The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has reclassified Stephen Gaghan's screenplay for the film "Syriana" as an original rather than adapted screenplay.
Although the Academy confirmed the switch Wednesday, a spokeswoman said the decision was made in late December by AMPAS' writers branch executive committee. She said, however, that neither the filmmakers nor studio Warner Bros. Pictures was formally notified. Instead, she said the Academy's reminder list -- which listed "Syriana" as one of more than 100 original screenplays -- was mailed with Oscar ballots on Dec. 29, signifying the change.
"I'm in shock," said writer-director Gaghan, who received his ballot Tuesday and only realized the reclassification Wednesday evening. "A phone call would have been nice, or an e-mail or letter. I understand it's a gray area, but I'm saddened. Just let us know."
Gaghan said he did veer from his source material, Robert Baer's memoir "See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism," and conducted a great deal of original research that he incorporated into the script. Still, he considered it an adapted screenplay, as it was credited in the film.
"I'm not a lawyer," he said. "I have no idea how they make these decisions." The film has been nominated by the WGA as an adaptation.
The Academy didn't offer any reason why the film was reclassified but insisted the procedure is fairly common. In any given year, there are eight to 12 screenplays that will be reclassified by the executive committee before the reminder list goes out, the spokeswoman said.
The flap comes toward the end of the nominations period as ballots are due at the Academy at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Tatiana Siegel writes for The Hollywood Reporter.
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