“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” and “Cold Mountain” were among the best films adapted from books last year, a University of Southern California literary group said.
“Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” also was named to the list of five films, which included “Mystic River” and “Seabiscuit,” the university announced Friday.
The Friends of the USC Libraries nominates the author of the original book and the screenwriter of its film version for its Scripter Award.
The winning collaborators of the 16th annual award will be announced Jan. 16.
A group of film and literary professionals selected the honorees.
Previous Scripter Award winners include “L.A. Confidential” and “Wonder Boys.”
The nominated films in alphabetical order:
- “Cold Mountain,” screenwriter Anthony Minghella, author Charles Frazier.
- “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” screenwriters Frances Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson; author J.R.R. Tolkien.
- “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” screenwriters Peter Weir and John Collee, author Patrick O’Brian.
- “Mystic River,” screenwriter Brian Helgeland, author Dennis Lehane.
- “Seabiscuit,” screenwriter Gary Ross, author Laura Hillenbrand.