IN the nominations for the Writers Guild of America (WGA) awards to be presented on March 16th, the original screenplay nominees are identical to the Oscars shortlist: Fargo, Jerry Maguire, Lone Star, Secrets & Lies and Shine. However, only three of the Oscar nominees for adapted screenplay made the DGA shortlist - The English Patient, Sling Blade and Trainspotting - while The Birdcage and Emma replaced the Oscar nominated screenplays for Hamlet and The Crucible on the WGA line up.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to next year, could the Pope be walking up the red carpet on Oscars night with a best adapted screenplay nomination in his hand? Polish director Krzsztof Zanussi is directing a movie of Our God's Brother, based on a play written by Karol Wojtyla before he became Pope John Paul II. Can't you imagine the acceptance speech? "Rejuvenated people of Hollywood, I love you all..."