Screenwriters I Love: Martin McDonagh

My 2023 #LauraAtTheMovies journey is a list of screenwriters I love and why they inspire me as a writer, competition juror, script supervisor, and fan.

Screenwriter: Martin McDonagh

Best Known For: The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), In Bruges (2008)

Awards & Nominations: 

So far 88 wins, over 170 nominations for dozens of film festival, guild, and critic awards and honors for best picture, writing, and directing. He's earned four Golden Globes, six BAFTAs, three Olivier Awards, five Tony awards, and an Academy Award (Best Live Action Short Film for Six Shooter in 2004). This year, The Banshees of Inisherin is nominated for four Academy Awards and has received numerous international accolades and awards.

About the writer: He started as a playwright, writing about the landscape of his childhood holidays in Ireland, moving from the Royal National Theatre to Broadway to screenwriting, directing, and producing short and feature films. 

Why I love his work: He's ever-evolving and always takes us deep into the story. Martin McDonagh is masterful at natural dialogue and deep character development. He just grabs the audience and pulls us in, in every way. I'm amazed at those who can write AND direct. I cannot imagine doing it. He does it exceptionally well and certainly deserves his awards and nominations.

IMDb link: Martin McDonagh

Thanks for joining me at the movies,

Related links: https://lauracrispdavis.com/blog/screenwriters-i-love-2023-list/