Established in 1988 and presented annually by the Friends of the USC Libraries, the Scripter celebrates with its 22nd annual black-tie gala, to take place in the historic Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library.

Eligible written works and films are reviewed by a committee consisting of Writers Guild of America members, Academy Award-winning and -nominated screenwriters, authors, film industry executives, faculty and select members of the Friends of the USC Libraries. This selection committee narrows down the year's eligible films to five nominees and then chooses the year's best cinematic adaptation.

Past Scripter winners have included the authors and screenwriters of Slumdog Millionaire, No Country for Old Men, Million Dollar Baby, The Hours, A Beautiful Mind, L.A. Confidential, The English Patient and Schindler's List.