Nora Ephron tribute set for Writers Guild Awards

By Mark Olsen

Feb. 13, 2013 12 AM PT

Often thought of as one of the quintessential New Yorkers, it is perhaps only appropriate that the late Nora Ephron will be saluted by the Writers Guild of America, East with a special tribute during the group’s awards ceremony this Sunday.

Ephorn’s writing has been seen as deeply influential on the contemporary romantic comedy and the portrayal of modern women in movies.

A journalist, author, screenwriter and director, Ephron died in New York City in June 2012. She was nominated for the Writers Guild of America award four times, presented with a WGA career achievement award and was nominated for the Academy Award for original screenplay three times.

Among her best known works are the screenplays for “Silkwood,” “Heartburn” (based on her novel about the breakup of her marriage to Carl Bernstein) and “When Harry Met Sally.” Among the films written and directed by Ephron were “Sleepless In Seattle,” You’ve Got Mail” and “Julie And Julia.”

In a statement, Michael Winship, president of the WGA, East, said of Ephron, “Not only did she embody the sophistication, wit and energy of our city, she was also a loyal union member who walked the picket line and talked the talk on behalf of all her fellow writers.”

The WGA awards ceremony will be held simultaneously on Sunday in New York and Los Angeles. From New York, author Meg Wolitzer -- whose novel was the basis for “This Is My Life,” Ephron’s 1992 directorial debut with a screenplay co-written by Ephorn with her sister Delia -- will speak and present a clip package for the tribute.

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