Later Blatty resumed writing fiction. In 1971, he wrote "The Exorcist", the story of a twelve-year-old girl possessed by a powerful demon, that topped "The New York Times" Best Seller list for 17 weeks and remained on the list for 57 consecutive weeks. The book sold more than 13 million copies in the United States alone and was translated into over a dozen languages. He later adapted it with director William Friedkin into the film version. Blatty went on to win an Academy Award for his "Exorcist" screenplay, as well as Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Writing. It also became the first horror film ever to be nominated for the best picture Oscar.