The Academy Awards aren't just for billion-dollar blockbusters and art-house films.

Each year, the Academy presents up to 5 Nicholl Fellowships, where amateur screenwriters are awarded $35,000 to help launch their careers.

Allan Durand  was one recipient of the award this year. He's a lawyer based in Layfayette, Louisiana, who wrote "Willie Francis Must Die Again," the real-life story of a 16-year old who survived his first execution attempt on the electric chair. 

KPCC's Patt Morrison spoke with Durand about the only man to be executed twice in Louisiana.