Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program adjunct faculty member Geoffrey Fletcher won the Oscar for Writing (Adapted Screenplay) in 2010 for "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire," becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award for writing in Oscar history. The award capped a robust awards season for Fletcher, who also won an Independent Spirit Award for the film. "Precious" won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, and top honors at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival as well.
Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program was represented in another historic Oscar win on the same evening: Alumna Kathryn Bigelow ('81SOA) became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Picture and the Oscar for Best Director for her film "The Hurt Locker."
“The School of the Arts is honored to have two members of our community make history at the Oscars,” said Carol Becker, dean of the school. “Kathryn Bigelow and Geoffrey Fletcher’s accomplishments epitomize the brave filmmaking and artistic independence encouraged by our Film Program, and we are proud to be connected to two such courageous and talented artists.”
Fletcher's Historic Oscar Win in New York Daily News
Fletcher and Kathryn Bigelow Featured in Columbia News
Fletcher Interviewed on His Adaptation of Push
