At the Writers Guild of America Award ceremony, Charlie Kaufman, known for masterpieces like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich, had a powerful message for fellow writers. As he received the WGA Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement, he implored them not to chase “the approval of people with money” but to “serve the world” by narrating genuine stories.
This impassioned plea came amidst a backdrop of looming writers’ strike, with the guild set to begin talks with Hollywood producers on March 20.
Kaufman’s stirring words were just one of the evening’s many highlights. Among other notable mentions were Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as The Daniels, who secured the Best Original Screenplay for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Additionally, Sarah Polly clinched the Best Adapted Screenplay award for Women Talking.
Jessie Buckley, who took a leading role in Kaufman’s recent project, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, introduced him to the stage. Once there, one of Tinseltown’s most innovative screenwriters candidly admitted his past mistakes of trying too hard to appease industry elites.
Reminiscing about an event two decades prior, Kaufman spoke of witnessing a pitching session where budding writers were schooled on how to present their scripts. As he described, one after another, these hopeful writers would approach a microphone only to face a panel of seasoned industry figures, notably devoid of any writers. Kaufman remembered how the first writer was barely into his pitch when he was abruptly cut off with the words, “Stop! You’ve lost me already.”
He lamented the harsh reality, saying, “These young talents step forward only to be dismissed. It seems like a training exercise. We writers are conditioned by the industry. We’re made to feel secondary, serving people who aren’t driven by the intrigue of the story, but by securing their positions.”
His comments ignited applause, with Kaufman driving home the point: “We shouldn’t forget our true purpose. It’s not about enhancing their wealth or ours, or simply pleasing critics and audiences. Our duty is to mirror the world, to be truthful amidst so much deception.” He cautioned against becoming mere puppets, referencing Leni Riefenstahl’s controversial 1935 film, ‘Triumph of the Will’.
Drawing inspiration from poet Adrienne Rich, Kaufman quoted, “Art loses its essence if it merely accessorizes the table of those who oppress it.”
He continued, contrasting the world’s chaos with its beauty and complexity, urging writers to be explorers of that realm. Kaufman warned against becoming mere tools in the hands of executives.
Shifting to a more personal note, Kaufman shared his own regrets, advising the audience to avoid his past pitfalls. “I’ve erred by craving the validation of the wealthy elite. Avoid their obsession with box office metrics. Your duty isn’t to those figures but to the world at large. Focus on your craft, be genuine, and be real.”
Concluding his address, Kaufman made a powerful assertion, “They’ve made us believe we’re incomplete without them. But in reality, without us, their world is devoid of substance.”