UNCSA Drama alumnus Will Janowitz nominated for Academy Award
Will Janowitz, an alumnus of the School of Drama at UNCSA has been nominated for an Academy Award for best picture for “Train Dreams.” Janowitz was a producer on the film, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced today via a global livestream the Academy’s website and its digital platforms including ABC’s "Good Morning America" and ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu, broadcast media and an international satellite feed.
Will Janowitz / Photo: IMDB
Directed by Clint Bentley and based on Denis Johnson’s novella, "Train Dreams" follows Robert Grainier, played by Joel Edgerton, an orphan who comes of age in the Pacific Northwest while helping build America’s railroad empire and building a life with his wife, Gladys, played by Felicity Jones, and their daughter. The cast includes Filmmaking alumnus Paul Schneider (B.F.A. ’98), who plays Apostle Frank, a talkative, gospel-loving logger. "Train Dreams" was nominated in four categories: best picture, original song, adapted screenplay and cinematography.
In addition, other alumni from multiple disciplines contributed to several Academy Award-nominated productions.
"Train Dreams" / Photo: "Train Dreams" Official Website
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m. on ABC and streamed live on Hulu.
Information in this release reflects what could be obtained by press time and will be updated online if additional information is made available.
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January 22, 2026