AceShowbiz -

This movie awards season will see "Capote" and "Syriana" competing one another to secure the University of Southern California's 17th annual Scripter Award, which honors the year's best film adaptation of a book, novella or short story, and is the only award that honors both the author and screenwriter.

The writers of both films reportedly have received an equal number of votes in the Scripter selection committee balloting. Thus, a runoff vote will be held to determine this year's winning film, which final results to be made public Wednesday Jan 18. And as the winner has been revealed, the award will then be presented on February 11 during a black-tie dinner.

Based on the biography of Truman Capote, "Capote," is worked on by Gerald Clarke with screenplay by Dan Futterman. Meanwhile, "Syriana" is adapted from journalist Robert Baer's book "See No Evil" with a screenplay by Stephen Gaghan, who also is directing the film.