Feature films " "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "Juno" and "Lars and the Real Girl" --- all previously nominated for Academy Awards --- were nominated for the 2009 Humanitas Prize, honoring film and television writing.

A total of $115,000 in prize money will be handed out at the annual luncheon on Sept. 17 at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Since 1974, Humanitas has honored feature film and television writing that explores the human condition in a way which affirms the dignity of the human person and reveals common humanity.

"It is extremely gratifying to play a role in recognizing and honoring these Humanitas finalists," said John Wells, new Humanitas Prize President. "The work of these writers is truly inspiring."

A prolific and acclaimed creator in television, writer/producer Wells has worked on "ER," "The West Wing," "Third Watch" and "China Beach." His awards include six Emmys, five George Foster Peabody Awards, five Producers Guild of America Awards, two Golden Globes, nine People's Choice Awards, and a Humanitas Prize (for "The West Wing").

Wells succeeds Paulist Father Frank Desiderio, president of the Humanitas Prize since 2000, and now chairman of the board while continuing in many of his current duties. In addition to his work for Humanitas, he has served as executive producer for both made-for-television movies and documentary projects.

"Humanitas is close to my heart," said Father Desiderio. "I care deeply about our mission. When we honor writers who write life-affirming stories, we help move our culture forward."

The 2008 Humanitas Prize finalists presentations and writers are:

Feature Film: "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," Ronald Harwood; "Juno," Diablo Cody; "Lars and the Real Girl," Nancy Oliver

90-Minute Television: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," Daniel Giat; "Charlie & Me," Karen Legasse Struck; "Life Interrupted," John Wierick; "Pictures of Hollis Woods," Ann Peacock, Daniel Petrie Jr. & Camille Thomasson.

60-Minute Television: "Boston Legal" ("Roe V. Wade, The Musical"), David E. Kelly & Susan Dickes (teleplay), David E. Kelly, Susan Dickes & Jill Goldsmith (story); "John Adams, Part 1," Kirk Ellis; "The Wire" ("Late Editions"), George Pelecanos (teleplay), David Simon & George Pelecanos (story).

30-Minute Television: "The Bill Engvall Show" ("Aloha Raffles"), Kathy Ann Stumpe; "In Treatment" ("Sophie Week 2"), Sarah Treem; "Scrubs" ("My Long Goodbye"), Dave Tennant.

Children's Animation: "My Friends Tigger & Pooh" ("Eeyore's Sad Day"), Brian Hohlfeld; "Sweet Blackberry Presents" ("The Journey of Henry Box Brown"), Karyn Parsons; "Toddworld" ("Come Out of Your Shell"), Don Gillies.

Children's Live Action: "Johnny Kapahala" ("Back On Board"), Ann Austen, Douglas Sloan, Max Enscoe & Annie DeYoung (teleplay), Ann Austen & Douglas Sloan (story); "Minutemen," John Killoran (teleplay), David Diamond & David Weissman (story); "Heira & Loli's Dittydoodle Works" ("Sacrifice"), David Lawrence, Bill Rodman & Cory Rosenberg.

Sundance Feature Film: "Henry Poole Is Here," Albert Torres; "A Raisin in the Sun," Paris Qualles; "The Visitor," Tom McCarthy.

David & Lynn Angell Fellowship in Comedy Writing: "Fair," Cameron Porsandeh; "McKellar Hall," Nik Blahunka & Marcy Holland.

Humanitas Student Drama Fellowship: "Heroes" ("The Cure"), Marla DuMont; "House" ("Witch Is It"), Katherine F. Lovejoy.