Remembering Jeremy Larner: The Oscar-Winning Screenwriter of "The Candidate"

Jeremy Larner, the Oscar-winning screenwriter renowned for his work on the 1972 political drama "The Candidate," passed away on February 24, 2026, at the age of 88 in Oakland, California. His son, Jesse Larner, confirmed the news, noting that the specific cause of death was not disclosed, although Jeremy had been diagnosed with lymphoma in January and Parkinson’s disease in 2013.

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88

Larner's career was marked by a distinctive intersection of politics, journalism, and filmmaking. Before his foray into screenwriting, he served as a speechwriter for Senator Eugene McCarthy during the 1968 Democratic presidential campaign, which significantly influenced the tone and authenticity of "The Candidate." The film, directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Robert Redford, tells the story of Bill McKay, an idealistic lawyer who unexpectedly wins a U.S. Senate race, culminating in the iconic line, “What do we do now?”

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88New York Times

Larner's collaboration with Robert Redford was pivotal in bringing "The Candidate" to life. Initially, a script by columnist Pete Hamill was deemed insufficiently satirical, prompting Redford and Ritchie to seek Larner's expertise. Larner's background in political speechwriting provided a unique perspective that enriched the film's narrative.

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88

"The Candidate" remains a seminal work in American cinema, offering sharp commentary on political ambition and campaign culture. Larner's screenplay earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1973, solidifying his place in film history. His reflections on politics as performance and the emotional journey of campaigning continue to resonate, illustrating the complexities of political life.

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88

In reflecting on his career, Larner acknowledged the limited power of writers in Hollywood, stating, “Writers rarely had significant power in the film industry unless they reached the stature of celebrated screenwriters.” His acceptance speech for the Oscar highlighted the political influences that shaped his storytelling.

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88

Despite his success, Larner often expressed frustration regarding the influence of writers in the film industry. He noted that unless writers achieved a certain level of acclaim, their voices were frequently overshadowed by producers and directors.

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88

• “One of the reasons they approached me was that I was one of the very few writers who had written speeches for a presidential campaign and was also a screenwriter,” — Jeremy Larner

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88

• “Everything is beautiful. Then you begin to hear the roar of the falls up ahead—but it’s too late.” — Jeremy Larner

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88

Jeremy Larner's legacy is intrinsically linked to "The Candidate," a film that continues to be discussed for its insightful exploration of political dynamics. He is survived by his sons, Jesse and Zachary, and his brother Daniel, leaving behind a rich legacy that blends the worlds of politics and cinema.

Jeremy Larner, Acclaimed Screenwriter of The Candidate, Dies at 88