Hoping for an Oscar Nomination for ‘Hit Man’ Featuring Glen Powell and Directed by Richard Linklater

The film Hit Man debuted on Netflix in 2024 and quickly became my top pick for movie of the year. Despite its initial underwhelming reception during awards season, it has consistently garnered admiration, particularly reflected in recent nominations.

Today’s announcements from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) highlighted Glen Powell and Richard Linklater, who received a nomination for their outstanding Adapted Screenplay. They join fellow nominees from productions such as Wicked, Dune: Part Two, Nickel Boys, and A Complete Unknown. While these films showcase exquisite storytelling, Hit Man stands out uniquely in its adaptation approach.

Inspired by Skip Hollandsworth’s compelling 2001 article in Texas Monthly, the narrative centers on the true story of Gary Johnson. Although the film embellishes certain story elements—like the portrayal of Johnson marrying a mark after a killing—it authentically reflects his reality of adapting his personas to ensnare targets.

The screenplay is a masterful fusion of what audiences witnessed on screen and Powell and Linklater’s creative vision. For example, the scene inspired by Patrick Bateman is just one of many riveting moments revealing their meticulous craftsmanship. The richness of detail throughout the screenplay underscores the film’s brilliance and narrative depth.

Although Hit Man leans towards romantic comedy with unexpected twists, its origins firmly rooted in the intriguing true story of Gary Johnson provide a solid foundation for its thematic exploration.

Advocating for an Academy Award Nomination

As an avid supporter of the film, my desire for its success at the awards is naturally influenced by my admiration for it. Nevertheless, it is clear that Powell and Linklater skillfully transformed the original article into a unique cinematic experience, honoring the substance of the Texas Monthly piece without compromising its integrity. While the performances—such as Powell’s portrayal of multiple personas and Adria Arjona’s captivating role as Madison—are commendable, the screenplay itself stands as a noteworthy achievement deserving of recognition.

I resonate with the WGA nominee lineup, recognizing the profound thoughtfulness in each screenplay. These entries not only pay homage to their source material but also carve out their own paths. I found Nickel Boys, adapted by RaMell Ross from Colson Whitehead’s novel, particularly compelling. As the award season progresses, I hope to see this quality reflected in upcoming nominations and wins. Despite the recent delays in Academy Award nominations due to California wildfires, anticipation is building.

Ultimately, my hope is that Hit Man secures a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Earlier, Powell was recognized by the Golden Globes for his acting, and the film was nominated for Best Comedy at the Critics Choice Awards. Among these accolades, it is their exceptional work on the screenplay that truly deserves celebration.

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