Rian Johnson receives the prestigious Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting at the Austin Film Festival's Writers Conference.
Rian Johnson, acclaimed writer and director, will be honored with the Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting by the Austin Film Festival during their Writers Conference from October 23 to 26, 2025. This recognition coincides with the festival’s screening of Johnson’s newest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third entry in his popular whodunnit saga.
The Latest Knives Out Film and Its Star-Studded Ensemble
The film features Daniel Craig reprising his role as private detective Benoit Blanc, who investigates a fresh murder case involving an eclectic mix of suspects. The ensemble cast includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. Wake Up Dead Man is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September before its Netflix release on December 12.
Legacy of the Bill Wittliff Award and Its Namesake
The award pays tribute to Bill Wittliff, an Austin-born screenwriter known for classics such as Lonesome Dove, Legends of the Fall, and The Perfect Storm. Wittliff passed away in 2019 at the age of 79, leaving behind a significant legacy in film and television writing.
Festival Leadership Praises Johnson’s Contributions to Storytelling
Barbara Morgan, co-founder and executive director of the Austin Film Festival, expressed enthusiasm about Johnson’s selection as this year’s honoree.
Image of: Rian Johnson
“We are thrilled to welcome Rian Johnson back to Austin Film Festival as this year’s recipient of the Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting,”
Morgan stated.
“Rian is an incredibly gifted screenwriter and visionary filmmaker whose body of work and generosity to the next generation of storytellers exemplifies this award. His latest installment in the Knives Out Mystery canon, ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,’ solidifies his singular talent for combining intricate plotting, sharp comedic sense and character-driven emotional impact to deliver an always unexpected, wildly entertaining story. Our audience will be delighted to experience this twisting, turning, captivating caper on the silver screen this October.”
Recognition Ceremony and Additional Honors at the Festival
Johnson will receive the Bill Wittliff Award during the Austin Film Festival’s Awards Luncheon on Saturday, October 25, where other honorees include producer Christine Vachon and television writer Yvette Lee Bowser. The event will also recognize competition winners in script and film categories as well as recipients of industry-sponsored fellowships.
Rian Johnson Shares Gratitude for the Award and Festival
Regarding the honor, Johnson remarked,
“I’m honored to be receiving the Bill Wittliff award from the Austin Film Festival,”
adding,
“I love the AFF and its support of established and emerging writers, and attending will be both a pleasure and a welcomed excuse to procrastinate on my own writing.”
Writers Conference Offers Extensive Programming for Storytellers
The Austin Film Festival’s Writers Conference will feature more than 150 panels covering the art, craft, and business aspects of storytelling. The sessions will include participation from respected professionals across film, television, and new media industries. Badges and passes for the event are currently available.
