The USC Libraries holds an event each year celebrating the best screenplay adapted from existing works. Seldom do they recognize anything but literary adaptations to the big screen, but sometimes, like with The Tragedy of Macbeth, they’ll nominate play adaptations. They also have a pretty solid track record for Oscar foreshadowing, certainly better than the ban-happy Writers Guild of America.

USC SCRIPTER AWARDS

Best Adapted Screenplay

Dune
The Lost Daughter (RU:Wesley, RU:Peter, RU:Tripp)
Passing (RU:Thomas)
The Power of the Dog (Wesley, Peter, Tripp, Thomas)
The Tragedy of Macbeth

Wesley Lovell: Competition here is limited. It would be a major shock if The Power of the Dog didn’t win. If there’s an upset, it’s difficult to see where it would come from as none of these seem like particularly strong screenplay contenders.
Peter J. Patrick: The year’s best written adapted screenplay is easily Power of the Dog from a well-regarded work that does justice to the original while adding its own deft touches. The Lost Daughter also has strong support so it may not be a slam-dunk.
Tripp Burton: The Power of the Dog has led the season in Screenplay wins, and I don’t see how Campion loses this award.
Thomas LaTourette: This feels like it should be an easy win for The Power of the Dog, on its way to an Oscar win. It has the most precursor wins and it just feels like it will succeed. The Lost Daughter is also Oscar nominated and the only other nominee with a precursor win, but I think it stands little chance of winning. Dune, Passing, and The Tragedy of Macbeth stand no chance.