In 2002, Payne's film "About Schmidt" about a recently retired man who embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter's wedding was released. The film starred Jack Nicholson as the central performance of Warren Schmidt. The film also co-starred Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, June Squibb, and Kathy Bates. The film premiered at the 55th Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews with critics highlighting Nicholson's performance. Payne received a Golden Globe for his screenplay for which was also nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. To the surprise of many who kept track of Hollywood news, Payne and his writing partner Jim Taylor were not nominated for an Oscar for the "About Schmidt" screenplay.