The discussion kicks off with the unexpected success of 'Anora,' celebrating its five Oscars, including a Best Actress win for Mikey Madison. The hosts delve into the changing dynamics of the Academy Awards, highlighting a trend towards dominance by certain films. They share humorous insights on the awards' telecast, its entertaining yet uneven moments, and the impact of corporate influences on cinema. Reflecting on memorable acceptance speeches and emerging talents, the conversation encapsulates the unpredictability and charm of the Oscars.
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Quick takeaways
The unprecedented success of 'Anora' at the 2025 Oscars underscores a significant shift towards recognizing independent films over mainstream blockbusters.
Sean Baker's historic night, winning four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director, highlights the growing appreciation for unique storytelling in cinema.
The 2025 Oscars ceremony experienced pacing issues and mixed reception due to its lengthy performances and speeches, reflecting evolving audience expectations.
Deep dives
Introduction of Good Hang Podcast
Amy Poehler announces the launch of her new podcast, Good Hang, where she shares her creative journey while seeking advice from friends. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and encourages aspiring podcasters to be themselves rather than simply portraying a celebrity persona. Poehler expresses her love for unique content, jokingly wondering if there's a way to combine true crime and cooking shows into one. The podcast aims to create a lighter atmosphere in a challenging world, inviting listeners to join her for a fun exploration of various topics.
Oscar Dominance of Enora
The 97th Academy Awards are marked by the unprecedented success of the film Enora, which wins five out of its six nominations. Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins discuss the significance of this achievement, noting that it is a major victory for director Sean Baker, who also wins accolades for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing. The film’s success is particularly compelling given its modest budget of $6 million and its independent production background, standing out in a year dominated by big-budget films. Fennessey and Dobbins marvel at Enora's sweep, reflecting on its cultural impact and what it represents in contrast to mainstream Hollywood films.
The Significance of Oscars Voting Trends
The discussion highlights the changing dynamics within the Academy Awards, particularly reflecting on how independent films are gaining recognition over traditional blockbusters. Fennessey notes that the increasing diversity of the Academy's membership has shifted the voting patterns, leading to a greater appreciation for smaller films like Enora. The hosts explore the historical context, mentioning that previous winners often carried a more commercial weight, while recent years have seen a more significant embrace of heartfelt, community-driven stories. This evolving trend suggests a redefined standard for award-winning cinema, prioritizing artistic uniqueness over box office success.
Unique Characteristics of This Oscar Ceremony
The current Oscars ceremony diverges from traditional formats, introducing captivating performances and personal anecdotes from nominees, which both entertained and confused viewers. The hosts point out that the length of the ceremony felt excessive, with multiple musical performances and lengthy speeches that resulted in pacing issues. They reflect on the notable presence of several celebrities and the absence of industry giants typically expected at the event, suggesting a subtle shift in Hollywood's relationship with the Oscars. While the ceremony aimed to engage younger audiences, it sometimes faltered with overly long segments and an unclear structure.
Key Moments and Memorable Speeches
Throughout the broadcast, several standout moments emerged, particularly impactful acceptance speeches that encapsulated the emotional weight of the evening. The hosts specifically highlight Sean Baker's powerful address, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the community experience of cinema in a world increasingly favoring streaming. Kieran Culkin's humorous yet heartfelt speech also resonated, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings. The balance of poignant messages alongside celebratory moments illustrates the depth of the night, while ensuring that major themes surrounding the film industry were not overlooked.
Sean and Amanda sit down moments after the conclusion of the 2025 Academy Awards to discuss ‘Anora’ and Sean Baker’s historic night. They discuss Baker taking home four Oscars for the same film, the uneven nature of the telecast and speeches, which films petered out before Hollywood’s biggest night, and much more. Plus: the results of Sean and Amanda’s final Oscar predictions as well as their Big Oscar Bet from back in September (0:00).