Could ‘The Holdovers’ Face an Awards Recall Due to Plagiarism Claims?

“The Holdovers” finds itself embroiled in a serious controversy amidst accusations of plagiarism levelled by Simon Stephenson, the screenwriter behind Pixar’s “Luca” and the acclaimed Black List script “Frisco.” Stephenson alleges that “The Holdovers” lifted his script verbatim, presenting evidence to support his claims. Could this scandal tarnish the film’s awards and accolades?

The facts

Directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers” was a frontrunner for the 2024 Oscars, garnering five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. It ultimately secured an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, claimed by Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

The film has also been nominated for several other awards, such as the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, and the Critics’ Choice Awards, and has won some of them.

The plot revolves around Paul Hunham, a cynical classics professor, reluctantly paired with a troubled 15-year-old student, Dominic, over Christmas break. The screenplay was penned by David Hemingson, who also co-produced the film with Payne.

“Frisco,” authored by Stephenson in 2013, tells the tale of Dr. Jack, a weary paediatrician tasked with caring for a 15-year-old patient, Sam, for a few days. Ranked third on the Black List, it gained acclaim for its compelling narrative.

The arguments

Stephenson contends that the similarities between the two scripts extend to story, structure, characters, scenes, dialogue, and tone. He has compiled documents highlighting these alleged plagiarisms and has reached out to the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), and media outlets for recourse.

Notable parallels include:

• The opening scenes where protagonists face reprimand from authority figures.
• The introduction of rebellious, literary-minded teenage characters who bond with the protagonists.
• Subplots involving romantic interests with troubled pasts.
• Climactic moments where protagonists reconcile with troubled teens.

Stephenson asserts that Payne had access to his script drafts in 2013 and 2019, potentially influencing “The Holdovers.”

The plagiarism allegations have reverberated throughout the film industry and public, casting doubt on the originality of “The Holdovers,” previously lauded by critics and audiences alike.

Responses to the allegations vary, with some advocating for investigation and resolution, while others call for the film’s disqualification from awards contention. Defences of Payne and Hemingson have been raised, questioning the validity of the accusations.

This controversy sparks broader discussions about originality, creativity, and the rights of screenwriters in the film industry. It underscores the importance of crediting and respecting intellectual property in artistic endeavours.

In the realm of Oscar contention, the plagiarism allegations against “The Holdovers” and its parallels with “Frisco” are unprecedented, potentially reshaping industry standards and public perceptions.