Beverly Hills, CA – Writer-director Kevin Smith, known for his gritty dialogue, eccentric characters and keen cultural insight, will deliver the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Marvin Borowsky Lecture on Screenwriting on Thursday, December 7, at 8 p.m. The lecture will be presented in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater and is open to the public.

Smith’s credits include “Clerks” (1994), “Mallrats” (1995) and “Chasing Amy” (1997) – his self-described New Jersey film cycle. His fourth film, “Dogma,” was released in 1999 and early next year Smith will begin shooting the last of his New Jersey film cycle, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” featuring himself as Silent Bob and Jason Mewes as Jay.

In addition to his writing and directing credits, Smith co-executive produced the Academy Award-winning film “Good Will Hunting” with Scott Mosier. An avid comic book fan, Smith is also the owner of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, a comic book haven in Redbank, New Jersey. Smith has written his own comic titles, and is currently working on Marvel Comics’ “Daredevil,” as well as contributing to the DC Comics hit “Green Arrow.”

The Borowsky Lecture on Screenwriting provides an opportunity for established film writers to share their experiences and to discuss the challenges and delights of writing for the screen. The lecture is named in memory of the screenwriter, novelist and teacher.

Tickets for the Borowsky Lecture featuring Kevin Smith are $5 for the general public, $3 for Academy members and students with valid identification. They may be purchased in advance at the Academy during regular business hours, by mail, or on the night of the lecture, if still available, when the doors open at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3600.