Culture 4 min read By Morgan Griffin
Variety Names 10 Screenwriters to Watch for 2026, Honoring Scribes Behind 'Being Heumann' and 'Clarissa'
Variety has selected 10 emerging screenwriters for its Screenwriter to Watch class of 2026, with honorees including the writers behind 'Being Heumann,' 'Clarissa,' and 'A Different World.' The group will be celebrated at a panel during the Santa Fe International Film Festival.
Variety has unveiled its Screenwriter to Watch class of 2026, selecting 10 up-and-coming scribes whose work spans film and television. The honorees include the writers behind projects such as «Being Heumann,» «Clarissa,» and «A Different World,» according to the publication. The recognition highlights emerging talent at a time when the entertainment industry continues to grapple with shifting production models and evolving audience demands.
The selected writers will be honored at a panel taking place during the Santa Fe International Film Festival. The festival, held annually in New Mexico, has become a notable stop for awards-season contenders and independent cinema, making it a fitting venue for a celebration of new voices in screenwriting. Variety's Screenwriter to Watch list is an annual feature that spotlights writers poised for significant career breakthroughs in the coming year.
Among the projects represented by this year's class are «Being Heumann,» «Clarissa,» and «A Different World.» While details about the individual writers and their specific credits remain limited in the initial announcement, the inclusion of these titles suggests a diverse range of storytelling, from biographical drama to reimagined classics. «A Different World,» for instance, shares its name with the beloved late-1980s sitcom that explored life at a historically Black college, though it is unclear whether the project is a reboot, a documentary, or an unrelated work bearing the same title.
The recognition comes as screenwriters continue to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. Streaming platforms have increased demand for original content, while labor disputes and technological shifts have reshaped how writers work and how their contributions are valued. Lists like Variety's serve not only as a career boost for the honorees but also as a signal to industry decision-makers about whose work may define the next wave of film and television.
The Santa Fe International Film Festival panel will offer the selected writers a platform to discuss their craft and upcoming projects. Such events often function as informal markets, where writers can connect with producers, agents, and executives seeking fresh material. For emerging scribes, the visibility that comes with a major trade publication's endorsement can be instrumental in securing meetings and greenlights.
Variety has a long history of identifying talent early through its various «to watch» lists, which have previously spotlighted figures who went on to become major forces in Hollywood. The Screenwriter to Watch list specifically draws attention to the foundational role of writing in an industry often preoccupied with stars and directors. By honoring these 10 individuals, the publication underscores that compelling scripts remain the bedrock of successful film and television.
The full list of honorees and their specific projects is expected to generate further discussion as the Santa Fe International Film Festival approaches. For now, the announcement places a spotlight on a group of writers whose work will likely shape screens in the year ahead. The panel at the festival will provide an early opportunity to hear directly from these emerging voices about their creative processes and the stories they are bringing to audiences.
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