Paul Thomas Anderson Reveals Origin of ‘One Battle After Another’ Script’s NSFW Line at Golden Globes
Anderson referred to writers as "magpies" while collecting the prize for best screenplay at Sunday's ceremony.
Paul Thomas Anderson offered the origin story for a colorful line from his film One Battle After Another during his acceptance speech for best screenplay at the 2026 Golden Globes.
Anderson, who directed the movie from the script he adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, noted from the podium that he considers writers to be “magpies” and explained, “We steal all the bits and pieces that everybody says as best we can.” He went on to credit castmember Shayna McHayle, also known by her stage name Junglepussy, for a line that she contributed for her character, J.P.
“Shayna McHayle’s a great writer,” Anderson said. “I stole a line from her: ‘This pussy don’t pop for you.’ I owe her for that one.”
He continued, “I stole a lot of words from Thomas Pynchon, who wrote a great book that we adapted. Stole some words from Nina Simone — somebody asked her what freedom was. She said, ‘No fear.’ Pretty good line. So I share this with everybody I magpie’d off of.”
The other nominees in the category included Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Jafar Panahi (It Was Just an Accident), Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value) and Chloé Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet).
Last year’s winner in the category was Conclave scribe Peter Straughan, who went on to win the Oscar for best adapted screenplay.
Nikki Glaser hosted the 2026 Golden Globes on Sunday from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The ceremony can be seen live on CBS and Paramount+ With Showtime.
Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter.
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