National Screenwriters Day

Celebrated on 01/05/2026

Quick Fact

Did you know that the first screenwriter to win an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay was Joseph L. Mankiewicz for 'A Letter to Three Wives' in 1950? National Screenwriters Day, observed on March 5, honors the often-overlooked architects behind our favorite films and TV shows.

Origins and Establishment of National Screenwriters Day

National Screenwriters Day was established in 2021 by the Screenwriters Association (SWA) to recognize the crucial role of screenwriters in the entertainment industry. The date March 5 was chosen to commemorate the founding of the SWA on that day in 1996. The holiday aims to raise awareness about the craft and challenges faced by screenwriters.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Screenwriters Day has grown through social media campaigns using #NationalScreenwritersDay. The day is celebrated with workshops, script readings, and networking events. Many production companies and streaming services release special content highlighting screenwriters, and educational institutions host panels discussing screenwriting careers.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 50,000 scripts are registered with the Writers Guild of America each year, but only a fraction are produced.
• The average screenwriter earns around $50,000 annually, with top earners making millions per script.
• Screenwriters have won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay only 10 times since 2000, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry.

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