Three individuals and two writing teams have been chosen to receive the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 2025-2026 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, an international talent development program that supports non-professional screenwriters, the Academy announced on Monday. The recipients are Leo Aguirre of San Antonio, Texas; Lynn McKee of Queens, New York; Katla Sólnes of New York City; Omar Al Dakheel and Elie El Choufany of Los Angeles; and Sara Crow and David Rafailedes of Brooklyn.
Nicholl fellows receive direct support, ongoing resources and networking opportunities from the Academy; participate in events with Oscar nominees and winners, including pitch workshops, media training sessions, meet-and-greets and more; and receive ongoing career advancement support through the Gold Alumni Network Program, which provides continued access, opportunity, professional development and education for alumni of the Academy’s global talent development programs. All Nicholl fellowship recipient scripts are archived in the Academy Collection and are accessible through the Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library.