Screenwriters Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry pose with the award for best adapted screenplay for "Brokeback Mountain," which they won at the 2006 Writers Guild Awards in Hollywood, California February 4, 2006. (Reuters photo)

    BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Racial drama "Crash" and cowboy love story "Brokeback Mountain" won the top prizes at the Writers Guild of America awards on Saturday.

    Crash, which looks at racial tension in Los Angeles from the points of view of different ethnic groups, won the best original screenplay award from the Writers Guild of America for its writers Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco.

    Brokeback Mountain, about a love affair between a pair of lonesome cowboys that spanned decades, earned Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry best adapted screenplay honours from the guild. 

    Both films are also nominated in writing categories at the Academy Awards, and Saturday's win undoubtedly adds to the momentum for "Brokeback Mountain," which has racked up numerous guild awards and critics honors, including the Golden Globe for best screenplay.

    Both movies are competing for the ultimate accolade - the best picture Oscar - at the Hollywood ceremony on March 5th.

    Brokeback Mountain has eight nominations for this year's Academy Awards, while drama Crash has six.

    The script awards are watched closely because many of the members of the Writer's Guild are also on the judging panel for the Oscars. Enditem

(Agencies)