"The Descendants" and Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" also earned screenplay nominations. But likely Oscar contenders "War Horse" and political drama "The Ides of March" failed to gain a mention while French silent movie "The Artist" was ineligible under WGA rules.

Instead cancer dark comedy "50/50", and "Young Adult" picked up nominations for best original screenplay, along with the little-seen indy drama "Win Win" starring Paul Giamatti as a high school wrestling coach.

The Martin Scorsese film "Hugo", and "Moneyball" rounded out the 10 nominations for adapted and original screenplays.

The Writers Guild Awards will be handed out at ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles on February 19.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant, editing by Christine Kearneye)

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