The writers behind “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,” “Juno” and “Lars and the Real Girl” have been named finalists in the 2008 Humanitas Prize feature film category.
Episodes from “Boston Legal,” “John Adams” and “The Wire” were the finalists in the 60-minute television category.
The Humanitas, which honor film and TV program writing that explores the human condition, also ushered in a new era by bringing writer-producer John Wells aboard as president. Frank Desiderio, who has been president since 2000, will now become chairman of the board.
Humanitas’ annual luncheon is also changing its venue, from the Hilton Universal to the Beverly Hills Hotel for its September 17 awards festivities.
Ronald Harwood (“Butterfly”), Diablo Cody (“Juno”) and Nancy Oliver (“Lars”) are now in the running for part of the $115,000 in prize money that will be handed out.
Other finalists include:
— “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” “Charlie & Me,” “A Life Interrupted,” and “Pictures of Hollis Woods” in the 90-minute category;
— “The Bill Engvall Show,” “In Treatment,” and “Scrubs” in the 30-minute category;
— “My Friends Tigger & Pooh,” “Sweet Blackberry Presents” and “Toddworld” in the children’s animation category;
— “Johnny Kapahala” “Minutemen,” and “Sheira & Loli’s Dittydoodle Works” in the children’s live action category;
— “Henry Poole Is Here,” written by Albert Torres, “A Raisin in the Sun,” by Paris Qualles,” and “The Visitor” by Tom McCarthy, were recognized in the Sundance feature film category.
Other categories include the David & Lynn Angell Fellowship in comedy writing and the Humanitas student drama fellowship, as well as the documentary award.
