Amanda Dobbins

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins from The Ringer dive into their thrilling CinemaCon experience. They discuss the impressive use of live orchestras in studio presentations, spotlighting Universal's engaging showcase. The duo analyzes the bold strategies of major directors like Christopher Nolan amid a competitive landscape. They share skepticism over studio challenges with upcoming releases and reflect on quirky trends like Lionsgate’s horror films and Netflix’s marketing plans, all while keeping the tone light and fun!

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer, dive into a fiery debate over the relevance of the Oscars. They argue that the Academy often rewards marketing over creativity and struggles to connect with today's audiences. Exploring innovative changes, they suggest a live elimination format for nominees and even reality TV-style engagement to spice things up. The conversation also touches on representation in Hollywood and why the Oscars need to evolve to remain significant in the ever-changing landscape of film.

Howard Beck, a veteran NBA writer, shares insights on the Ja Morant and James Harden trade debacle, dissecting its implications for their teams. Ariel Helwani dives into the latest from UFC 294, comparing the dynamics of boxing and MMA, while also addressing the rivalry between WWE and AEW. Amanda Dobbins hilariously critiques 'The Morning Show', highlighting its absurdities and the guilty pleasure of watching it. Expect entertaining commentary on sports, pop culture, and strategic betting picks throughout the discussion.