Richard Brody, The New Yorker’s film critic known for his annual Brody Awards, joins Alexandra Schwartz, co-host of Critics at Large. They dive into the latest cinematic trends, critiquing films like 'The Brutalist' and discussing why 'Wicked' could nab Best Picture. Brody emphasizes the desire for comfort food in cinema, while predicting the 2025 Brody Awards winners. Their analysis of performance nuances and generative AI’s role in acting sparks engaging debate around the evolving landscape of film.
The Brody Awards are celebrated for their distinctiveness and prestige, positioned as more coveted than traditional awards despite lacking a physical trophy.
Discussion around films like 'The Brutalist' and 'Nickel Boys' highlights the evolving criteria for cinematic storytelling and the recognition of exceptional performances.
Deep dives
The Awards Season Overview
The discussion centers on the significance of awards season, particularly the Oscars and the exclusive Brody Awards presented by Richard Brody. There is a light-hearted comparison between the two awards, emphasizing the uniqueness and esteem associated with the Brody Awards, which are regarded as more coveted despite the absence of a physical trophy. The conversation also touches on the evolution of cinematic storytelling and the criteria used to evaluate films, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of notable works from the previous year. The hosts express excitement about the opportunities to recognize exceptional filmmaking and performances beyond the traditional Oscars.
Film Highlights and Controversies
The film 'The Brutalist' is highlighted for its ambitious narrative, revolving around a Jewish architect in the post-World War II era, and is praised for its thematic depth. Despite its small budget of $10 million, it draws attention for its significant critical reception and its four-hour runtime, complemented by a 15-minute intermission. The critiques extend to industry opinions, particularly regarding Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis', where the focus shifts to the director’s creative autonomy and the debate surrounding his willingness to invest a substantial amount of personal money into the film. The conversation also critiques 'Dune Part II', with mixed viewpoints on its storytelling and pacing, illustrating the varying standards critics apply to contemporary cinema.
Brody Award Nominees and Winners
The Best Actor category featured nominees like Adam Driver and Ethan Harisi, with Driver ultimately winning for his role in 'Megalopolis,' reflecting his compelling performance that resonates with the film's grand ambitions. In the Best Actress category, Maria Dizia received the Brody for 'Christmas Eve in Miller's Point,' showcasing her talent in a subtle yet powerful performance that the hosts believe deserves more recognition. The Best Director award went to Rommel Ross for 'Nickel Boys,' noted for its innovative storytelling technique that immerses viewers in the characters' experiences. Finally, 'Nickel Boys' clinched the Best Picture award, with both hosts advocating for its historical significance and the hope that more audiences will engage with its profound narrative.
David Remnick is joined by Alexandra Schwartz, the co-host of the podcast Critics at Large, and The New Yorker’s august film critic Richard Brody. They talk about the past year in film and predict the victors of the Academy Awards. Brody dismisses “The Brutalist”—a film that merely uses the Holocaust “as metaphor”—and tells Remnick that “Wicked” might win Best Picture. “I think there’s a huge desire for cinematic comfort food that makes a billion dollars.” Continuing the Radio Hour’s annual tradition, Brody discusses nominees and selects the winners of the coveted award that we call The Brody.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode