The Big Picture

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.

Drew Hancock, a writer-director making his feature debut with 'Companion,' discusses his unique journey in Hollywood. He shares casting insights about Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher while exploring 'Companion's' themes of relationships and tension. The conversation takes a humorous turn as the hosts introduce the 'garbage love' genre, dissecting Valentine’s Day releases and their quirky narratives. Hancock also dives into the challenges of marketing a film steeped in emotional depth, revealing the creative process behind merging entertainment with meaningful storytelling.

Tim Fehlbaum, the director of the Oscar-nominated film 'September 5,' shares insights into his impactful work and the story behind the film, which explores the Munich Olympics tragedy. He discusses the challenges of capturing real historical events and the emotional weight of storytelling. The conversation also touches on the innovative techniques utilized in filmmaking and the importance of narrative in shaping audience experiences. Additionally, they reflect on the film's ascendance during awards season, highlighting its resonant themes.

Joanna Robinson, a savvy film critic and writer, joins the discussion to delve into the intricate world of the Best Picture race. They dissect the film 'The Brutalist,' examining its cultural impact and themes of pain and authenticity. Joanna shares her insights on award nominations and the unpredictability of this season, while the trio ranks the nominated films based on their winning potential. With humor and brutal honesty, they navigate the fierce competition and highlight key trends in film representation and storytelling.