National Screenwriters Day celebrates the creative minds behind our favorite movies and TV shows – the writers who craft the stories, dialogue, and characters that captivate audiences worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 5th annually
- Tagged as: Entertainment Industry Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalScreenwritersDay
- When was it founded?: 2015
- Who founded it?: ScreenwritingU.com
History of National Screenwriters Day
The day was established to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of screenwriters in the entertainment industry. What started as a grassroots effort has evolved into a nationwide celebration that honors the creativity, dedication, and storytelling skills of those who bring stories to life on screen.
Timeline
- 1902: Georges Méliès writes the first recognized screenplay for “A Trip to the Moon”
- 1920: Screen Writers’ Guild is formed
- 1957: First Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay awarded
- 2015: ScreenwritingU establishes National Screenwriters Day
- 2018: Jordan Peele becomes first African-American to win Oscar for Best Original Screenplay
Dates by Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jan 5 | Sunday |
| 2026 | Jan 5 | Monday |
| 2027 | Jan 5 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | Jan 5 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | Jan 5 | Friday |
How It’s Observed
Writers, studios, and film enthusiasts celebrate through screenwriting workshops, film screenings, and social media recognition of favorite screenwriters and their works.
Fun Facts About Screenwriting
- The first screenplay was written for a silent film
- Screenwriters often work closely with directors and producers
- Modern screenwriting software has revolutionized the craft
- A typical feature film script is 90-120 pages long
Quiz
- Who wrote the first recognized screenplay?
- In what year was National Screenwriters Day established?
- When was the first Academy Award for screenwriting given?
-(Answers: 1. Georges Méliès, 2. 2015, 3. 1957)
FAQs
Q: What do screenwriters do?
A: They create scripts for films, TV shows, and other visual media, including dialogue, scene descriptions, and character development.
Q: Who is considered the best screenwriter?
A: Notable names include Quentin Tarantino, Billy Wilder, and Nora Ephron.
Importance of National Screenwriters Day
The day provides recognition for these behind-the-scenes creators and promotes understanding of the crucial role screenwriters play in entertainment. It also inspires aspiring writers and celebrates the art of storytelling.
Related Holidays
- World Theatre Day
- National Novel Writing Month
- World Book Day
- International Writers Day
- National Creative Writing Day