Hey Oscar fans, Bruce and “Tex” are back with another outstanding year for movies (you really can’t go wrong in the ’70s). And yet, they still found a way to include some head-scratchers while leaving some ‘time-tested’ film classics out in the cold.  Or not.  It all depends on whether you think certain movies are more cult classics, than classic-classics.  Or something like that.  But in a year when you have films like Serpico, Papillon, Save the Tiger, Paper Moon, The Paper Chase and the The Last Detail on the outside looking in — then you know it’s a banger of a year.  Enjoy a spirited debate over what we think should or shouldn’t have made the cut and whether the winner was the right choice or just a con job!  As always, thanks for Oscar-ing with us!     Films Mentioned **The Exorcist **The Sting *American Graffiti **Papillon The Way We Were *Magnum Force Last Tango in Paris **Paper Moon *Live and Let Die **Serpico *Cinderella Liberty *The Last Detail *The Paper Chase **Save the Tiger **Cries and Whispers A Touch of Class *Badlands *Don’t Look Now *Day for Night *Amarcord *Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid **The Offence Tom Sawyer *Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams *Dirty Harry *Sudden Impact The Long Goodbye *Day of the Jackal *Bang the Drum Slowly **The Wicker Man *Sisters *Soylent Green *Sleeper *Scenes From a Marriage *Jonathan Livingston Seagull Email us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar Fans -- after last episode's look at the 1997 Oscars for the films of 1996, "Tex" and Mark were compelled to take a deeper dive into the world of independent cinema that exploded onto screens that year. Some of the films were mentioned already, many were not. Along the way we also break down what makes a film an "indie" and "Tex" draws from his experiences having written both a studio and an indie film But most of all, you'll listen in awe at the sheer number of great indie films & the talented filmmakers (including some notable first-timers) who made them. Enjoy! Films Mentioned *Fargo *Secrets & Lies *Shine *The English Patient *Sling Blade *Bottle Rocket *Rushmore *Swingers *Go *Flirting With Disaster *Spanking the Monkey She's the One *The Brothers McMullen *Trainspotting *Trees Lounge *Big Night *Romeo & Juliet *Basquiat *Citizen Ruth *Hard Eight *Lone Star *Bound *American Buffalo *I Shot Andy Warhol *Dead Man *Down By Law *Stranger Than Paradise Crash (Cronenberg's) *SubUrbia *Slackers *Walking and Talking *Stealing Beauty Girl Six *Scream *Gardener of Eden (written by "Tex") CONTACT US: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans, Bruce and “Tex” are back with a brand new episode looking at the Academy Awards of 1997 for the films of 1996.  As you may or may not remember, 1996 was a GOOD year for movies, but a GREAT year for Indie films!  In fact, 4 of the 5 Best Picture nominees are considered independent films — or as Bruce calls them, Tom Cruise and everybody else.  And while Elaine Benes from Seinfeld famously hated The English Patient, the Academy loved it — bestowing it with 12 nominations and 9 wins!  But did the right movie win?  And who got snubbed and why?  This is a great episode to stress-test our ‘test of time’ theory on — as this year was chock full of curious decisions and plenty of second (or third) guessing.  Let us know what you think and as always thanks for listening!  MOVIE LIST (*Recommendations) *The English Patient *Fargo *Shine Evita *Jerry Maguire *Secrets and Lies Hamlet Twister Independence Day *Flirting with Disaster *Trainspotting *Big Night *Sling Blade *Swingers *Bound *Walking & Talking *Bottle Rocket Dead Man *Breaking the Waves *The People vs. Larry Flynt *One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest *Amadeus *Say Anything *Schindler’s List *The Birdcage *The Nutty Professor *Born on the Fourth of July Marvin’s Room *First Wives Club *Terms of Endearment Ghosts of Mississippi *Primal Fear *Boyz in the Hood Radio Men of Honor Boat Trip *As Good as it Gets Pearl Harbor *Kingpin *The Crucible The Portrait of a Lady The Mirror Has Two Faces *The Accidental Tourist Yentl The Prince of Tides *Lone Star *Raising Arizona *Blood Simple *When We Were Kings *The Celluloid Closet *Paradise Lost:  The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills Truth or Dare One Fine Day *That Thing You Do! Up Close & Personal *The Ghost and the Darkness *Once Upon a Time When we Were Colored  *White Squall *Michael Collins The Island of Doctor Moreau *Lost Soul:  The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Doctor Moreau Hardware Email: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to a scheduling snafu - we don't have a new episode ready for you today! So, we're replaying one of our favorites (and an early one many of you may have missed!) While Out of Africa and The Color Purple were battling it out (22 nominations between them) for Oscar glory -- another film was all but ignored in all the major categories -- despite dominating the box office that year. But if we could jump into a Delorean and go back in time -- would we perhaps bestow this beloved action/comedy with some Oscar love? We'll be back with the 1997 Oscars later this week! Thanks! Movies Mentioned Recommended *Out of Africa *The Color Purple *Kiss of the Spider Woman *Prizzi’s Honor *Witness **Back to the Future Rambo: First Blood Pt. 2 Ladyhawke The English Patient Evita Butterfly Trip to Bountiful  *Agnes of God Sweet Dreams **Tootsie *Cocoon Twice in a Lifetime Ice Pirates Murphy’s Romance *Runaway Train Jagged Edge Things Change *Trading Places The Story of Alexander Graham Bell Cocoon 2 The Way We Were *Absence of Malice *Three Days of the Condor **They Shoot Horses Don’t They? *Ran C.H.U.D. C.H.U.D. 2: Bud the C.H.U.D. The Official Story *Parasite *Mask The Phantom of the Opera *The Mask *Remo Williams: the Adventure Begins A Chorus Line *White Nights *Silverado *Young Sherlock Holmes Return to Oz The Black Hole **The Sting **Quiz Show *Ordinary People *Save the Tiger Last Tango in Paris *The Last Detail **Serpico **The Natural *Barefoot in the Park *Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid *The Candidate *Purple Rose of Cairo *Brazil Rifkin’s Festival *Midnight in Paris *Radio Days *Crimes and Misdemeanors *Bananas *Take the Money and Run *Manhattan *Stardust Memories 12 Years a Slave *Do the Right Thing **Boyz in the Hood *Malcolm X *Glory *Training Day *A Beautiful Mind Scent of a Woman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans — with the recent Oscar nominations we felt it was only fitting for our Oscars podcast to talk about them... Even though it goes against the theme of our show which uses the ‘test of time’ to see what really deserved to win or be nominated. Despite that, we still have thoughts and hot takes!  Join “Tex” and Mark as we discuss the nominees, make predictions, point out snubs and use everything we’ve learned making this show to try and understand what the Academy was thinking!  As always thanks for listening! Contact us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1946 was an extraordinary year for film noir—so much so, even the Academy had to take notice. As Hollywood plunged into the shadows, moral ambiguity, and hard-boiled despair, the Oscars recognized standouts like Notorious, The Killers, and The Stranger. But with so much darkness flooding the screen, plenty of essential classics were left behind. Films like Gilda, The Postman Always Rings Twice, and The Big Sleep—now pillars of the noir canon—went largely unnoticed at the time. In this bonus episode, we celebrate a truly great year for film noir, revisiting fourteen unforgettable films and exploring what the Academy saw, what it missed, and why 1946 remains a defining moment for one of cinema’s most enduring styles. Films Mentioned *Recommended **It’s a Matter of Life and Death (not noir) **The Killers **Notorious **The Stranger *The Spiral Staircase *The Blue Dahlia *The 7th Veil (not considered noir) **Gilda **The Postman Always Rings Twice *The Big Sleep *The Dark Mirror *The Strange Love of Martha Ivers **The Locket *Shock! *The Strange Woman *The Glass Key **This Gun For Hire Saigon **Double Indemnity **Too Late for Tears **To Have and Have Not Confidential Agent *The Lady From Shanghai **The Magnificent Ambersons (not noir) **Citizen Kane  (not noir) Contact us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey there Oscar fans — Bruce is back and we are excited to bring you a super fun episode that looks back at the 1947 Oscars for the films of 1946 — yet another simply outstanding year of movies. And while this year is highlighted by a heavyweight battle between ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’…  You can pretty much name any genre and find an incredible movie to suit your taste — many of which are still talked about today.  But with so many great movies this year, it’s remarkable how many A+ films didn’t make the cut.  So, did the right films win?  Were the right actors & actresses nominated?  And what classic films from Hollywood’s golden era should you be adding to your watch-list?  Get ready to find all that out and more.  And remember, every time you leave us a 5-star review — Bruce eats some wings!  Thanks for listening! Films Mentioned - (*Recommended) **Duel in the Sun **The Best Years of our Lives The Jolson Story Blue Skies Saratoga Trunk *The Razor’s Edge Night and Day *Notorious *The Yearling Till the Clouds Roll By **It’s a Wonderful Life Anna and the King of Siam *The King and I *Henry V **The Killers **Brief Encounter *The Big Sleep **My Darling Clementine **The Stranger *The Spiral Staircase *The Dark Mirror *The Human Comedy *National Velvet **The Postman Always Rings Twice *To Each His Own *Sister Kenny **Gilda *The Seventh Veil *The Blue Dahlia **Children of Paradise *Road to Utopia **Rome, Open City Vacation From Marriage *The Strange Love of Martha Ivers **Shoe Shine Email us at: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscars fans -- before recording earlier this week, Bruce, "Tex" and Mark had a brief conversation about the recent Golden Globe Awards. Here is our theorizing on how this bodes for the upcoming Oscar nominations as well as some thoughts on the movies we've seen (so far) from 2025. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans, we’ve got a special treat for you — another episode on yet another luminary director, responsible for some of the greatest movies of all time — only to have the Academy shrug and vote for something/someone else.  Granted a lot of Stanley Kubrick’s movies may have felt ahead of their time, or were in stiff competition with other great movies.  But the fact that you can go to Stanley Kubrick’s estate (or museum) and not see an Oscar for Best Director (or Best Picture) among his possessions feels like an Oscar hate crime.  Sit back and enjoy as “Tex” and Mark examine Kubrick’s legendary filmography with an eye on finding a path to giving Kubrick his much deserved Oscar glory.  A must-listen for film nerds and casual film fans alike! Films Mentioned (*Recommended ) *Day of the Fight (doc short) *Day of the Fight (feature) Flying Padre (doc short) The Seafarers (doc short) Fear and Desire Killer’s Kiss *The Killing Around the World in 80 Days *Giant The King and I The Ten Commandments Friendly Persuasion *Paths of Glory *Bridge on the River Kwai *12 Angry Men Peyton Place Sayonara *Witness for the Prosecution *Spartacus *Ben-Hur *The Apartment *Elmer Gantry The Alamo Sons and Lovers The Sundowners *Psycho Lolita *Lawrence of Arabia *To Kill a Mockingbird *Dr. Strangelove, or:  How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb My Fair Lady *Becket *Mary Poppins *Zorba the Greek *2001:  A Space Odyssey Oliver! Funny Girl *The Lion in Winter Rachel, Rachel Romeo and Juliet *The Producers *A Clockwork Orange *The French Connection Fiddler on the Roof *The Last Picture Show Nicholas and Alexandria Sunday Bloody Sunday *Barry Lyndon *One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest *Dog Day Afternoon *Jaws *Nashville *Amarcord *Amadeus *The Fireman’s Ball *The Shining The Shining (Stephen King version) *Full Metal Jacket The Last Emperor *Broadcast News *Fatal Attraction Hope and Glory *Moonstruck *My Life as a Dog *Wall Street *Eyes Wide Shut Contact The Oscars: WWTT?:   info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar WWTT? Fans — as we all know, Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were brutally taken from us on Dec. 14th, 2025.  This episode is a tribute to the amazing films & legendary career he left behind. We mostly concentrate on his first 10 films — 9 of which range from very good to excellent.  And while Mr. Reiner never seemed to get the love he deserved from The Academy, his films stand the test of time by being some of our all-time favorite films.  From Spinal Tap to The Princess Bride to Harry Met Sally & A Few Good Men - Rob Reiner’s work was imbued with his love of humor, relatability and character of conviction.  And while he might not have an Oscar — he has our enduring love and admiration. He will be missed.  As always, thanks for listening. Films Mentioned  (*)Recommended *This is Spinal Tap *The Princess Bride *When Harry Met Sally *Misery *Stand By Me *A Few Good Men *Best in Show *Waiting for Guffman *For Your Consideration *The Sure Thing Porky’s *The Shawshank Redemption *Apt Pupil *The Green Mile Winter People *Just Friends *Carrie *The Dead Zone Cujo *Goodfellas *Dances With Wolves *12 Angry Men *Witness For the Prosecution *Unforgiven *The Crying Game *Howard’s End Scent of a Woman The Player Enchanted April A River Runs Through It North *The American President *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington *Ghosts of Mississippi The Bucket List *LBJ Spinal Tap 2:  The End Continues Contact us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans, Bruce is back and we’re taking on one of the greatest, unsung years in movie history.  The nominees are mostly great.  The non-nominees are also pretty great.  And the test of time needs to be graded on a curve because so many of these films continue to resonate today. This episode is a treat for anyone who loves and appreciates truly classic films.  And if you’re not already a classic film lover, these are the films that will make you one!  And with two of the greatest courtroom dramas in movie history vying for best picture against one of the all-time greatest war epics — one could deliberate for years to try and get it right. Luckily we rest our case in just over an hour!  Enjoy and as always, thanks for listening!   Films Mentioned (* Recommended) 1/2* Sayonara 1/2* Peyton Place **Bridge on the River Kwai **12 Angry Men **Witness for the Prosecution The Teahouse of the August Moon *Viva Zapata *The King and I Return to Peyton Place **A Face in the Crowd **Paths of Glory *The Sweet Smell of Success *The Seventh Seal *What’s Up Tiger Lily? *A Hatful of Rain *The Cranes are Flying *Wild is the Wind Raintree County *Gone With the Wind *A Place in the Sun *Valley of the Dolls *Lawrence of Arabia *Oliver Twist *Great Expectations *Brief Encounter *Summertime **Double Indemnity *The Lost Weekend **Stalag 17 *Sabrina  **Sunset Boulevard *The Spirit of St. Louis *Love in the Afternoon *The Tin Star *3:10 to Yuma *Forty Guns *Gunfight at the OK Coral **Star Wars *The Great Escape Man of a Thousand Faces *Jamaica Inn Heaven Knows Mr. Allison September Where Love Has Gone The Rose Tattoo *The Three Faces of Eve *Kind Hearts and Coronets *Rome, Open City *Funny Face Nights of Cabiria  **The Bicycle Thieves *The Bachelor Party A Farewell to Arms For Whom the Bell Tolls Designing Woman *I, Vitelloni *The Gunfighter *Duel in the Sun *Gentleman’s Agreement *To Kill a Mockingbird *The Omen *The Enemy Below *The Little Foxes *The Turning Point *The Color Purple The Joker is Wild *The Bride of Frankenstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Holidays Oscar fans! This week's episode is an encore performance of our previous holiday episode -- where Bruce and "Tex" discuss their favorite holiday movies and explore which ones got some holiday cheer from The Academy and which ones received a lump of coal. Enjoy! Movies mentioned: Just Friends (written by "Tex") It Nearly Wasn't Christmas (starring Bruce!) White Christmas A Christmas Story Gremlins Krampus Bad Santa Trading Places Silent Night, Deadly Night Black Christmas Die Hard (*Deck the Halls-referenced) Jingle All the Way Christmas with the Kranks It's a Wonderful Life Miracle on 34th Street Holiday Land  The Night Before Christmas Toy Tinkers Scrooge Scrooged Home Alone The Nightmare Before Christmas The Preacher's Wife The Bishop's Wife How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Polar Express The Holdovers 8 Crazy Nights An American Tail The Night Before Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans, this week’s bonus episode covers the Director nearest & dearest to our hearts — Mr. Martin Scorsese!  After discussing his breakthrough Oscar win (finally!) on the previous show (The 2007 Oscars) — we're looking back at Scorsese’s film career prior to The Departed and discussing which of his films could’ve/should’ve been nominated or won.  Along the way we give our thoughts, recommendations and disclaimers on tons of Scorsese films as well as behind the scenes stories, including the time Adam’s wife shoved Scorsese at the premiere of The Aviator.  If you love pure cinema — you will love this episode!  As always thanks for listening! Films Mentioned (*Recommended)   *The Big Shave (short) Who’s That Knocking at my Door? *American Boy (Doc) *Pulp Fiction Boxcar Bertha Bonnie & Clyde Obsessions (on Youtube) *Mean Streets *Blackmail! *Murder! *Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore *Mr. Scorsese (Doc) *Taxi Driver *Rocky *All the President’s Men *Network Face to Face Seven Beauties *Pickpocket New York, New York *Cabaret One From the Heart *Raging Bull *The King of Comedy *Tootsie  *ET *Missing *Das Boot Gandhi *After Hours *The Color of Money *The Hustler *The Last Temptation of Christ *Goodfellas *Dances With Wolves *Cape Fear *Cape Fear (1962) The Age of Innocence *Casino *Bugsy The Last Emperor Empire of the Sun Kundun Seven Years in Tibet Bringing Out the Dead Light Sleeper American Gigolo Gangs of New York *Titanic The Aviator *The Departed *Shutter Island *Wolf of Wall Street The Irishman *Killers of the Flower Moon *Hugo 12 Years a Slave *Silence *Oppenheimer *The Last Waltz Contact us at: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally!  After leaving empty handed with 5 Best Director (and 4 Best Picture) nominations… one of the greatest film directors of all-time, the God of pure cinema, Martin Scorsese, finally gets to go home with Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director.  The Departed, his 2006 crime epic starring half of Hollywood seemed like the perfect vehicle to get him to the finish line… But at the same time, it’s a little bittersweet because in many people’s minds because The Departed might not have been the best movie of the year — and is nowhere near the best film Scorsese has ever made over his long and storied career.  In fact, as we inspect this year’s Oscar awards — we discover a lot of nominations rewarding good people for their not best work.  (And a few who deliver career benchmark performances!)  Join us as we hash through a year that is equal parts rewarding and confounding and try to discover whether there was a ‘rat’ in the Academy who had it in the bag for a legend.  As always, thanks for listening and supporting the show! Movies Mentioned   (*Recommended) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest *Night at the Museum Cars X-Men: The Last Stand The DaVinci Code Superman Returns Happy Feet Ice Age: The Meltdown *Casino Royale *The Pursuit of Happiness *Dreamgirls Babel  *Pan’s Labyrinth *The Queen Blood Diamond *The Departed *Letters From Iwo Jima *Little Miss Sunshine *Notes on a Scandal *Flags of Our Fathers **Children of Men *Apocalypto *Inside Man *The Prestige The Illusionist *United 93 *Little Children *Volver *The Last King of Scotland Half Nelson *Venus *The Devil Wears Prada *Borat *An Inconvenient Truth *1917 **The Lives of Others Contact us at: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscars WWTT? Fans — for this bonus episode, a companion piece to our recent 1938 Oscars episode, “Tex” and Mark take a fun look back at an acting legend — the incomparable Humphrey Bogart. However, rather than do a full retrospective of Bogart’s entire career in front of the camera (70+ films) — instead we’re focusing on the 7 films Bogart acted in, in 1937. Two of these films received Oscar nominations (DEAD END and BLACK LEGION) while the other five showcased an actor on the rise trying to turn the corner from a bit player in the ‘Also Starring’ section of the credits — to a well-rounded actor capable of playing more than just mobsters and wise-guys. This was a breakthrough year for Bogie and a chance to learn about some great hidden gem films for anyone who is a fan of movies, great acting and the rise of one of America’s greatest acting treasures.  Thanks for listening!  Movies Mentioned (*Recommended) *Casablanca *High Sierra *The Maltese Falcon *Key Largo *The African Queen *Treasure of the Sierra Madre *Black Legion *The Great O’Malley *Marked Woman San Quentin *Kid Galahad *Dead End Stand In *To Have and Have Not *In a Lonely Place *Beat the Devil *The Caine Mutiny *The Petrified Forest *The Roaring 20’s *The Harder They Fall Contact us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I know, I know, another old Oscars ceremony from over 85 years ago. It can’t possibly be interesting!  You can think that… but you’d be wrong!  This year had 10 best picture nominees, covering a wide range of interesting topics — from the rise of fascism, the great Chicago fire and a love affair with Napoleon to the struggles of making it as an actress or Broadway star, the pitfalls of divorce and the plight of ancient Chinese farmers (played by non-Chinese actors.) Plus the first of four versions of A Star is Born. It’s an amazing year featuring the rising stars of the industry (Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Greta Garbo, Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Muni and more!) Trust us, if you love movies, (and adding movies you've never heard of to your watch list) you’re gonna love this episode.  As always, thanks for listening! Films Mentioned (* recommended) *The Awful Truth *The Life of Emile Zola *A Star is Born *Dead End *One Hundred Men and a Girl *Stage Door *The Good Earth *Lost Horizon *In Old Chicago *Captains Courageous *Conquest *Night Must Fall *Hurricane *The Black Legion Topper *Camille *Stella Dallas *Angel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few filmmakers achieve the level of notoriety and legendary status of Sam Peckinpah. He didn’t just direct movies — he detonated them. And while he never received any love from the Oscars, that was never his goal. Unflinching, uncompromising, and unrelenting, Peckinpah existed to turn on-screen violence into an art form… often in slow motion. Join us as we break down the bruised beauty of his short but lasting filmography — and pay homage to the man whose balletic violence and broken heroes changed the language of film forever. Films Mentioned *Recommended    (P) Peckinpah directed *The Ballad of Cable Hogue  (P) Airport Noon Wine (P) **The Wild Bunch (P) *Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (P) **Straw Dogs (P) *The Getaway (P) *Convoy (P) The Other Side of the Wind *The Deadly Companions (P) *How Green Was My Valley *The Quiet Man McLintock *Ride the High Country (P) *Lawrence of Arabia *The Music Man *To Kill a Mockingbird *The Longest Day *Major Dundee (P) *Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid *Midnight Cowboy A Clockwork Orange *The French Connection *Fiddler on the Roof *The Last Picture Show Sunday Bloody Sunday Junior Bonner (P) The Last Straighter Smokey and the Bandit Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (P) The Killing of a Chinese Bookie *The Godfather The Killer Elite (P) *Cross of Iron  (P) *Inglorious Basterds *Saving Private Ryan The Osterman Weekend (P) Straw Dogs (2011) The Killer Elite (2011) The Getaway (1994) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans, welcome to the 1971 Oscars for the films of 1970.  The title of the episode refers to the opening line of this year’s Best Picture Winner — Patton — a movie driven by one of the most powerful performances in film history.  In fact, George C. Scott’s portrayal of General George S. Patton was so acclaimed that despite telling the Academy not to vote for him and that he wouldn’t show up to the Oscars; wouldn’t accept the award; and thought the entire concept of actors competing for awards was a stupid ‘meat parade’ — he still won for Best Actor!  Yep, this was a strange year full of strange movies, bizarre choices and enough ‘WTF?’ to make you wonder if George C. Scott had the right idea!  As always, thanks for listening! Movies Mentioned (*Recommended) Love Story  Airport *M*A*S*H *Patton *Woodstock *Little Big Man *Tora! Tora! Tora! *Ryan’s Daughter Catch-22 The Owl and the Pussycat *The Haunting (1963) *Citizen Kane *Five Easy Pieces  *The Ballad of Cable Hogue *The Great White Hope *The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes *Joe *Rocky *The Karate Kid Lovers and Other Strangers The Landlord Women in Love Fellini’s Satyricon  *Planet of the Apes *The Country Girl *Miracle on 34th Street *Diary of a Mad Housewife *Barry Lyndon *Easy Rider *I Never Sang For My Father *Hud *Being There *Ninotchka *The Hustler *The Getaway *The Godfather *Hobson’s Choice *Pollyanna *The Hours *Lawrence of Arabia *Bridge on the River Kwai *Doctor Zhivago *A Raisin in the Sun *My Night At Maud’s *Wanda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Oscar lovers, we are back with a very special bonus episode that celebrates the fabulous films from the year 1986.  In fact, “Tex” and Mark think there were so many great films released that year, that we could have an ALTERNATE OSCARS where we nominate and select completely different movies and performances and still have an amazing Oscar show.  And to prove it — that’s exactly what we did!   So enjoy (and play along) with our ‘Alternate 1987 Oscars’ for the non-nominated films of 1986 — one of the greatest years in movie history!  As always, thanks for listening!   FILMS MENTIONED (* Highly Recommended) (The Room) *Wizard of Oz *Gone With the Wind *Stagecoach *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington *Ninotchka *The Matrix *Fight Club *The Sixth Sense  *Being John Malkovich *Magnolia  The Talented Mr. Ripley *The Green Mile *Toy Story 2 *Platoon *Children of a Lesser God *The Mission *A Room With a View *Hannah & Her Sisters *The Color of Money *Top Gun *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off *Hoosiers *Aliens *Blue Velvet *Peggy Sue Got Married *Heartburn *The Mosquito Coast *Stand By Me *Alien Jaws 2 *Jaws *Raging Bull *Rocky 3 *Mulholland Drive *The Hustler *The Fly *Labyrinth *Little Shop of Horrors *A Few Good Men *The Breakfast Club *The Verdict *Manhunter *Lucas *Carnal Knowledge *Witness Hot Shots Part Deux The Morning After Crimes of the Heart *Something Wild Sid and Nancy 9 1/2 Weeks *Working Girl Nothing in Common *Highlander *Ruthless People About Last Night *Crocodile Dundee *Silkwood Iron Eagle At Close Range Absolute Beginners *The Dark Knight *Nickel Boys *Round Midnight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oscars fans, movie fans and especially horror movie fans — you are in for a treat.  Just in time for Halloween, we’ve got a special bonus episode exploring the complicated history of horror movies and the Oscars!   Well, for some people it’s not complicated — the Oscars seem to HATE horror films. But is that true? And what even IS a horror film? We’ll answer those questions and more by looking at objective horror films that were nominated, or won (it’s not a long list); look at some horror movies that should/could have been nominated — and explore some movies that were nominated that may have been secret horror films.  Plus we’ve got some hidden gems for you to watch this spooky season!  As always, thanks for listening!    Horror Films Mentioned (* Recommended) *Crash (1996) *Friday the 13th Friday the 13th Pt.V *Halloween *Don’t Go in the House Don’t Go in the Woods *Don’t Look in the Basement *Don’t Go Near the Park  *Don’t Torture a Duckling *Frankenstein (2025) Manos:  The Hands of Fate Snuff Boogeyman 2 *The Blair Witch Project *Psycho *Night of the Living Dead *The Birds *Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer *Dracula *Wolfman *Frankenstein *The Mummy *Creature From the Black Lagoon Eraserhead *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre *Child’s Play   *Candyman Barbarian *Midsommar *The Lighthouse *Frozen (2010) *Fight Club *No Country For Old Men *Nightcrawler *A Clockwork Orange *Requiem for a Dream *Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory The Hound of the Baskervilles *Thirteen (2003) *The Exorcist *Jaws *The Silence of the Lambs *The Sixth Sense *The Green Mile *The Shawshank Redemption *The Black Swan *Room *Get Out The Shape of Water The Substance *M (1931 & 1951) *Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1931) *Freaks (1932) *King Kong (1933) *Cat People (1942 & 1982) *Isle of the Dead *Suspicion *Strangers on a Train *Shadow of a Doubt *Rear Window *The Birds *Rosemary’s Baby Apartment 7A *Dawn of the Dead *Land of the Dead *The Omen (1976) *Alien *Aliens *Alien 3 Prometheus Sasquatch Halloween 3 *The Shining *American Werewolf in London *The Thing *Poltergeist *Misery *Stand By Me *Scream *The Others *Zodiac *Se7en *Ex-Machina *Hereditary *Rebecca *Gaslight *The Towering Inferno *Deliverance *Wrong Turn *The Hills Have Eyes *Carrie *No Country For Old Men *The Hitcher *Parasite *Don’t Breathe *It Follows *2001 A Space Odyssey *The Body Snatcher *Invasion of the Body Snatchers *The Seventh Victim *The Old Dark House *I Walked With a Zombie *Ghost Ship (2002) *Bride of Frankenstein *Obsession *Dressed To Kill *Body Double *Blow Out Sisters Raising Cane *Funny Games  *Benny’s Video *The Piano Teacher *Knife in the Water *Repulsion *The Tenant *The Fearless Vampire Killers *Nope *What Lies Beneath Innocent Blood Hour of the Wolf *The Virgin Spring *Last House on the Last *The Bay *Antichrist *mother! *Panic Room *Near Dark *Dracula (Francis Ford Copolla) *Dementia 13 *Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans *Nosferatu:  A Symphony of Horror (1922) *Frailty *Skeleton Key *Triangle *Sightseers *The Invitation *Saint Maud *Oculus *Hush *Wait Until Dark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the 1987 Oscars for the films of 1986 — arguably one of the greatest years for movies…ever!  Nearly every category is stacked with worthy entries, but as always, there are a few Oscar oddities, snubs and things to make you go ‘Hmm.’ Mostly, this Oscars has everything — from a born writer/filmmaker spinning his most harrowing wartime experiences into Oscar gold; to a deaf newbie beating out a string of 80’s acting legends; to an aging legend finally getting their Oscar due. In a year when nearly all the top talent in Hollywood was creating art — it helps you appreciate how movies can tell diverse, complex stories with the power to stay with you forever.  Oh, and you’ll also hear Bruce's behind the scenes stories about working on Hollywood Squares and Sidney Lumet's 'The Morning After!' As always, thanks for listening!  FILMS REFERENCED (* Recommended) *Top Gun *Crocodile Dundee **Platoon Karate Kid 2 *Star Trek 4:  The Voyage Home *Back to School **Aliens **Alien The Golden Child **Ruthless People **Ferris Bueller’s Day Off *Something Wild *Down & Out in Beverly Hills **Mosquito Coast **The Color of Money **Hoosiers *Salvador *Peggy Sue Got Married *In the Name of the Rose *Foul Play *Seems Like Old Times *A Room With a View **Children of a Lesser God **The Mission *Hannah and her Sisters *Caged **The Deer Hunter **Apocalypse Now Gandhi  Chariots of Fire Empire of the Sun *She’s Gotta Have It **Stand By Me **Blue Velvet **‘Round Midnight *Born on the Fourth of July **JFK The Doctor Wrestling Ernest Hemmingway Dance With Me **The Hustler *Mona Lisa **Who Framed Roger Rabbit *Hud **Cool Hand Luke *Absence of Malice **The Verdict Heartburn Sid & Nancy Jaws 4:  The Revenge Poltergeist 2 Crimes of the Heart The Morning After *Carrie *Monsters Ball Catwoman *My Beautiful Launderette At Close Range Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know one of, if not THE, greatest film directors of all time never won an Oscar for Best Director?  Yep. That is the premise for this bonus episode…  Join Adam “Tex” and Mark as we examine the glorious career of the legendary Sir Alfred Hitchcock and discuss how the Motion Picture Academy just never got around to awarding him its top prize.   Along the way we’ll dissect Hitchcock’s greatest known films, tell little-known behind the scenes stories, and identify some lesser-known, hidden gems among the 53 films he directed. And we’ll discover how even when the Academy did nominate him (including his one Best Picture win) they still got it wrong! Hitchcock may have had a long and storied career telling crime stories — but the greatest crime of all may be the one the Academy committed against him!  As always, thanks for listening!   Films Mentioned (* Recommended) *Dial M for Murder *Rear Window Three Coins in a Fountain *The Lodger *Blackmail The Ring *Murder! *Rebecca *Foreign Correspondent *Grapes of Wrath *The Letter *Lifeboat *Rope *Double Indemnity *Laura Wilson Going My Way *The Lost Weekend Anchors Aweigh The Bells of St. Mary’s *Mildred Pierce Spellbound *Rear Window *Sabrina The High and the Mighty *The Country Girl *On the Waterfront *Gentleman’s Agreement *The Graduate *The Miracle Worker *Psycho *The Apartment *Never on Sunday Sons and Lovers The Sundowners *The Birds *Jaws *Notorious *Suspicion *To Catch a Thief *Strangers on a Train *The Lady Vanishes *Shadow of a Doubt *North by Northwest *Vertigo *The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) *The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) *The Wrong Man *Marnie *1941 *Birdman *The Trouble With Harry *Casablanca *The 39 Steps *Secret Agent *Sabotage The Paradine Case Torn Curtain *M *Goodbye Mr. Chips *Jamaica Inn *The Best Years of our Lives *Mrs. Miniver I* Confess *The Offence *The Hill Saboteur Under Capricorn Frenzy *Topaz Family Plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans — welcome to the 1955 Oscars for the films of 1954.  In case you weren’t aware, 1954 was an absolutely outstanding year full of great movies…some of which even got nominated for Academy Awards!  Which means some of the best movies that are still beloved, rewatched, referenced and remade today did NOT get any Oscar love.  This includes a few shockingly egregious omissions that we’re pretty sure will have you scratching your head.  So join us down on the waterfront as Bruce and “Tex” attempt to solve the mystery of “What they were thinking?” when the Academy looked out their rear window and saw…nothing.  As always, thanks for listening and joining us at The Oscars!    Films Referenced (* Recommended) **On the Waterfront **The Caine Mutiny **The Country Girl Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Three Coins in a Fountain **Rear Window *A Star is Bron **Dial M For Murder **Notorious Robinson Crusoe The High and the Mighty The Zero Hour The Barefoot Contessa *Carmen Jones **Sabrina **The Glenn Miller Story *Magnificent Obsession **Executive Suite Broken Lance *Genevieve Knock on Wood Rogue Cop The Egyptian The Silver Chalice *Gate of Hell *Le Plaisir **The Earrings of Madame de Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscars & Movie Fans — we’re proud to present a Bonus Episode that explores 3 great, HIDDEN GEM films from 1964 that we briefly mentioned during our 1965 - MY FAIR OSCAR episode.   Each film was nominated for something — but we really didn’t talk much about them…until now.  If you’re anything like us — we guarantee you’ll dig at least one if not more of these films which include:  TOPKAPI - the inspiration for the most iconic scene in the Mission Impossible franchise.  SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON - a creepy, psychological thriller that will stay with you long after it’s over.  And THE VISIT, a twisted little movie starring Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn that takes a turn we guarantee you won’t see coming.   Enjoy our discussion on these movies and more and we’ll be back with another full OSCARS episode next week! Oscars What Were They Thinking? Is edited by Kelley Marcano Films Referenced Topkapi Seance on a Wet Afternoon The Visit Riffi Night and the City Never on a Sunday Spartacus Ocean’s 11 Mission Impossible Heist The Asphalt Jungle Body Double Rear Window Vertigo Obsession Frances Zorba My Fair Lady Gandhi  Jurassic Park One Night in Soho All is Lost Jeremiah Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally!  Finally, that Steven Spielberg fellow did something worthy of an Oscar.  We’re kidding of course, but it is shockingly true that after 20 years of making some of the greatest films of all-time, Spielberg finally got his richly deserved Oscar.   And while Schindler's List would earn several more awards that evening (including Best Picture) the Academy would still find a way to mess it up. Join us for an absolute banner year for movies as we debate the snubs, flubs, oversights and deserving wins — as well as Bruce's role in this history making Oscar’s telecast!  As always, thanks for listening and joining us at The Oscars!    MOVIES MENTIONED (*Recommended) *Schindler’s List *The Piano *The Remains of the Day *The Fugitive  *In the Name of the Father *Philadelphia In the Age of Innocence *Cliffhanger *In the Line of Fire *Jurassic Park *Farewell my Concubine *The Firm Orlando *Shadowlands Sleepless in Seattle *What’s Love Got to Do with It Shortcuts *M*A*S*H *Nashville The Player Gosford Park *Close Encounters of the Third Kind *Raiders of the Lost Ark *E.T. *Jaws *Fearless The Man With One Red Shoe Turner & Hooch *Big *In and Out *Groundhog’s Day Mrs. Doubtfire Six Degrees of Separation *Broadcast News *Terms of Endearment *Urban Cowboy Black Widow *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape Under Siege *Paper Moon *Dave *Dazed & Confused *Rudy *The Nightmare Before Christmas *Alive *Army of Darkness *El Mariachi *Falling Down *Indecent Proposal *Naked *Blue (Three Colors Trilogy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the passing of Hollywood legend Robert Redford on Sept. 16th, we were moved to do a special episode of THE OSCARS: WWTT? in order to honor his legacy and commemorate his relationship with The Oscars.  Enjoy hearing about some great films and some fun movie history as we celebrate The Natural who made it look too easy. Robert Redford Films Referenced   Barefoot in the Park Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid The Candidate Jeremiah Johnson The Way We Were The Sting The Great Gatsby Three Days of the Condor All the President's Men A Bridge Too Far The Electric Horseman Brubaker Ordinary People The Natural Out of Africa The Milagro Beanfield War A River Runs Through It Quiz Show Indecent Proposal The Horse Whisperer The Last Castle Spy Game The Clearing All is Lost The Conspirator Captain America: The Winter Soldier Avengers Endgame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the 2012 Academy Awards, a year just outside our ‘test-of-time’ range for judging the merits of the winners, non-winners, and forgotten gems.  This year featured a lot of very good movies but no true odds-on favorite, which is why the eventual winner is seen as kind of a let down. So who or what should have won?  What should have been nominated and wasn’t?  Are there too many nominees in the first place leading to a paradox of choice (where it’s hard to even make a decision).  Not to mention, what might be the best movie of the year wasn’t even considered for a Best Picture Oscar. Bruce and “Tex” get into it all as they try to make sense of a crazy year with Oscar imitating Art… Or in this case, The Artist. Movies Mentioned (*Recommended) Tower Heist *The Descendants Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close *The Help *Midnight in Paris *The Artist *Hugo *Moneyball *Warhorse The Tree Life *Bridesmaids *We Need to Talk About Kevin J Edgar *Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy *Drive *A Better Life *Bicycle Thieves *Celebrity *Take Shelter My Week With Marilyn The Prince and the Showgirl *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo *Albert Nobbs The Iron Lady *Young Adult Warrior Beginners *21 Jump Street *Superbad *Margin Call *The Father **A Separation *The Ides of March Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Oscars fans to the 7th Academy Awards (it definitely wasn’t called The Oscars yet) — as we dive into the 1935 Oscars for the films of 1934.   Now some of you might be thinking, ‘How can awards for films this old possibly be interesting today?’ To which we say, get ready because things are going to get wild!   For starters, there were 12 nominees for best picture (and they still got some wrong!)  There were also awards that are no longer given out as well as no awards for things we award today.  The Hays Code had just begun in mid-1934, affecting the way movies were made. An actress was in three of the Best Picture nominees (a record that still stands) — and on top of it all, the winner this year just so ‘happened’ to set the template for every RomCom you love (or love to hate) today.   Trust us when we say you’re going to have a treat learning about some incredible movies you probably never heard of but you’ll be glad you did once you see them!  As always, thanks for joining us at The Oscars!  Movies Mentioned (*Recommended) *It Happened One Night *The Thin Man *Imitation of Life Flirtation Walk Here Comes the Navy *The House of Rothschild One Night of Love *The Barretts of Wimpole Street *The Gay Divorcee *Viva Villa! *Cleopatra (Cecil B. DeMille version) The White Parade (nearly impossible to see) *The Affairs of Cellini *Of Human Bondage *Manhattan Melodrama Eskimo Flying Down to Rio *Gone With the Wind *Dangerous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans, welcome to the 1968 Oscars for the films of 1967 — AKA the year that changed everything (movie wise)!  What an amazing year for films both domestic & foreign and to our shock and delight the Oscars were there to recognize and appreciate some truly groundbreaking films…mostly.  From movies that touched on race in new and exciting ways — In The Heat of the Night and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner; to one of the most violent movies ever made - Bonnie & Clyde; and a new kind of generational comedy - The Graduate... There was no shortage of great films...and Doctor Dolittle.  Join the legendary Bruce Vilanch and “Tex” as they dive into one of the most important years for movies and debate the snubs, flubs and oversights, while celebrating the triumphs and telling great behind the scenes stories.  As always, thanks for listening! Movies Mentioned (*Recommended) *Bonnie & Clyde *Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? Doctor Dolittle *The Graduate *In the Heat of the Night *Thoroughly Modern Millie *Camelot *Cool Hand Luke *The Dirty Dozen *In Cold Blood *Barefoot in the Park Doctor Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) Doctor Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof *Lilles of the Field *John Wick *One Thousand Clowns WUSA Pocket Money *Brubaker Amityville Horror *Voyage of the Damned *The Pawnbroker *The Hustler *HUD *Wait Until Dark The Whisperers *Tom Jones *The Importance of Being Earnest *Bye Bye Birdie *The Pumpkin Eater Divorce American Style Two for the Road The War is Over *Eyes Wide Shut *It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World *Divorce Italian Style Ulysses *The Towering Inferno *Rebecca *Psycho *Lifeboat Spellbound *Rear Window *The Sound of Music *Closely Watched Trains *Point Blank *Le Samouraï *Casino Royale In Like Flint *The Fearless Vampire Killers *Belle du Jour *Playtime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Oscar fans to the 1984 Oscars for the amazing films of 1983. What a time for movies! All the big stars, nearly all the big directors and lots of brilliant, compelling stories were on display this year...and Flashdance.  With so many objectively great movies to choose from, it's hard for even the Academy to get it wrong. And yet, using the test of time, there are still some curious choices and omissions worth looking into. But at least one award was never in doubt. While accepting her Best Actress Award for Terms of Endearment, Shirley MacLaine famously said, "I deserve this." Take a listen to see if you think the other winners deserved their awards as well!  As always thanks for joining us at the Oscars!     For more info, go to www.Oscars.wtf email us at Info@Oscars.wtf Oscars: What Were They Thinking is edited by Kelley Marcano   Movies Mentioned (*Recommended) *Terms of Endearment *The Right Stuff *Fanny & Alexander *The Dresser *Silkwood *Tender Mercies Yentl *Cross Creek *The Big Chill *Educating Rita *Reuben, Reuben *War Games *Star Wars: Return of the Jedi *Trading Places *The Outsiders Flashdance *Risky Business *Sudden Impact *The China Syndrome *The Insider *Norma Rae *Breaking Away *Bullitt Krull Mother, Jugs & Speed *The Friends of Eddie Coyle Face to Face *The Graduate *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe *Working Girl *Raiders of the Lost Ark Henry & June *Unbearable Lightness of Being The Mirror Has Two Faces *The Prince of Tides Rhinestone *Dr. Zhivago *Tom Jones *Murder on the Orient Express *The Godfather *Apocalypse Now *The Great Santini *Ray *Crazy Heart *Testament Melvin and Howard *To Be or Not to Be (1984 & 1942) *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest *Easy Rider *Five Easy Pieces *Reds *The World According to Garp Precious *Network *To Kill a Mockingbird Betrayal Octopussy Striptease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar fans, welcome to the 2005 Oscars for the films of 2004.  Interestingly, nearly all the nominees were either bio-pics or felt like bio-pics. Even more interesting, while the choice for best picture isn’t bad — there was at least one film from that year that has become an all-time classic and an absolute favorite for many people — which was completely shut out of the Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor categories.   With the recent release of the New York Times’ Top 100 Films of the 21st Century, this grave injustice (at least according to Adam “Tex”) has been rectified — as the ‘forgotten film’ is on the list (at #7) while none of the Best Picture nominees or winner even made the list!  Take a listen and see if you agree with the list or the Academy (and Bruce).   As always, thanks for joining us at the Oscars! Movies Mentioned (*Recommended) *Million Dollar Baby The Aviator *Ray Finding Neverland  *Sideways *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind *Vera Drake *Being Julia *Before Sunset *Before Sunrise *Fahrenheit 9/11 *Hotel Rwanda *Maria Full of Grace Kinsey *The Incredibles *Collateral Closer *The Motorcycle Diaries *Born into Brothels *Super Size Me *Downfall Dodgeball *Just Friends  ;) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscars fans, welcome to the 1944 Oscars for the films of 1943.  Not surprisingly the theme of many movies this year was war as most of the globe fought in WWII.   There was a movie just called Air Force!  And among these war and war adjacent films came one of the most beloved, quoted and classic movies of all time… Casablanca!  But while Casablanca did take home some awards… did it take home enough awards?  In fact, two movies that year had more nominations than Casablanca.   Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the best movies and performances ever and discuss how and why some of them inexplicably lost out or weren’t even nominated.   Along the way you’ll discover lots of films to add to your must-watch list and learn some great film history in the process.  Oh, and we know the title of this episode is a mis-quote from Casablanca!  As always, thanks for listening.  Contact us and let us know your opinions! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577252340445 Email: info@oscars.wtf Website: www.oscars.wtf Movies Mentioned! Casablanca (must see) The Song of Bernadette  (must see) For Whom the Bell Tolls Air Force This is the Army Heaven Can Wait The Human Comedy In Which We Serve Madame Curie The More the Merrier The Ox-Bow Incident  (must see) Watch on the Rhine To Be or Not to Be Ninotchka Trouble in Paradise Design for Living The Shop Around the Corner Shadow of a Doubt  (must see) 12 Angry Men   Five Graves to Cairo The Gunfighter Mildred Pierce Yankee Doodle Dandy The Adventures of Robin Hood The African Queen Sergeant York High Noon Duel in the Sun Sahara The Constant Nymph Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Maltese Falcon So Proudly we Hail! Gone With the Wind Princess O’Rourke Action in the North Atlantic Destination Tokyo Holy Matrimony Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon How Green Was my Valley Citizen Kane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, Oscars: WWTT? fans. Welcome our look at the 1973 Oscars, honoring the films of 1972. It was an outstanding year for movies with some great contenders in every category battling it out. Ironically, the most cheerful best picture nominee was about the inner-workings of the Mafia and all the killing and revenge that comes along with it. But while The Godfather may have been the big winner...did it win enough? And what snubs, flubs and oversights will have you reaching for a gun and a canoli. Contact us and let us know your opinions! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577252340445 Email: info@oscars.wtf Website: www.oscars.wtf Movie Recommendations The Godfather Cabaret Deliverance Sounder The Emigrants The Lady Sings the Blues The Poseidon Adventure Jeremiah Johnson The Ruling Class The Candidate Fat City Butterflies Are Free The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie The New Land Solaris Aguirre: Wrath of God Cries and Whispers Sleuth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscars fans, welcome to the 1981 Oscars for the films of 1980.  This is a HUGE year in terms of the conceit of this show — because while the Oscar winning film is respected, the film that DIDN’T WIN is regarded as a true masterpiece and one of the greatest films of all-time. If you know, you know, and if you don’t get ready to be enraged.  Or maybe not.  And that’s just the start of some curious decisions, omissions and oversights. Whether you’re a total film nerd (like us) or not — this was objectively a great year for movies and for debating the awards given to them!  And along the way, we hope to add a few more hidden gems to your movie-watching list.  As always, thanks for listening! Movies Mentioned The Elephant Man Raging Bull Coal Miner’s Daughter Fame Ordinary People  Tess The Empire Strikes Back Melvin and Howard Private Benjamin The Stuntman 9 to 5 Stir Crazy Airplane Any Which Way You Can Smokey and the Bandit 2 The Blue Lagoon The Blues Brothers Crash (Haggis version) Barry Lyndon The Empire Strikes Back The Shining Stripes Protocol Wildcats Jumping Jack Flash Stardust Memories Duel in the Sun Chinatown The Two Jakes Color of Night The Eyes of Laura Mars Return of a Man Called Horse Never Say Never Again American Gigolo The Big Red One Cruisin’ Tribute The Great Santini Urban Cowboy The Long Good Friday Breaker Morant Inside Moves Resurrection Gloria Carrie Eyes Wide Shut Altered States Flash Gordon The Zero Hero Honeysuckle Rose The Competition 8 Mile Kagemusha The Last Metro The Gods Must Be Crazy Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears Can’t Stop the Music (Razzie Winner!) Bachelor Party 2 (Direct to Video) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscars fans, welcome to the 1965 Oscars for the films of 1964 — a year that had a lot of great films, some of which have stood the test of time… and then there were the winners.   We’re kidding of course. Half kidding. But as you’ll hear ‘Tex” is not a huge fan of this year’s winner and would have preferred any of the other nominees (and another movie that wasn’t nominated) — while Bruce Vilanch supplies the context and support of the winner.   So, what were these films and how and why did they win or lose out?  You’ll have to listen to find out.  And as always, there are lot of great film recommendations to add to your viewing catalogue!  Thanks for listening! Movies Mentioned Minecraft Mary Poppins Becket My Fair Lady Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte Zorba the Greek The Unsinkable Molly Brown Dr. Strangelove Night of the Iguana Breakfast at Tiffany’s Fail Safe Seven Days in May Fiddler on the Roof Gone With the Wind Little Women A Philadelphia Story A Double Life Born Yesterday Cleopatra Lawrence of Arabia Masque of the Red Death Seance on a Wet Afternoon Marriage Italian Style The Pumpkin Eater The Americanization of Emily The Miracle Worker The Chalk Garden The Best Man Topkapi Spartacus Quo Vadis The Barefoot Contessa That Man From Rio Breathless The Organizer One Potato, Two Potato A Hard Day’s Night Father Goose Robin and the Seven Hoods Dear Heart Where Love Has Gone Fate is the Hunter Cheyanne Autumn What a Way to Go Gigi A House is Not a Home Kisses for my President The Visit The King and I Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Woman in the Dunes The Young Girls of Rochefort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscars fans, welcome to the 2013 Oscars for the films of 2012 — a year when Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln was poised to sweep based on a(mother) legendary performance by Daniel Day Lewis.  But instead…it was the second worst night in Lincoln’s life.  All in all, it was a pretty strange year for the Academy Awards — from the winners, non-winners, snubs and even the host!  So join Bruce Vilanch and Adam “Tex” Davis as they share their insider’s perspective on who won and why (and who should have won) — as well as why Seth Macfarlane will never host another Academy Awards show again. Movies Mentioned A Million Ways to Die in the West  Ted Ted 2 Lincoln Life of Pi Les Miserables Silver Linings Playbook Argo Amour Django Unchained Skyfall Zero Dark Thirty Minecraft Sinners Beasts of the Southern Wild Avengers The Hurt Locker The Master Flight Moonrise Kingdom Batman: The Dark Knight There Will Be Blood Boogie Nights The Hobbit Brokeback Mountain The Piano Teacher Funny Games Cache (aka Hidden) The White Ribbon Silkwood The Impossible The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming Inglourious Basterds The Big Lebowski Raising Arizona Barton Fink Sessions As Good As it Gets Norma Rae Places in the Heart Forrest Gump Mrs. Doubtfire Pulp Fiction Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Anna Karenina Red Sparrow Under the Skin La La Land Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Oscars: WWTT? Fans to the 1978 Oscars for the films of 1977 — the year that changed movies forever.  That’s because this is the year Star Wars came out.  But did Star Wars win the Oscar?  And if not, what legendary movie rose up to beat it?  And what other legendary film about outer space creatures by a luminary director wasn’t even nominated that year. And what movie about dancing was nominated over Saturday Night Fever?  Join us as we look back at a truly amazing year of movies, awards, oversights and possible snubs.   And as always, Bruce Vilanch shares his personal stories with some of the stars and filmmakers of the era — including how he was cast in the opening credits of Footloose and how he wound up writing the Star Wars Holiday Special!   MOVIES MENTIONED Spinal Tap  Manchurian candidate The Odd Couple Airplane Airplane 2 Casablanca Singing in the Rain Star Wars Julia The Turning Point The Goodbye Girl Annie Hall Jaws Gravity Arrival Close Encounters of the Third Kind West Side Story Gypsy Saturday Night Fever The Duelists Three Women Goodbye Mr. Chips The Owl and the Pussycat Play it Again Sam The Sunshine Boys Funny Lady Footloose Equus A Special Day Parasite Moonlight Anora The Spy Who Came Out of the Cold The Empire Strike Back Sleeper Love & Death The Godfather The Godfather II The Graduate The Pumpkin Eater Klute The Miracle Worker Opening Night Looking for Mr. Goodbar All the President’s Men Bridge on the River Kwai The Lavender Hill Mob The Horse’s Mouth Oh God! The Late Show Hannah and Her Sisters Midnight in Paris Citizen Kane A Bridge Too Far Slap Shot Snow White French Connection The Deer Hunter Rocky The Star Wars Holiday Special! To learn more go to www.oscars.wtf Email us at info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Oscars: WWTT? fans to the 2003 Oscars for the films of 2002.  In the US we are in post-9/11 recovery; in the Middle East the Iraq War has just begun and on the Oscar stage it’s a battle between the hit musical adaptation of Chicago VS. The Hours, Gangs of New York, The Pianist and Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. So, which film about murder and/or death takes home the gold and why? And who else should have been considered?  That’s what we’re here to find out  as we re-examine an Academy Awards show that was equal parts razzle-dazzle and controversy — including some things that would never fly today!    MOVIES MENTIONED Bowling for Columbine  Chicago Gangs of New York The Hours The Pianist Frida Road to Perdition Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Adaptation Far From Heaven Talk to Her About Schmidt Catch Me if you Can Spiderman Oliver Joker 2 The Aviator Shutter Island The Lord of the Rings 25th Hour Minority Report Spirited Away Y tu mama tambien The Quiet American Leaving Las Vegas One Hour Photo Punch Drunk Love Uncut Gems 8 Mile Secretary Igby Goes Down Unfaithful The Deer Hunter Entrapment About a Boy Winged Migration Roger & Me Fahrenheit 9/11 The Wild Thornberrys Movie The Lion King A Hard Day’s Night Cats Star Wars: Attack of the Clones The Departed Amelia Perez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strap in, it’s going to be a bumpy Oscars!  On this episode Bruce and “Tex” look back at one of the greatest years in filmmaking history, the 1951 Oscars for the films of 1950.  A year which produced perhaps the greatest Oscar battle of all time: SUNSET BOULEVARD vs. ALL ABOUT EVE. Hollywood tragedy vs. Broadway deception. With double digit nominations and luminary actors, writers, and directors for each project — this was a true heavyweight showdown where it would be almost impossible to get it wrong.  Yet in some cases, they may have!  (I’m looking at you Best Actor Award!)  This is one of our favorite episodes to record just from the sheer volume of outstanding movies and performances — some of which you may not have seen or heard of and should promptly add to your playlist!  “Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my Oscar!” MOVIES MENTIONED All About Eve Sunset Boulevard The Substance Gone with the Wind Titanic La La Land Mrs. Miniver Born Yesterday Samson & Delilah Annie Get Your Gun The Asphalt Jungle Broken Arrow Caged Cinderella Father of the Bride King Solomon’s Mines The Third Man Destination Moon The Flame and the Arrow Harvey The Magnificent Yankee Adam’s Rib The Gunfighter Cyrano de Begerac Roxanne Mr. 880 Village of the Damned Phffft It Should Happen to You Platoon Arsenic & Old Lace The Solid Gold Cadillac  Chicago Caged Heat Of Human Bondage My Fair Lady Gigi The Ghost and Ms. Muir A Letter to Three Wives Sleuth No Way Out Cleopatra The Treasure of the Sierra Madre Key Largo The African Queen The Maltese Falcon Gaslight A Star is Born The Philadelphia Story David Copperfield The Chapman Report Panic in the Streets Bitter Rice Mystery Street When Willy Comes Home The Red Danube The Furies Stage Fright D.O.A. Night and the City Cheaper by the Dozens The Pink Panther Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we continue looking at the 1999 Oscars for the films of 1998.  However, we're doing things a little differently as we focus mainly on one of, if not, the most controversial Oscar campaigns of all-time.  In fact, the tricks, stunts and machinations pulled by Harvey Weinstein to secure the Oscar for Shakespeare in Love not only live on in Oscar lore — they forever changed the way Oscars are campaigned (both good and bad).  In addition to laying out all the behind-the-scenes maneuvering — Bruce and “Tex’ share personal stories of their dealings with Weinstein, uncover what really went on behind-closed-doors in 1998,  and shine a light on the impact this Oscar campaign has had on the Academy today.  This one is for true Oscar buffs looking to know more about one of the craziest Oscar races in Academy History. And if you're more interested in the actual awards of that year -- listen to 1999 Pt. 1 - Saving Private Oscar.  Enjoy!   Movies Mentioned Shakespeare in Love Saving Private Ryan Wicked  Dune 2 The Greatest Show on Earth Big Top Pee-wee Just Friends Get Bruce Legends of the Fall Glory The Last Samurai Annie Hall The Alamo Sunset Boulevard All About Eve To Leslie (Andre Riseborough film referred to) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While it goes against the premise of the show (using the test of time to look back at past Oscars) we felt we had to respond to the Oscars of 2025. Especially since Adam and Mark's former classmate at NYU, Mr. Sean Baker, cleaned up with his film Anora! We don't discuss all the awards (we'll do that in 2030)...but we do look at all the top awards and give our thoughts and opinions on the winners/losers and possible snubs and mistakes. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Atomic Entertainment, creators of The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, Brain Games, Who Smarted? and Brainchild – comes an exciting new way to re-evaluate History — through the lens of brain science.  And a chance for you to get smarter in the process! Introducing The Daily Brain, a brand-new podcast designed to sharpen your mind in just a few minutes a day. Hosted by Emmy nominated producer and writer, Jerry Kolber – The Daily Brain explores fascinating moments in history, unpacks how your brain shapes your decision-making (both good and bad), and gives you simple, yet powerful tricks, tips and tools to boost memory, focus, and problem-solving.  How’s that for an award? Listen to Daily Brain on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and “Tex” storm the beaches of one of the Academy Awards’ biggest Best Picture controversies.  Of course we’re talking about the 1999 Oscars, for the films of 1998.  This is known as the year that changed everything thanks to a guy you may have heard of named Harvey Weinstein.  In a shocking upset, a brash, shameless, indie upstart managed to out-campaign the Hollywood elite and take home a best picture Oscar for an artsy film about love and Shakespeare. Using the test of time, many people look back at this year as a complete miscarriage of justice. But was it really? And what other controversies and unbelievable moments took place that evening? Bruce was there and is more than happy to share them with us.  What do you think?  Did Shakespeare deserve Oscar love? Or did Saving Private Ryan “Earn it?”        MOVIES MENTIONED From Russia With Love Shakespeare in Love Elizabeth Saving Private Ryan The African Queen Life is Beautiful The Thin Red Line Armageddon A Simple Plan The Truman Show Affliction Civil Action  Apollo 13 Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid In Like Flint Shine Rushmore The Big Lebowski Rocky Horror Picture Show A Fish Called Wanda Gods and Monsters Hillary and Jackie Little Voice Primary Colors Mrs. Brown Schindler’s List Amistad Warhorse Lincoln West Side Story Munich The Mask of Zorro Out of Sight The Big Chill Mighty Joe Young King Kong What Dreams May Come Pleasantville Velvet Goldmine Beloved The Last Days Dance Maker The Farm Angola USA Lenny Bruce:  Swear to Tell the Truth Regret to Inform Prince of Egypt Patch Adams Mulan A Bug’s Life The Horse Whisperer Babe: Pig in the City Skyfall Barbie Quest From Camelot Wicked Tango The Grandfather Children of Heaven Central Station Frankenstein Bride of Frankenstein American History X Two Women Lord of the Rings One True Thing Gia Bulworth The Best Years of our Lives E.T. The Day the Clown Cried Guilty By Suspicion On the Waterfront Streetcar Named Desire East of Eden A Face in the Crowd Splendor in the Grass America, America Gentleman’s Agreement Viva Zapata Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex crash headfirst into one of the most debated years in Oscar history. We’re talking about the 2006 Oscars, for the films of 2005.  This was the year that saw some incredible firsts, but also left a wonderful movie out in the cold in the best picture category. And the test of time doesn’t make this poor decision look any better.  In a rare show of unity, both Bruce and “Tex” agree that a major disservice was performed — and the fun of the show is trying to figure out ‘How?’ and ‘Why?’  Of course, there were lots of other dubious choices, interesting omissions and head-scratching decisions worthy of debate and discussions.  I wish I knew how to quit you Oscars! To learn more about the show go to: Oscars.wtf Please feel free to leave comments on Spotify and/or reviews on Apple. We're always open to compliments (and criticism if it's constructive!)   MOVIES MENTIONED Crash Crash (David Cronenberg) Capote Goodnight & Good Luck Munich Brokeback Mountain Grand Canyon Silence of the Lambs Barbie Schindler’s List Angels in America Lincoln Squid and the Whale The Constant Gardener City of God History of Violence A Violent Year Walk the Line Hustle & Flow Cinderella Man Infamous (other Capote movie) 10 Things I Hate About You Knight’s Tale North Country Pride & Prejudice Transamerica Miss Henderson Presents Election Wild Syriana Michael Collins Michael Clayton Up in the Air Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang Junebug The Mirror Has Two Faces The English Patient The Accidental Tourist The Nice Guys Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon The Ten Commandments Match Point A Place in the Sun Dial M for Murder The Talented Mr. Ripley Saltburn  Batman Begins The New World Memoirs of a Geisha Rent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode, Bruce and “Tex” react, breakdown & discuss the 2025 Oscar nominations for the films of 2024. Who and what made the cut? Who or what was snubbed? Were there any big surprises? Who are the front-runners and why? And which of these films, if any, will we still care about in 10 years??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look back at the 1942 Oscars for the films of 1941 -- easily one of the greatest years in movie history. And, among those great films is the film often cited as 'the greatest film of all-time' -- the Stairway to Heaven of movies... Citizen Kane. But, did this Orson Welles masterpiece win the Oscar the year it came out? Find out -- as well as hear about all the other great movies that should be on your must-see list! To learn more about the show go to: Oscars.wtf Please feel free to leave comments on Spotify and/or reviews on Apple. We're always open to compliments (and criticism if it's constructive!) MOVIES MENTIONED Gone with the Wind Deep Throat Citizen Kane Mank How Green was my Valley Blossoms in the Dust Here Comes Mr. Jordan Hold Back the Dawn The Little Foxes One Foot in Heaven Sergeant York The Maltese Falcon Suspicion Spellbound Notorious Heaven Can Wait (1943) Heaven Can Wait (1978) Down to Earth (1947)  Down to Earth (2001) The Informant The Grapes of Wrath Penny Serenade None but the Lonely Heart North by Northwest Charade His Girl Friday Father Goose Arsenic and Old Lace Casablanca The African Queen The Caine Mutiny The Roaring Twenties Ball of Fire The Lady Eve The More the Merrier The Devil and Mrs. Jones The Devil in Miss Jones Conflict Shadow of a Doubt The Great Lie Miss Miniver Blood and Sand Tom, Dick and Harry Tall, Dark and Handsome Julia The Razor’s Edge Witness for the Prosecution You’ll Never Get Rich All American Co Ed Las Vegas Nights Sun Valley Serenade Buck Privates Blues in the Night Riding on a Rainbow Dumbo Lady Be Good Last Time I Saw Paris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex step into the ring to duke it out over the 1977 Oscars for the films of 1976. As many of you already know, or will come to see, the 1970’s are absolutely stacked with worthy contenders, many of which have stood the test of time.  The same goes for directing, performing and technical achievements. So the real question becomes, why does the Academy choose one great film over another? Why would a movie win for best picture and director but not its actor or script which matches the underdog nature of the film? And could dying before the awards be a winning Oscar strategy?  We get to the bottom of these questions and more as well as Bruce’s pivotal acting cameo in the 1986 Jane Fonda thriller, The Morning After. Ding-ding… ‘Let’s get ready to Oscars!” MOVIES MENTIONED Beaches Oppenheimer Citizen Kane Annie Hall The Great Dictator Rocky How Green Was My Valley? All The President’s Men Network Bound for Glory Taxi Driver Godfathers 1 & 2 French Connection 1 & 2 Star Wars Mad Max: Fury Road Creed Rocky 3 Raise the Titanic Seven Beauties Party at Kitty & Stud’s - (akaThe Italian Stallion) Lords of Flatbush Bananas The Outlaw Josey Wales Bad News Bears To Fly A Star is Born King Kong Silver Streak Face to Face Carrie Cousin Cousine Badlands A Coal Miner’s Daughter Voyage of the Damned Marathon Man Ballad of Cable Hogue Freaky Friday The Morning After Dog Day Afternoon 12 Angry Men The Wiz Karate Kids 1, 2 & 3 The Formula Neighbors Lean on Me Rocky 5 The Front Meet John Doe The 7 Percent Solution Fellini’s Casanova Logan’s Run The Omen The Pink Panther Strikes Again A Shot in the Dark Obsession Vertigo The Poseidon Adventure Harlan County, USA Grey Gardens The Tenant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special holiday edition of 'The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?', co-hosts Adam "Tex" Davis and Bruce Vilanch dive into their favorite holiday movies and examine how many of them garnered the attention of the Oscars. The discussion kicks off with Adam’s own Christmas cult classic 'Just Friends' and highlights various holiday-themed films like 'It Nearly Wasn't Christmas,' - including a clip of Bruce's performance as a giant Elf named PhilPot. Discussion includes 'White Christmas,' 'A Christmas Story,' 'Scrooged,' 'Home Alone,' 'The Polar Express' and 'Die Hard.' They also touch on the rare Hanukkah movies such as 'Eight Crazy Nights' and 'An American Tail,'. Notable Oscar mentions include the heartwarming classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Miracle on 34th Street' and modern favorites like 'The Holdovers.', with a detour into Siskel and Ebert's trashing of "Silent Night, Deadly Night". Movies mentioned: Just Friends It Nearly Wasn't Christmas White Christmas A Christmas Story Gremlins Krampus Bad Santa Trading Places Silent Night, Deadly Night Black Christmas Die Hard (*Deck the Halls-referenced) Jingle All the Way Christmas with the Kranks It's a Wonderful Life Miracle on 34th Street Holiday Land  The Night Before Christmas Toy Tinkers Scrooge Scrooged Home Alone The Nightmare Before Christmas The Preacher's Wife The Bishop's Wife How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Polar Express The Holdovers 8 Crazy Nights An American Tail The Night Before Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 1961 Oscars for the films of 1960. Yep we're going back a ways to a year that really helps exemplify what this show is about. You see, in 1960 three films came out that are currently on the American Film Institute's Top 100 American Films of ALL TIME. However, only one of those three films was nominated for an Academy Award! Using the test of time and our love of movies, we examine whether those other two films (as well as the iconic performances and directorial efforts within them) deserve to replace the nominated films --- and Bruces gives the cultural and historical context as to why those films might have been left off the list at the time. Adam of course thinks they were egregious omissions and you'd have to be a total psycho not to include at least one of them! Movies Mentioned Just Friends The Apartment Elmer Gantry The Alamo Sons and Lovers Lady Chatterley’s Lover The Sundowners From Here to Eternity Oklahoma Never on Sunday Rarfifi Night in the City Psycho Psycho (Gus Van Sant remake) Sweet Smell of Success The Killers Kiss the Blood Off my Hands The Entertainer Inherit the Wind Sands of Iwo Jima Friendly Persuasion Mr. Roberts Teen Sympathy The Life and Times of Colonel Blimp Elenor Roosevelt Butterfield Eight Cleopatra Double Indemnity Pushover Exodus Murder, Inc. Spartacus All About Eve Yankee Doodle Dandy The Dark at the Top of the Stairs Miranda Fear Strikes Out Jaws Homicidal The Angry Silence The Facts of Life Hiroshima, My Love / Hiroshima, Mon Amour Tunes of Glory Oceans 11 Little Shop of Horrors The Magnificent Seven Swiss Family Robinson La Dolce Vita Sergeant York High Noon The Naked Edge Killer’s Kiss The Killing Lolita Paths of Glory The Ten Commandments Ben Hur Solomon & Sheba Land of the Pharaohs The Life of Brian Trumbo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 1986 Oscars for the films of 1985. This year was a battle of two Oscar-bait juggernauts -- the sweeping romance of Out of Africa and the struggle to survive during slavery of The Color Purple. With 22 nominations between them (11 each) this was gearing up to be a battle for the ages. However, while one movie collected award after award, the other was completely shut out. Not only that, its esteemed director was possibly snubbed and wasn't even nominated despite garnering nominations in nearly every other category. But that's not the most interesting part. Another film released that year not only dominated the box office -- it spawned two sequels and has stood the test of time and is still beloved, quoted and talked about by most film fans today -- (unlike either Out of Africa or The Color Purple). So come 'back' to the 1986 Oscars with us to see which movies, performances & achievements won -- and which had the 'Power of Love'... just not from the Academy.  EPISODE 3 (1986 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned Out of Africa The Color Purple Kiss of the Spider Woman Prizzi’s Honor Witness Back to the Future Rambo: First Blood Pt. 2 Ladyhawke English Patient Evita Butterfly Trip to Bountiful  Agnes of God Sweet Dreams Tootsie Cocoon Twice in a Lifetime Ice Pirates Murphy’s Romance Runaway Train Jagged Edge Things Change Trading Places The Story of Alexander Graham Bell Cocoon 2 The Way We Were Absence of Malice Three Days of the Condor They Shoot Horses Don’t They? Ran C.H.U.D. C.H.U.D. 2: Bud the C.H.U.D. The Official Story Parasite Mask The Phantom of the Opera The Mask Remo Williams: the Adventure Begins A Chorus Line White Nights Silverado Young Sherlock Holmes Return to Oz The Black Hole The Sting Quiz Show Ordinary People Save the Tiger Last Tango in Paris The Last Detail Serpico The Natural Barefoot in the Park Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid The Candidate Purple Rose of Cairo Brazil Rifkin’s Festival Midnight in Paris Radio Days Crimes and Misdemeanors Bananas Take the Money and Run Manhattan Stardust Memories 12 Years a Slave Do the Right Thing Boyz in the Hood Malcolm X Glory Training Day A Beautiful Mind Scent of a Woman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 2010 Oscars for the films of 2009.  Imagine, you’ve just made one of the most groundbreaking movies of all time, a timeless, epic, 3D adventure that not only captivated audiences by creating a never-before-seen world and characters, but also went on to become the highest grossing movie ever.  But instead of winning the Oscar… you lose… to your ex-wife.  Yep, we’re talking about James Cameron’s Avatar losing the best picture award to The Hurt Locker directed by Kathryn Bigelow who divorced him nearly 20 years earlier.  So, did Hurt Locker deserve to win over Avatar?  Was either of them the best film of the year?  Or, was there a third film that has not only stood the test of time, but whose opening 7 minutes are considered some of the best filmmaking / storytelling of all time. We leave it UP to you to decide — but either way, Bruce’s insight and stories will not have you feeling blue. EPISODE 2 (2010 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned Avatar The Hurt Locker Crazy Heart Inglorious Basterds The Blind Side District 9 An Education Precious A Serious Man Up Up in the Air The Dark Knight A New Leaf Invictus A Single Man Star Man Thunderbolt and Lightfoot The Last Picture Show The Messenger The Last Station The Lovely Bones The Hangover Julie and Julia Cactus Flower Erin Brockovich Nine Glitter Star Wars Coraline Fantastic Mr. Fox Secret of Kells Oppenheimer Asteroid City Isle of Dogs Moonrise Kingdom Grand Budapest Hotel Bowling For Columbine My Cousin Vinnie Sudden Fear (1952 starring Joan Crawford & Jack Palance) City Slickers Basic Instinct In the Loop Titanic Dances With Wolves American Beauty Boys Don’t Cry Being Julia Million Dollar Baby The Wife Nomadland Bagdad Cafe Buster Against All Odds - (See Out of the Past (1947) instead) The Princess & The Frog Paris 36 Star Trek Dreamgirls Sherlock Holmes   HONORABLE MENTION: To Leslie (Andrea Riseborough campaign controversy)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the inaugural episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’  In this episode we’re looking at the 1989 Oscars for the films of 1988.  This is also the first year Bruce Vilanch was hired to write the telecast.  After learning how Bruce got the gig and how his first awards show was almost his last — we get into the awards.  The big question is — Does best picture winner Rain Man stand the test of time?  Were there any better movies that were nominated that year?  Or perhaps, the best movie of that year happened to be a non-nominated film that contained a fusion of live action, animation and a neurotic rabbit. And don’t even get us started about Die Hard — one of the best and most beloved action movies of all time. Join us for an in-depth look at the awards and behind-the-scenes stories about the show — which included an 11-minute, opening musical number that is considered one of the biggest disasters in Oscar history. Oh well, at least Bruce is an excellent driver! EPISODE 1 (1989 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned C.C. and Company Grease  Grease 2 Where the Boys Are ’84 Can’t Stop the Music (Bruce co-wrote) Great Balls of Fire Dangerous Liaisons Rain Man The Accidental Tourist Mississippi Burning Working Girl A Fish Called Wanda Cruel Intentions Last Temptation of Christ A League of Their Own Bird Unforgiven Million Dollar Baby Tucker: A Man and his Dreams Who Framed Roger Rabbit Die Hard The Dark Knight Pelle the Conqueror The Favourite The Greatest Show on Earth A Cry in the Dark The Accused Network Gorillas in the Midst My Left Foot Little Dorrit Unbearable Lightness of Being Bull Durham Beetlejuice HONORABLE MENTION: Triumph of the Spirit (unnamed Auschwitz boxing movie) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you watched the Academy Awards and thought… ‘What were they thinking?’ Have you ever wondered, how is it that so many of the awards for Best Picture go to one movie when there’s a much better movie staring them in the face? Or, why have so many actors not won Oscars for their best roles? Or, why is it that so many movies that everyone loves and made a ton of money at the box office get no Oscar love while little-seen movies rake in the nominations and awards? If so, then this is the podcast for you. Co-hosted by legendary comedian, pop-culture icon and writer of over 25 Oscar telecasts, Mr. Bruce Vilanch, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the nominating process, how and why some winners may have been chosen as well as tons of incredible, never-before-told, backstage stories about the world’s biggest stars on Hollywood’s biggest night. Joining Bruce is screenwriter, producer podcaster, and film nerd, Adam “Tex” Davis, writer of the very non-Oscar nominated movie Just Friends (starring Ryan Reynolds). Together, Bruce and “Tex” break down every Oscar ceremony, year-by-year, award-by-award, to reveal what the Academy got right, what it got wrong, the flubs, snubs and oversights. In the end, they’ll answer the question every movie-loving, Academy Awards watcher always asks – The Oscars: What Were They Thinking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices