Danny Strong

RECOUNT is still the most engaging script I’ve ever read. Danny Strong’s research and talent paid off in his telling of a story every viewer already knew the outcome of. And yet, in the telling of that story, Strong made you believe the Democrats might win. That it was actually possible. And, for a time, it was.

I had the pleasure of reading Danny’s script long before it was made into a film. And I can tell you right now that everything that made it a great film was right there on the page. And more. Tonight Danny didn’t win the Emmy for best writer (it went to Kirk Ellis for JOHN ADAMS), but I want to honor him here and now for telling a story that needed to be told at a time when we need to be reminded. And for doing such a damn good job of it. And congratulations to HBO, director Jay Roach, producer Paula Weinstein and all the other talents attached to this project who recognized both its importance and the power of the script that continues to be the film’s backbone.

I look forward to more scripts and more films from Danny Strong. The Academy may not have given him an Emmy, but no one can take away what he has given us.

OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE

ALAN BAUMGARTEN, A.C.E, Editor HBO

"Recount"