The Top Five Performances of 2024. Plus: The Amy Adams Hall of Fame and ‘Nightbitch.’
Dec 16, 2024
02:20:17
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Quick takeaways
The podcast highlights five standout performances of the year, showcasing a mix of established and emerging actors' talents.
A detailed discussion on Amy Adams' role in 'Night Bitch' reveals the complexities of motherhood and surreal transformation in her character.
The hosts engage in selecting performances for the imaginary Amy Adams Hall of Fame, emphasizing her multifaceted career and varying critical reception.
Insights from Pablo Larraín on Angelina Jolie's challenging role in 'Maria' explore the intricacies of portraying opera singing in historical fiction.
Deep dives
Overview of Todd McShay's New Show
Todd McShay introduces his new show at The Ringer and Spotify, emphasizing its year-round focus on NFL draft information, including big boards, mock drafts, and player rankings. He discusses the show's format, which will feature episodes each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, highlighting player movements and rising talents in the NFL. Moreover, McShay promises weekly reactions to college football playoff polls and previews of Saturday games. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to subscribe for exclusive insights into the college and NFL football scenes.
Podcast Structure and Special Guests
The podcast is structured to include interviews with notable football analysts and friends of McShay, enhancing the discussion around player drafts and rankings. Each episode promises engaging conversations, making it not just an informative show but an entertaining one as well. McShay promises to dissect which players are worth watching for NFL teams and share predictions about their performances. The blend of expert analysis and friendly banter aims to draw in both casual fans and dedicated followers of football.
Holiday Gift Guide from Walmart
During the podcast, an advertisement for Walmart highlights the importance of thoughtful holiday gifting, showcasing a selection of fun and versatile gifts available at various price points. Some featured products include a Samsung soundbar, a Lego sorting hat, and a Fujifilm Instax camera. This segment underscores Walmart's extensive collection of gifts that cater to different interests and personalities. The ad stresses the importance of finding something special that reflects a deep understanding of the recipient’s tastes.
Introduction of Sean Fennessy and the Focus on Amy Adams
Host Sean Fennessy guides the audience into a deep dive discussion about actress Amy Adams, sharing excitement over her new film 'Night Bitch'. He discusses the complicated reputation that Adams holds, noting that she has an upcoming movie that allows her talent to shine through a multifaceted role, prompting excitement among fans. Fennessy acknowledges a divide among certain critics as to Adams' status in Hollywood, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of her performances. The discussion touches on the challenges of narrowing down a list of favorite performances from the year.
Amy Adams' Year and Performance Explorations
The podcast features a conversation about the current year in film, emphasizing strong performances from various actresses, including Adams in 'Night Bitch'. The hosts note that the film showcases her range, and they share mixed feelings about her performances in recently released films compared to her past works. They compare Adams’ various roles, celebrating her as a talented actress while recognizing that not all of her projects have received the same acclaim. This exploration reflects the complexity of her career and the perceptions held by the film community.
Performance Rankings and Favorites
Fennessy and his co-hosts delve into their favorite performances of the year, noting that it was challenging to narrow down the selections. They discuss various performances that stood out, including ones from newer actors as well as established stars. The conversation revolves around criteria for ranking performances, including emotional depth and memorable moments. This segment ultimately serves as a celebration of the craft and the various ways actors can leave a mark on audiences.
Reflecting on the State of Film and Awards Season
There's a reflective discussion on the state of this year’s awards season and the films that have made an impact, especially those featuring women. The group considers the ways filmmakers and actors are pushing boundaries while emphasizing the need for greater representation in front of and behind the camera. They talk about how some films have risen to prominence while others have been overlooked, lamenting the lack of recognition for certain performances. The hosts express enthusiasm for the upcoming awards and the potential journeys of various nominees.
Conclusion on Amy Adams' Career and Future Projects
The podcast wraps up with a focus on Amy Adams' prospects in the industry, acknowledging her impressive filmography while discussing recent projects that may not have garnered the attention they deserve. The conversation touches upon her impact, artistry, and how she might navigate future roles in a challenging landscape for women in film. They speculate on what her career trajectory looks like moving forward, questioning whether her recent productions will reshape her presence in Hollywood. In doing so, they celebrate her ongoing contributions, emphasizing the importance of her voice and work.
Sean is joined Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney to run through five of their favorite individual performances from the year in acting (1:00) before discussing Marielle Heller’s ‘Nightbitch,’ the story of a stay-at-home mom—played by Amy Adams—who is experiencing the normal stresses of motherhood and life while undergoing a more surreal transformation (43:00). Then, they select which 10 performances they would include if they were tasked with building the Amy Adams Hall of Fame (1:04:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Pablo Larraín to discuss ‘Maria,’ the third film in his recent trilogy about misunderstood and highly successful and famous women (1:54:00). The two discuss Angelina Jolie’s performance at the center of the movie, the unique challenges of portraying something as ineffable as opera singing, and how Larraín decides which moments to home in on when creating these works of historical fiction.
Host: Sean Fennessey
Guests: Rob Mahoney, Joanna Robinson, and Pablo Larraín
