As The Holdovers inches closer to potentially winning the 2024 Oscars

&#8216;The Holdovers&#8217; Divides Internet in Half as Plagiarism Shouts Take over Oscar 2024 Hours Before Ceremony

The Holdovers was a home run for numerous viewers. The 2023 movie, directed by
Alexander Payne, is filled with heart, humor, and a nostalgic charm that takes
the viewers back to the 1970s. The carefully crafted and soul-searching movie
received a total of five nominations at the 2024 Oscars. But, right before
Alexander Payne’s dramedy could win the Best Original Screenplay award at the
2024 Oscars, it found itself in the middle of a plagiarism scandal.

It was Simon Stephenson who accused Payne and The Holdovers writer David
Hemingson of plagiarizing his 2013 screenplay Frisco, going as far as claiming
“line-by-line” theft. Stephenson presented his case in emails and documents sent
to the Writers Guild of America. Recently, even Variety added weight to this
claim by throwing in a report
[https://variety.com/2024/film/news/the-holdovers-accused-plagiarism-luca-writer-1235935605/]
suggesting that Stephenson’s script did get into Alexander Payne’s hands. 

> This is supposedly some of the line-by-line plagiarism. On the left is THE
> HOLDOVERS. On the right is FRISCO. pic.twitter.com/wvUHfNiLGP
> [https://t.co/wvUHfNiLGP]
> 
> — Robert King (@RKing618) March 10, 2024
> [https://twitter.com/RKing618/status/1766647691516281229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]



Stephenson claimed that Payne had gotten hold of the Frisco script both in 2013
and 2019, just before he teamed up with David Hemingson to work on the
Oscar-nominated film. Variety disclosed excerpts from two emails dated 2013,
sent by Hollywood agents to Stephenson, with one from Geoff Morley at United
Talent Agency. This further hinted at Payne’s acquaintance with the script. 

ALSO READ: Who Is Clara Wong, Oscar-Nominated ‘The Holdovers’ Actor Paul
Giamatti’s Girlfriend?
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-oscars-who-is-clara-wong-oscar-nominated-the-holdovers-actor-paul-giamatti-girlfriend/]

This scandal split fans into two groups, with some supporting the claim and
others opposing it. 


SKEPTICISM AMONG NETIZENS FOR THE HOLDOVERS AHEAD OF THE BIG NIGHT

While many fans are skeptical about the credibility of the Oscar-nominated
screenwriter after the scandal, others have pointed out some historical
precedents. Fans mentioned that similar situations have occurred in the past,
just before the Oscars, such as with Guillermo del Toro and even with Sylvester
Stallone in the 70s.

> this happens all the time during oscar days. i remember it happened to
> Guillermo del Toro and in the 70s happened to Stallone
> 
> — we care about acting (@WActing69) March 9, 2024
> [https://twitter.com/WActing69/status/1766531077948993948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]



> Remember when Del Toro was accused of plagiarism with “The Shape of Water”?
> Well this is something like that.
> 
> — Victor Osuna (@victor_osuna) March 9, 2024
> [https://twitter.com/victor_osuna/status/1766549581913825686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]



Those who bought into the claim insisted that the Oscars withdraw the nomination
for The Holdovers.

> I don't know if the plagiarism is real. If it is true, the Holdovers should be
> kicked out of the Oscars. https://t.co/OAEsqPYncR [https://t.co/OAEsqPYncR]
> 
> — Sharon (@sharon79582471) March 10, 2024
> [https://twitter.com/sharon79582471/status/1766626314961010754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]



> Wild reading the comparisons on the plagiarism case of Simon Stephenson's
> "Frisco" vs Payne's "The Holdovers."
> 
> ESPECIALLY with Oscars tomorrow. The scripts truly are way too similar for it
> to be much ado about nothing. I hope the WGA backs SS. 👀
> 
> — Amaris J Gagnon (@Amaris_J_G) March 10, 2024
> [https://twitter.com/Amaris_J_G/status/1766623208193794527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]



 

Others raised doubts about why this controversy surfaced just before the Oscars
and not earlier.

> There’s no way the accuser of plagiarism could have been aware of The
> Holdovers prior to the day before the Oscars. Chances are near zero. You shut
> your goddamn mouth, you goddamn conspiracy theorist.
> 
> — Dr. E// (@dbizzle69) March 10, 2024
> [https://twitter.com/dbizzle69/status/1766615850155405697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]



> Why is this coming out a day before the Oscars?
> 
> — Edwin M (@EdwinChills) March 9, 2024
> [https://twitter.com/EdwinChills/status/1766531869871419497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]



As of now, there has been no immediate response from representatives for the
director Alexander Payne, or the writer David Hemingson. Payne and Hemingson
declined to comment to Variety, and although Simon Stephenson confirmed the
authenticity of the emails, he chose not to elaborate further to the
outlet. With the Oscars just around the corner, in fact hitting the screens an
hour earlier than usual
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/oscars-oscars-2024-to-start-an-hour-early-than-usual-why-is-the-academy-giving-up-the-eight-pm-slot/],
it is uncertain whether the Academy will reconsider its decision following the
scandal.

ALSO READ: Does ‘The Holdovers’ Oscar Nominated Lead Paul Giamatti Actually Have
a Glass Eye in Real-Life?
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-oscars-does-the-holdovers-oscar-nominated-lead-paul-giamatti-actually-have-a-glass-eye-in-real-life/]

What do you think about the scandal? Also, let us know your thoughts in the
comments below!

Hriddhi Maitra

Comment

&#8216;The Holdovers&#8217; Divides Internet in Half as Plagiarism Shouts Take over Oscar 2024 Hours Before Ceremony - Netflix Junkie

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Hriddhi Maitra is a Hollywood News reporter at Netflix Junkie. An enthusiastic movie buff, Hriddhi found her true calling when she worked as a Cinema Content Writer at My Cinema Story while analyzing movies objectively, and offering constructive feedback. Coming from a background where she worked in different niches like finance, food, travel, medicines, automobile, and entertainment, we can safely say she is a jack of all trades. With experience writing over 500+ articles, she is willing to pick up entertainment trends, controversies, and their societal impact at Netflix Junkie. Speaking of her love for cinema, The Shawshank Redemption and Crazy Stupid Love is her favorite. Though 'not an avid reader', as in her own words, she likes Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. When she is not listening to music or working, you can find her binge-watching a new show or writing a review to be live on her social media.

https://netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-oscars-the-holdovers-divides-internet-in-half-as-plagiarism-shouts-take-over-oscar-2024-hours-before-ceremony

&#8216;The Holdovers&#8217; Divides Internet in Half as Plagiarism Shouts Take over Oscar 2024 Hours Before Ceremony - netflix-junkie

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The Holdovers was a home run for numerous viewers. The 2023 movie, directed by Alexander Payne, is filled with heart, humor, and a nostalgic charm that takes the viewers back to the 1970s. The carefully crafted and soul-searching movie received a total of five nominations at the 2024 Oscars. But, right before Alexander Payne&#8217;s dramedy could win the Best Original Screenplay award at the 2024 Oscars, it found itself in the middle of a plagiarism scandal.
It was Simon Stephenson who accused Payne and The Holdovers writer David Hemingson of plagiarizing his 2013 screenplay Frisco, going as far as claiming &#8220;line-by-line&#8221; theft. Stephenson presented his case in emails and documents sent to the Writers Guild of America. Recently, even <a href="https://variety.com/2024/film/news/the-holdovers-accused-plagiarism-luca-writer-1235935605/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety added weight to this claim by throwing in a report</a> suggesting that Stephenson&#8217;s script did get into Alexander Payne&#8217;s hands. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
This is supposedly some of the line-by-line plagiarism. On the left is THE HOLDOVERS. On the right is FRISCO. <a href="https://t.co/wvUHfNiLGP">pic.twitter.com/wvUHfNiLGP</a>
&mdash; Robert King (@RKing618) <a href="https://twitter.com/RKing618/status/1766647691516281229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Stephenson claimed that Payne had gotten hold of the Frisco script both in 2013 and 2019, just before he teamed up with David Hemingson to work on the Oscar-nominated film. Variety disclosed excerpts from two emails dated 2013, sent by Hollywood agents to Stephenson, with one from Geoff Morley at United Talent Agency. This further hinted at Payne&#8217;s acquaintance with the script. 
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-oscars-who-is-clara-wong-oscar-nominated-the-holdovers-actor-paul-giamatti-girlfriend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Who Is Clara Wong, Oscar-Nominated ‘The Holdovers’ Actor Paul Giamatti’s Girlfriend?</a>
This scandal split fans into two groups, with some supporting the claim and others opposing it. 
<h2>Skepticism among netizens for The Holdovers ahead of the big night</h2>
While many fans are skeptical about the credibility of the Oscar-nominated screenwriter after the scandal, others have pointed out some historical precedents. Fans mentioned that similar situations have occurred in the past, just before the Oscars, such as with Guillermo del Toro and even with Sylvester Stallone in the 70s.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
this happens all the time during oscar days. i remember it happened to Guillermo del Toro and in the 70s happened to Stallone
&mdash; we care about acting (@WActing69) <a href="https://twitter.com/WActing69/status/1766531077948993948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Remember when Del Toro was accused of plagiarism with “The Shape of Water”? Well this is something like that.
&mdash; Victor Osuna (@victor_osuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/victor_osuna/status/1766549581913825686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Those who bought into the claim insisted that the Oscars withdraw the nomination for The Holdovers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
I don&#39;t know if the plagiarism is real. If it is true, the Holdovers should be kicked out of the Oscars. <a href="https://t.co/OAEsqPYncR">https://t.co/OAEsqPYncR</a>
&mdash; Sharon (@sharon79582471) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharon79582471/status/1766626314961010754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Wild reading the comparisons on the plagiarism case of Simon Stephenson&#39;s &quot;Frisco&quot; vs Payne&#39;s &quot;The Holdovers.&quot; 
ESPECIALLY with Oscars tomorrow. The scripts truly are way too similar for it to be much ado about nothing. I hope the WGA backs SS. 👀
&mdash; Amaris J Gagnon (@Amaris_J_G) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amaris_J_G/status/1766623208193794527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&nbsp;
Others raised doubts about why this controversy surfaced just before the Oscars and not earlier.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
There’s no way the accuser of plagiarism could have been aware of The Holdovers prior to the day before the Oscars. Chances are near zero. You shut your goddamn mouth, you goddamn conspiracy theorist.
&mdash; Dr. E// (@dbizzle69) <a href="https://twitter.com/dbizzle69/status/1766615850155405697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Why is this coming out a day before the Oscars?
&mdash; Edwin M (@EdwinChills) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdwinChills/status/1766531869871419497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As of now, there has been no immediate response from representatives for the director Alexander Payne, or the writer David Hemingson. Payne and Hemingson declined to comment to Variety, and although Simon Stephenson confirmed the authenticity of the emails, he chose not to elaborate further to the outlet. With the Oscars just around the corner, <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/oscars-oscars-2024-to-start-an-hour-early-than-usual-why-is-the-academy-giving-up-the-eight-pm-slot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in fact hitting the screens an hour earlier than usual</a>, it is uncertain whether the Academy will reconsider its decision following the scandal.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-oscars-does-the-holdovers-oscar-nominated-lead-paul-giamatti-actually-have-a-glass-eye-in-real-life/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Does ‘The Holdovers’ Oscar Nominated Lead Paul Giamatti Actually Have a Glass Eye in Real-Life?</a>
What do you think about the scandal? Also, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Does ‘The Holdovers’ Oscar Nominated Lead Paul Giamatti Actually Have a Glass
Eye in Real-Life?

Who Is Clara Wong, Oscar-Nominated ‘The Holdovers’ Actor Paul Giamatti’s
Girlfriend?

LONDON, ENGLAND &#8211; FEBRUARY 17: Paul Giamatti attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 Nominees&#8217; Party, Supported By Bulgari at The National Gallery on February 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 Nominees&#8217; Party, Supported By Bulgari &#8211; Arrivals

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As The Holdovers inches closer to potentially winning the 2024 Oscars, it finds itself embroiled in allegations of plagiarism!

'The Holdovers' Divides Internet in Half as Plagiarism Shouts Take over Oscar 2024 Hours Before Ceremony - Netflix Junkie

Hriddhi Maitra is a Hollywood News writer at Netflix Junkie. She skillfully breaks down nuances in stories on polarizing figures Kanye West and Meghan Markle. A Markle moment she covered was when the Duchess faced backlash for wearing Princess Diana’s Cartier watch. Hriddhi connected it to the missing ring controversy with her research skills. When not analyzing news, you will find her lost in the musical world or reviewing the latest movie and series releases on her social media.

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&#039;The Holdovers&#039; Divides Internet in Half as Plagiarism Shouts Take over Oscar 2024 Hours Before Ceremony

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‘The Holdovers’ Divides Internet in Half as Plagiarism Shouts Take over Oscar 2024 Hours Before Ceremony

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