help me has or have

You have to use "have", as the second subject ( writers) is plural.

If it were:

"Neither the writers nor the director of this film (has/have) ever received an Academy Award,"

we'd use "has" because the subject closest to the verb (director) is singular.

goronsky"Neither the writers nor the director of this film (has/have) ever received an Academy Award,"we'd use "has" because the subject closest to the verb (director) is singular.

In practice, many people would use 'have'.

News to me.

goronskyNews to me.

I'm surprised.. Whatever the style guides might say, many people would even say "Neither the writer nor the director have ...". I don't recommend that learners do this, but they need to know they might see/hear it.

In practice, many people would use 'have'.

I agree. I hear and read "have" being used for two single subjects very often.