KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A University of Kansas professor is in the running for an Oscar for his work on “BlacKkKlansman."
Kevin Willmott was nominated Tuesday for best adapted screenplay, along with Spike Lee, Charlie Wachtel and David Rabinowitz. Willmott co-wrote the film, which is based on the true story of a black police officer who infiltrated a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s.
Other films nominated for best adapted screenplay were "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”, “If Beale Street Could Talk” and “A Star Is Born.”
“BlacKkKlansman” received five other Oscar nominations, including best picture. Lee also earned his first directing nomination for the film.
Willmott teaches film and media studies at KU. He grew up in Junction City, Kansas.
Last year, Willmott spoke with the Screened on the Spot podcast about his Hollywood journey.
The Academy Awards will air Feb. 24 on ABC. See a full list of nominees here.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
