We’re delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees for the 18th Annual Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) Zebbie Awards have been announced. In what has been another stellar year for Irish writing for theatre, TV, film, and radio, the nominees represent the very best of Irish writing talent. 

In an era where good news stories can feel few and far between, and where our creative craft and copyright is increasingly under threat, we are incredibly proud of the work that our members do and it is our privilege  to recognise and celebrate the best writing for stage, screen and radio across seven categories. It is a real joy to celebrate the talent of Irish writers and remind everyone of the brilliant creative minds behind your favourite films, plays, radio dramas and tv shows. 

Jennifer Davidson, Chair, WGI

Voting by WGI members is now live on script.ie

The Zebbie Awards celebrate the best of Irish writing in Theatre, Television Drama, Continuing Drama, Short Film, Feature Film, Radio and Animation. Only WGI members can read the nominated scripts and vote in the awards. 

The exceptionally high standard of Irish writing is reflected throughout this year’s nominations, with nominees include Jeda de Bri, Jo Spain and Eamon Little.

The Zebbie Awards are named in honour of O.Z. ‘Zebby’ Whitehead, a Broadway and Hollywood actor who was a great supporter of theatre and writing in Ireland after he moved to Dublin in 1963.

The WGI gratefully acknowledges the support of our Zebbie Awards sponsors Comisiún na Meán and the ICLA.

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 24th September at The Sugar Club in Dublin, presented once again by writer, actor and presenter Tara Flynn. 

Best Short Film Script

Naked Lights – Jeda de Brí

The Head On Him – Seán Gallen 

Kiki – Naomi Sheridan

Best Animation Script 

Doodle Girl “Paper Trees” – Emma Hogan

Odo “The Visitors” – Colin Williams

Li Ban – Myra Zepf

Best Radio & Audio Drama Script 

Shinaid – Eamann Breen

Ón Domhan Thíos – Richie Conroy & Sophie Hodkinson

The Devil’s Chair – Méabh de Brún

Best Continuing Drama Script

Fair City, S35 Ep 30 – Niamh Gleeson

Fair City, S35 Ep 123 – Hiram Harrington

Fair City, S35 Ep 132 – Janet Hayes

Best Theatre Script

Cosima – Sheena Lambert 

Trifled – Caitlin Magnall-Kearns 

Paddy, The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong – Mary-Elaine Tynan, Don Wycherley, Niamh Gleeson

Best TV Drama Script

Bad Sisters, Ep 8 – Paul Howard

Shush (Single Drama)  – Liv O’Donoghue

The Boy That Never Was, Ep 1 – Jo Spain (for a script by Jo Spain and David Logan) 

Best Feature Film Script

That They May Face The Rising Sun – Éamon Little, Pat Collins 

Oddity – Damian McCarthy

Abigail – Stephen Shields, Guy Busick