Great films often begin as great books, and the Best Adapted Screenplay category at the Academy Awards is a testament to that. The 2023 nominees showcased the power of literature to inspire cinematic excellence, with some of the most compelling films of the year rooted in acclaimed books. From gripping historical fiction to thought-provoking contemporary literature, these adaptations not only brought incredible stories to the screen but also highlighted the timeless influence of their source material.
For book lovers and film fans alike, these nominees provided an opportunity to experience the power of storytelling across different mediums. With Women Talking securing the Oscar win, let’s take a closer look at the books that shaped this year’s most celebrated adapted screenplays.
The 2023 Nominees & Their Literary Origins
Women Talking (Winner)
Based on: Women Talking (2018) by Miriam Toews
About the Book: Inspired by real-life events, Women Talking is a powerful novel that explores themes of oppression, autonomy, and resilience. Miriam Toews, a former Mennonite herself, crafts a gripping narrative that gives voice to women reclaiming their agency in an oppressive community.
- Film Summary: This powerful drama follows a group of Mennonite women as they grapple with the harrowing truth of systemic abuse in their isolated religious community. Their clandestine meetings lead to an urgent discussion about justice, survival, and autonomy.
- Why It Won: Sarah Polley’s screenplay masterfully translated the novel’s deeply personal and philosophical debates into an intense, gripping cinematic experience. The dialogue-driven script maintained the essence of Miriam Toews’ storytelling while making it accessible to film audiences.
- Box Office & Awards: Though Women Talking had a modest box office gross of $9 million, its impact was significant. It won Best Adapted Screenplay at the BAFTA Awards and was also nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most thought-provoking films.
All Quiet on the Western Front (Nominee)
Based on: All Quiet on the Western Front (1929) by Erich Maria Remarque
About the Book: One of the most famous anti-war novels of all time, All Quiet on the Western Front provides a brutally honest account of World War I from the perspective of a young German soldier. It remains a landmark in war literature and has influenced generations of storytellers.
- Film Summary: This adaptation of Remarque’s novel follows a young German soldier during World War I, capturing the brutality of war and the disillusionment of those who once sought glory on the battlefield.
- Why It Stood Out: The screenplay, co-written by Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, and Ian Stokell, modernized the novel’s message while staying true to its harrowing depiction of warfare. The film’s haunting cinematography and powerful performances reinforced the enduring relevance of its source material.
- Box Office & Awards: The film grossed over $100 million worldwide and won four Academy Awards, including Best International Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design, proving that classic literature still has the power to captivate modern audiences.
Living (Nominee)
Based on: Ikiru (1952), a screenplay by Akira Kurosawa and Shinobu Hashimoto, inspired by The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
About the Book: The Death of Ivan Ilyich is one of Tolstoy’s most philosophical and introspective works, exploring mortality, regret, and the search for meaning in life. It has been a significant influence on existential literature and film.
- Film Summary: This poignant drama follows an aging bureaucrat in 1950s London who, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, embarks on a journey to find meaning in his final days.
- Why It Stood Out: Written by Kazuo Ishiguro, the adaptation honors Kurosawa’s classic while infusing it with British sensibilities. The film’s introspective nature and Bill Nighy’s deeply moving performance made Living a quiet but profound entry in this category.
- Box Office & Awards: Living received critical acclaim, and Nighy earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, bringing renewed attention to both the film and its literary inspiration.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Nominee)
- Written by: Rian Johnson (not based on a book but part of an ongoing franchise)
- Film Summary: Detective Benoit Blanc returns to solve a murder mystery at a lavish island retreat, blending social satire with the classic whodunit formula.
- Why It Stood Out: Though not adapted from a book, Glass Onion was nominated in this category because it continues the Knives Out franchise. Rian Johnson’s clever writing and intricate plotting earned widespread acclaim.
- Box Office & Awards: The film grossed over $300 million and became one of Netflix’s biggest streaming successes.
Top Gun: Maverick (Nominee)
- Screenplay by: Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie; Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks
- Film Summary: This long-awaited sequel follows Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as he trains a new generation of pilots for a high-stakes mission.
- Why It Stood Out: While Top Gun: Maverick was not based on a book, it was classified as an adapted screenplay because it continued the story of the 1986 classic. The script balanced nostalgia with fresh storytelling, making it a critical and commercial triumph.
- Box Office & Awards: The film was a box office juggernaut, grossing nearly $1.5 billion worldwide. While it didn’t win Best Adapted Screenplay, it won Best Sound and was nominated for Best Picture.
The Power of Literary Adaptations in 2023
The Best Adapted Screenplay category in 2023 reinforced the power of books as a foundation for cinematic storytelling. From the haunting realism of All Quiet on the Western Front to the raw emotional depth of Women Talking, these adaptations showcased how literature can be translated into unforgettable screen moments. While Glass Onion and Top Gun: Maverick followed different adaptation paths, the films that were rooted in literary works highlighted the strength of storytelling across mediums.
Conclusion
The 2023 Best Adapted Screenplay nominees demonstrated that great books don’t just make great movies—they create lasting cinematic experiences. Women Talking‘s Oscar win proved that deeply personal narratives can translate powerfully onto film, while All Quiet on the Western Front reminded audiences of the enduring relevance of classic literature.
If you enjoyed exploring the 2023 Best Adapted Screenplay nominees, you won’t want to miss how literary adaptations continued to shine in the following years. The 2024 Oscars brought us bold and unforgettable adaptations like Oppenheimer, American Fiction, and Poor Things—discover how these books shaped the big screen in our article 96th Academy Awards – 2024 Oscar Nominated Book Adaptations. Looking ahead, the 97th Academy Awards – 2025 Oscar Nominated Book Adaptations push storytelling even further, with films like A Complete Unknown and Nickel Boys bringing powerful books to life.
