Celebrated screenwriter, producer, and showrunner Ron Nyswaner is poised to be honored with the prestigious Walter Bernstein Award at the upcoming 76th Writers Guild Awards in New York City on April 14th. This recognition, named after the late screenwriter Walter Bernstein, acknowledges Nyswaner’s steadfast commitment to advocating for social justice throughout his illustrious career.
Renowned for his groundbreaking work, Nyswaner has fearlessly tackled pressing social issues in his projects, earning acclaim and respect within the industry. One of his most notable achievements includes penning the screenplay for the groundbreaking film “Philadelphia” (1993), which starred Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. The movie, directed by Jonathan Demme, was a watershed moment in cinema for its unflinching portrayal of HIV/AIDS discrimination and its focus on a gay lead character. Nyswaner’s exceptional writing garnered him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
In addition to “Philadelphia,” Nyswaner has continued to use his platform to shed light on marginalized communities and advocate for their stories to be heard. His work on projects such as “Soldier’s Girl” (2003), “Freeheld” (2015), and “My Policeman” (2022) further underscores his dedication to addressing social injustices through storytelling.
Notably, Nyswaner’s recent project, the Showtime series “Fellow Travelers,” has received widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and powerful depiction of LGBTQ+ experiences. Based on the novel by Thomas Mallon, the series explores the tumultuous romance between two men against the backdrop of the Lavender Scare in 1950s Washington D.C. Nyswaner’s creative vision and commitment to authenticity have earned “Fellow Travelers” nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies, including the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
Throughout his career, Nyswaner’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness has been unwavering, earning him recognition from organizations such as the Los Angeles LGBT Center. His ability to amplify marginalized voices and spark meaningful conversations through his work exemplifies the spirit of the Writers Guild East’s Walter Bernstein Award.
In anticipation of the upcoming ceremony, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, President of the Writers Guild of America East, lauded Nyswaner as a trailblazer who has reshaped the landscape of storytelling in Hollywood. Nyswaner’s contributions serve as a testament to the transformative power of art in championing social change, and his receipt of this esteemed award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his extraordinary impact on the industry.
