Sean and Amanda discuss their upcoming trip to Las Vegas for CinemaCon (1:00) before taking stock of Steven Soderbergh’s 36th feature film, ‘Black Bag,’ starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender (8:30). Then, they build a Hall of Fame for Blanchett by selecting the 10 most important performances by the two-time Oscar winner (27:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsSenior Producer: Bobby WagnerVideo Producers: John Richter and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The discussion kicks off with reactions to a new A24 trailer and Marvel’s evolving landscape. The hosts dive deep into 'Mickey 17,' analyzing its narrative complexities, themes of cloning, and Robert Pattinson's standout performance. They explore Bong Joon-ho's unique approach to humor and darkness, comparing his films and the challenges of big-budget filmmaking. Finally, they engage in spirited rankings of his body of work, contemplating the enchanting intricacies that define his cinematic legacy.

Joanna Robinson, a film critic known for her acumen during awards season, joins acclaimed South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, famous for 'Parasite'. They delve into the aftermath of the Oscars, exploring surprise snubs and shifts in viewer demographics. Bong Joon-ho shares insights on his new film 'Mickey 17', discussing his unique storyboarding methods and inspirations. The conversation also highlights evolving industry dynamics, the impact of streaming on Oscar nominations, and the intricate balance of artistry in filmmaking.

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.

Get ready for the Oscars hype! The hosts dive into their thrilling predictions for the Academy Awards, tackling everything from animated features to gripping documentaries. They share laughs about social media's role in the event and reminisce about memorable Oscar moments. Expect insights on the emotional depth of competing films and a lively debate over potential winners for Best Picture and Actress in a Leading Role. Plus, a glimpse into their exciting plans for live coverage adds to the anticipation!

Sean and Amanda return for their fifth annual Alternative Oscar awards (a.k.a. the Big Picks), in which they award alternative nominees and winners for the major Oscar categories, as well as some of our own homemade categories. The snubbed, the beloved, and more are all represented here (44:00)! Before handing out the awards, they react to the past week’s big news in the film world, including a fascinating Timothée Chalamet SAG speech, and the news that the Broccoli family has ceded creative control of the James Bond franchise to Amazon (1:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsSenior Producer: Bobby WagnerVideo Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Ryan, a regular on Ringer podcasts known for his movie insights, joins Sean and Amanda to draft Best Picture winners. They reminisce about childhood Oscar moments and reflect on the shifting landscape of film popularity and box office success. The trio dives into unexpected victories like 'Parasite' and discusses the cultural impact of these films. With playful banter, they navigate their personal favorites, engaging in humorous critiques and strategic selections across decades, all while blending movie magic with light-hearted grooming discussions.

Sean and Amanda are joined by ‘Bandsplain’ host Yasi Salek to discuss ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,’ the fourth installment in the franchise (1:00), before breaking down ‘Paddington in Peru,’ the third film in the beloved ‘Paddington’ series (35:00). Then, they sketch out a loose American vision of the British film canon for the 21st century (50:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Yasi SalekSenior Producer: Bobby WagnerVideo Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Film critic Chris Ryan joins the hosts to dissect the chaos of 'Captain America: Brave New World.' They dive into the film's numerous rewrites and production struggles, questioning Harrison Ford's role choices. The discussion emphasizes the film's disconnect within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its confusion as a political thriller over a superhero story. They critically assess the visual effects and lackluster character arcs, expressing concern about Marvel's declining quality and the franchise's future amidst Hollywood's ever-evolving landscape.

The hosts dive into the vibrant world of Super Bowl movie trailers, contrasting the stunning visuals of 'Final Reckoning' with the lackluster 'Thunderbolts.' They unpack the implications of the PGA and DGA Awards on the Oscar race, spotlighting front-runners like ‘Anora.’ A lively mailbag segment tackles over 1,000 listener queries, covering everything from auteur theory to the evolving theater-going experience. Expect humor, anecdotes, and insightful debates about the intersection of cinema and personal lives throughout the discussion.