Best Picture Power Rankings and Brutal Honesty About ‘The Brutalist’
Jan 31, 2025
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Joanna Robinson, a savvy film critic and writer, joins the discussion to delve into the intricate world of the Best Picture race. They dissect the film 'The Brutalist,' examining its cultural impact and themes of pain and authenticity. Joanna shares her insights on award nominations and the unpredictability of this season, while the trio ranks the nominated films based on their winning potential. With humor and brutal honesty, they navigate the fierce competition and highlight key trends in film representation and storytelling.
The Brutalist serves as a poignant exploration of the complexities surrounding pain, artistic ambition, and immigrant experiences in America.
Current awards season dynamics reveal the impact of international voters on the Best Picture race, signaling a shift in storytelling priorities.
The hosts reflect on past Oscar winners, questioning what narratives and themes the Academy might reward in today's cinematic landscape.
Amidst a balance of spectacle and substance, there is a longing for films that genuinely resonate and challenge audiences to think critically.
The podcast encourages audiences to engage deeply with films, advocating for informed discussions that recognize the rich themes and narratives present.
Deep dives
Overview of The Press Box Podcast
The Press Box podcast focuses on unraveling how news is produced in various sectors, including sports, politics, and pop culture. It aims to help listeners navigate the overwhelming influx of daily information by providing clarity and insight into the industry's workings. The hosts, Brian Curtis, Sean Fennessy, and Amanda Dobbins, engage in discussions that feature long interviews with notable figures from various fields, aiming to deepen understanding of contemporary news events. The show emphasizes that amidst the chaos of social media feeds, there is value in slowing down and really understanding the stories that shape our lives.
Discussion of The Brutalist Film
The podcast delves into the film The Brutalist, where the hosts offer a detailed critique and analysis of its narrative and themes. They express admiration for the film's achievements and discuss its marketing strategies that contributed to its cultural phenomenon. The conversation revolves around the film's exploration of pain, artistic ambition, and the complexities of immigrant experiences in America. The hosts note how the film provokes thought regarding the sacrifices artists make and the impact of trauma on creative expression.
Awards Season Analysis
The hosts analyze the current awards season landscape, focusing on nominations and the competing narratives of various films. They discuss the dynamics of campaigning and how certain movies are positioned within the race, including the significance of different categories like directing, screenplay, and editing. The conversation also touches on how the public's perception of films can shift based on awards recognition and the performances leading up to the Oscars. The hosts emphasize the unpredictable nature of the awards season, with personal biases and industry trends affecting outcomes.
The Role of International Voters
The podcast addresses the influence of international voters within the Academy and how their perspectives might shape the outcome of this year's Oscars. It highlights that several Best Picture nominees appeal more to this demographic, suggesting a shift in what stories resonate. The hosts discuss the implications of this voting body not aligning with traditional Hollywood narratives and how this could impact the selection of winners. They reflect on whether the landscape of American cinema is evolving and what that means for the future of storytelling.
Lessons from Past Oscar Winners
The conversation includes reflections on the history of past Oscar winners and how they resonate with current nominations. The hosts discuss whether the Academy is likely to reward a film that embodies classic themes, specifically the story of a misunderstood male genius. They draw comparisons between this year’s contenders and films from past Oscars, emphasizing how narratives of trauma, artistry, and the American experience resonate through the lens of these films. The hosts question what the Academy’s choices reveal about the industry’s values at this moment.
Spectacle vs. Substance in Current Films
The hosts deliberate the balance between spectacle and substance in the current films being recognized. While many movies offer phenomenal visuals, they debate whether they can effectively convey a deeper message or cultural significance. They express a longing for stories that genuinely resonate with audiences and challenge them to think critically, rather than simply entertain. There is a recognition that while some films aim for artistic integrity, others may fall short in delivering a lasting impact.
Exploring the Recent Cultural Phenomenon
The podcast examines how cinema in the past few years has evolved to reflect societal changes and current issues. The comparison of films like The Brutalist against others underscores a growing trend of narratives addressing complex themes such as immigration and identity. They discuss how the Academy is responding to these changes and whether it will continue to evolve or revert to traditional storytelling norms. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging diverse experiences within mainstream cinema.
Impact of Recent Scandals
The hosts acknowledge how recent scandals and controversies surrounding various films and actors may influence public perception and Academy voting. They note that the battleground of social media plays a significant role in shaping opinions and narratives that could potentially impact awards outcomes. As public sentiment fluctuates, the hosts reflect on whether these controversies will alter voters' perspectives on nominated films. The discussion serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cinematic discourse in an era of heightened scrutiny.
The Audience's Role in Film Appreciation
Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize the unique relationship between films and their audiences, highlighting how viewers can impact a film’s legacy. They discuss the responsibility audiences have in engaging with content critically and recognizing the deeper themes at play. The hosts encourage listeners to explore films beyond surface-level enjoyment, advocating for more profound discussions around the narratives being presented. This segment serves as a call to action for viewers to become more informed and articulate in their responses to cinema.
Looking Toward the Future of Cinema
The podcast concludes with thoughts on the future trajectory of cinema and the types of stories that will gain prominence in years to come. The hosts speculate about potential shifts in storytelling driven by changing cultural dynamics and audience expectations. They express hope for a more inclusive cinematic landscape that embraces diverse narratives while still acknowledging traditional forms. The discussion ends with optimism about the continued evolution of film as a powerful medium for social commentary.
Sean and Amanda dig into ‘The Brutalist’ (with spoilers!)—the text, the reception, the performances, the score, its awards chances, its lasting presence in the American film canon, and everything in between (1:00). Then, they’re joined by Joanna Robinson to weigh in on the Best Picture race and rank all 10 films nominated for the award based on their current chances to win the race (1:31:00).
