Monday, June 8, 2026
James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
Words, words, words!
The Screenwriters Showcase spotlights the boldest, sharpest, and most cinematic voices from the Screenwriting MFA Program. Designed to introduce outstanding student scripts to the industry, the event celebrates the talent and dedication behind the page.
Throughout the year, students craft feature-length screenplays and TV pilots, which are submitted for review by top industry professionals. Their feedback helps identify the very best—and at the Showcase on Monday, June 8, 2026, those standout scripts will be honored in an exciting awards ceremony recognizing the highest-rated features and pilots.
For many past Showcase participants, this event has been a launchpad—leading to representation, staff writing gigs, script options, and major industry accolades. Competitive categories below.
Original Screenplay
Adapted Screenplay
Hour Pilot
Half Hour Pilot
Distinguished Screenwriter Award Honoree: Rachel Bloom
Rachel Bloom co-created, executive produced, and starred in the CW musical dramedy CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, for which she won a Golden Globe, Emmy, and Critics’ Choice Award, among other accolades. She also developed a touring concert of the show that sold out Radio City Music Hall and the London Palladium. Bloom recently released her Netflix special, “Death, Let me Do My Special,” directed by Seth Barrish and produced by Matthew Vaughan and Rotten Science, which was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Comedy Special.
Before that, her off-Broadway engagement of the same show received a Drama Desk Award nomination for lyrics and also toured as a comedy special to sold out audiences in London, Chicago, and Boston, among other cities. Her additional acting credits include co-starring in Hulu’s critically acclaimed comedy series REBOOT and guest-starring as ‘Elaine Levitch’ in season two of Max’s original series JULIA. She also has a role in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and in the upcoming film “Stop! That! Train!” set to be released this summer.