Steven Zaillian, the Oscar-winning writer of "Schindler's List" and a writer-director-producer whose career also encompasses "American Gangster," "The Falcon and the Snowman," "Searching for Bobby Fischer," "Clear and Present Danger" and "Gangs of New York," has been named recipient of the 2011 Golden Laurel Award by the Writers Guild of America, West.
The award, which is given in recognition of lifetime achivement in the writing of motion pictures, will be presented at the Writers Guild's 2011 west coast awards ceremony on February 5.
“Steven Zaillian’s best scripts not only function as intelligent, thought-provoking works that uplift and inspire audiences, but often, as in the case of his screenplays such as 'Schindler’s List,' they act as witness to crucial chapters in our collective history," said WGAW president John Wells in a press release announcing the award.
Zaillian received an Academy Award, a WGA Award and many other honors for "Schindler's List." He also received WGA nominations for writing "Awakenings" and "A Civil Action" and for co-writing "Gangs of New York" with Jay Cocks.
His recent work includes the screenplay for David Fincher's American adaptation of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," which is currently shooting.
The Writers Guild Awards will be handed out at simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York. The L.A. ceremony will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.
(Photo by David James)
