fellow screenwriter Ian McLellan Hunter – and second for his screenplay for The Brave One (1956), originally credited to “Robert Rich,” Trumbo’s pseudonym. It was not until 1975 that the Academy formally recognized Trumbo for The Brave One and presented him with his Oscar statuette. In 1993 he was posthumously awarded his Oscar for writing Roman Holiday. In 2011, the Writers Guild formally announced that Trumbo’s screenwriting credit for Roman Holiday had been restored.

By 1960, the Blacklist had begun to lose credibility and was effectively broken by several key events that year. With the support of director Otto Preminger, Trumbo was officially credited for the screenplay of the hit film Exodus, adapted from the novel by Leon Uris; actor Kirk Douglas publicly announced that Trumbo was the screenwriter of Spartacus; and in show of solidarity, President-elect John F. Kennedy crossed a picket line of protestors to watch Spartacus in a Washington, DC theater.

In 1970, Trumbo received the WGAW’s Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement, a fitting coda to his indelible voice and inspiring career.

Trumbo, starring Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren (who portrays infamous gossip columnist Hedda Hopper), Louis CK, Diane Lane, Elle Fanning, Michael Stuhlbarg, and John Goodman and distributed by Bleecker Street, has so far received numerous accolades this awards season, including three Screen Actor Guild nominations (Best Cast, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress) and two Golden Globe nominations (Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, Drama). Cranston was recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, and earlier earned the Spotlight Award (Actor) at the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

In addition to his acclaimed screenplay for Trumbo, McNamara – a WGAW member since 1985 – recently created 2015’s NBC period crime drama series Aquarius, about a police detective (David Duchovny) on the trail of cult leader Charles Manson during the ’70s. He is also Co-Creator of the new SyFy series The Magicians (co-created by Sera Gamble), based on Lev Grossman’s best-selling book series. McNamara has also created the TV series Eyes and Profit (co-created by David Greenwalt).

Born and raised in Michigan, McNamara attended the University of Michigan and New York University. While attending NYU, McNamara authored two children’s books both published by Delacorte Press, as well as an original teleplay for the CBS Afternoon Playhouse. In 1982, his play “Present Tense” won the first annual Young Playwrights’ competition and was produced off-Broadway at the Circle Rep Theatre. With its companion piece, “Personal Effects,” it was later produced at the Manhattan Punchline Theatre and has been performed internationally ever since. He moved to Los Angeles in 1984 and began a career as a screenwriter, working for Disney, Warner Bros. and Paramount. In 1992, he became a staff writer on the Fox TV series The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr – and in 1993 joined ABC’s Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman as a writer and producer.

His other TV writing and producing credits include Prime Suspect, The Fugitive, and Vengeance Unlimited.

Named after the late Paul Selvin, general counsel to the Guild for 25 years, the award is given each year to the WGA member whose script best embodies the spirit of the constitutional and civil rights and liberties that are indispensable to the survival of free writers everywhere and to which Selvin devoted his professional life. Previous recipients of the WGAW’s Paul Selvin Award include Tony Kushner, Dustin Lance Black, Tate Taylor, Eric Roth, Michael Mann, Larry Karaszewski & Scott Alexander, Robert Eisele & Jeffrey Porro, Anthony Peckham, Alex Gibney, and, most recently, Margaret Nagle.

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Central Florida News

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.

The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.

Opening Reception Scheduled June 11

An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.

Doors open at 5 p.m.
Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
Admission is free
Advance registration is requested

Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity

Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.

“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”

The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.

Exhibit Information

The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.

The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.

Entertainment

USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant

Published

3 weeks ago

June 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.

Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy

Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.

Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.

“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”

Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production

As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.

Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.

“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”

Production Scheduled for October 2026

Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.

Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.

Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.

Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com

For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.

Central Florida News

FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree

Published

1 month ago

May 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.

Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.

Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.

Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.

“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”

Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.

“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”

Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.

“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.