The Powers That Be: Daily Oscars Culture Wars & The Netflix Endgame
Jan 24, 2025
Matt Belloni, host of The Town podcast and Hollywood insider, joins to dissect this year's Oscar nominations, highlighting notable snubs of stars like Denzel Washington and Nicole Kidman. They explore the impact of international films and the cultural debates sparked by the nominated work Amelia Perez. Shifting gears, they delve into Netflix’s record subscriber growth, discussing strategies to maintain its market dominance amid rising costs and competition. Tune in for a blend of industry insights and cultural commentary!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Gen X Snubs
- Three prominent Gen X movie stars were snubbed for nominations: Denzel Washington (Gladiator 2), Nicole Kidman (Baby Girl), and Angelina Jolie (Maria Callas).
- Kidman's ubiquity and Jolie's film's lack of traction may have contributed to their snubs.
Open Race
- This year's Oscars Best Picture race is wide open, with five or six nominees having a legitimate shot at winning.
- A Complete Unknown, Amelia Perez, Conclave, Enora, The Brutalist, and Wicked are all contenders.
Amelia Perez Controversy
- Amelia Perez, a film about a trans cartel leader, has generated controversy and polarized audiences, particularly online due to a scene involving a sex change song.
- Conservative figures like Ben Shapiro have criticized the film for its themes, contributing to the polarization.