‘Mudbound’ Screenwriter Virgil Williams Shares His “Intensely Personal” Connection to Film | Meet Your Nominee

Virgil Williams discusses his Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Mudbound, sharing personal connections to the story and highlighting key scenes. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of writing, the impact of Mary J Blige's performance, and the film's potential to resonate with younger audiences. Williams also shares his inspirations and surreal moments, including meeting John Landis, which affirmed his career path.

How did Virgil Williams describe the experience of being nominated for an Oscar?

• Disappointing and challenging

• Expected and routine

• Humbling and magical

• Overwhelming and stressful

What personal connection does Virgil Williams have to the screenplay of Mudbound?

• He served in World War Two

• His father was a director

• His grandfather fought in a segregated unit

• He grew up in the South

What does Virgil Williams hope young audiences will gain from watching Mudbound?

• An appreciation for special effects

• A sense of historical context

• A desire to become actors

• An understanding of modern politics

What does Virgil Williams believe is the key to overcoming fear and hate?

• Education

• Love and unity

• Wealth

• Isolation

What does Virgil Williams believe young writers are missing out on?

• Access to modern technology

• A section of learning and experience

• Support from established writers

• Opportunities to direct

What quality of Mary J Blige's performance does Virgil Williams highlight?

• Her vocal range

• Her humor

• Her physicality

• Her stillness

What does Virgil Williams consider essential for a great actor?

• Physical strength

• Comedic timing

• Vulnerability

• Technical skills

What was the profound moment Virgil Williams experienced with John Landis?

• Having a long conversation with him

• Being cast in a movie by him

• Receiving an award from him

• Seeing him at the Oscar luncheon

What film did Virgil Williams say inspired him as a child?

• Alien

• E.T.

• Star Wars

• The Godfather

What does Virgil Williams say about the younger generation's access to information?

• They have less access than before

• They are overwhelmed by it

• They sort through it faster

• They ignore it completely