The Next Best Picture Podcast

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture For this week's second podcast review, Ema Sasic and Dan Bayer join me to discuss the latest film from Craig Brewer, "Song Sung Blue" starring Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley & John Beckwith. Based on the 2008 documentary film of the same name by Greg Kohs, the film follows Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder before their lives took an unexpected turn for the worse. The film premiered at the 2025 AFI Festival to positive reviews, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the performances, the tone, music, story, craftsmanship, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Smashing Machine" is a biographical sports drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Benny Safdie, starring Golden Globe nominee Dwayne Johnson as former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion and received positive reviews for the performances, notably for Johnson's transformational work, brought to life by multi Academy Award-winning prosthetics designer Kazu Hiro. Johnson, Blunt, and Hiro were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with me, Cody Dericks, and Dan Bayer, respectively, about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to rent or own digitally from A24 and is up for your consideration in all eligible categories for this year's Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nadia Dalimonte, a keen film critic and podcaster, joins fellow critics Josh Parham and Dan Bayer to unwrap their favorite cinematic moments from 2025. They delve into standout performances and breakout stars, highlighting Rich Byrne and Jacob Elordi. The trio also shares thoughts on the best films seen at festivals while debating which trailers are making waves, including Nolan's tantalizing "The Odyssey." With fan questions buzzing, they explore award season dynamics and predict which films will leave a lasting impact!

Dive into the whirlwind of 'Marty Supreme,' where Timothée Chalamet shines in a tale inspired by table tennis legend Marty Reisman. The electrifying New York Film Festival premiere left audiences buzzing over Josh Safdie's polished direction. The hosts explore Chalamet's potential career-best performance and the film's themes of ambition and identity. With memorable comedic moments and striking cinematography, they also debate its awards prospects and what winning truly costs. A compelling blend of hustle, humor, and heart awaits!

Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, collaborators known for their unique filmmaking style, dive deep into the creative process behind "Marty Supreme." They discuss the challenges of embodying a period world and the emotional weight of storytelling. Gwyneth Paltrow shares her return to non-franchise roles, exploring themes of agency and confinement in her character. Odessa A'zion reflects on her audition experience and the collaborative spirit of the set, while Jennifer Venditti reveals her innovative casting techniques that blend actors and non-actors for authenticity.

Ralph Fiennes, an accomplished English actor, shares insights on portraying a conductor in his latest film, The Choral. He discusses his musical preparation and the unique challenges of embodying such a role. Director Nicholas Hytner reflects on the importance of community music-making and the relationship between director and actor. Together, they explore how the film’s themes resonate with today’s audiences, emphasizing participation and collaboration. Their passion for music and storytelling makes for a captivating conversation!

Charlie Polinger, a talented writer-director making his debut with 'The Plague,' shares insights about the film's premiere at Cannes and its dark psychological themes. Young actors Everett Blunck and Kayo Martin discuss their intense on-set experiences, the importance of collaboration, and the challenge of portraying complex characters. They reminisce about the supportive atmosphere during filming, swim training, and their surreal moments at Cannes. The trio also hints at future projects, underscoring their dedication to storytelling in the cinematic world.

This week, the hosts dive into Bradley Cooper's latest film, exploring its charming performances by Will Arnett and Laura Dern. They praise Cooper’s restrained direction and discuss the film's mature approach to relationships over comedy. The cinematography, with its handheld, intimate feel, adds a unique tone, making it a standout. There’s also debate about whether this smaller project marks a positive shift in Cooper's directing career. The panel shares insights on the ensemble cast and the film’s awards potential.

Jim Belushi is an American actor and comedian who has been working in show business since the late 1970's, with many acclaimed roles and projects, and this year may be his proudest yet, as he landed supporting roles in Craig Brewer's "Song Sung Blue" and Kristen Stewart's "The Chronology Of Water." Both films have been seen by festival audiences, with Stewart's film now playing in limited release from The Forge, and Brewer's film set to release on Christmas Day from Focus Features. Belushi is feeling lucky and proud to be a part of two outstanding projects that showcase his range for drama and comedy. Belushi was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making both films, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the films, which are both up for your consideration for this year's awards season in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Avatar: Fire And Ash" is, like the previous two, an incredible technical accomplishment from the sound, visuals, and score; the amazingly talented men and women behind the scenes have once again transported audiences back to Pandora through James Cameron's epic vision. The Next Best Picture team was lucky enough to spend time with a few key people in charge of bringing that vision to life. First up, we have Brendan Hodges's interview with composer Simon Franglen, then we have my interview with production sound mixer Julian Howarth, and then we circle back to Brendan one more time for his discussion with the visual effects team, including EP/Visual Effects Supervisor Richard Baneham, Visual Effects Supervisor Eric Saindon, and Animation Supervisor Dan Barrett. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from 20th Century Studios and is up for your consideration at the 98th Academy Awards in all eligible categories. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices