The nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay include films that are different from their previously produced material – such as adding a new character (Up in the Air), expanding a short film (District 9), or playing off a TV show (In the Loop). Jeremy Martin says Jason Reitman is the favorite for “Up in the Air.”

In these trying times, “Up in the Air” is a perfect film for this era and deserves multiple Oscars, Mallory Pickard writes. It’s the favorite for Best Adapted Screenplay, and may get recognition for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director.

Voting began this week for the Writers Guild Awards, and our Jeremy Martin has cast his ballot. Should “Avatar” really win? What about “(500) Days of Summer” or “Brothers Bloom”? Martin discusses the nominees, examines the Oscar race, and shares his vote as well.

While the Academy separates screenplay Oscars into two awards for adapted and original, the Golden Globes does no such thing, offering only five writing nominations. Jeremy Martin find this unfortunate, especially since the Globes are famous for splitting other major categories into drama and comedy.