The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

Atomic Entertainment

Ever watched the Academy Awards and thought, What were they thinking? You’re not alone. Join legendary comedian and writer of over 25 Oscar telecasts, Bruce Vilanch, and screenwriter/film nerd Adam “Tex” Davis (Just Friends) as they dive into Oscar history, unpacking the flubs, snubs, and surprises from Hollywood’s biggest night. From behind-the-scenes stories of A-list stars to insider insights on how the nominations and winners are really chosen, Bruce and Tex break down each Oscar ceremony year by year to reveal what the Academy got right—and what they didn’t. If you’ve ever questioned why your favorite movie or actor got overlooked, this podcast is for you. The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?

Did you know that two of the Top 100 American Films of All-Time came out the same year but weren’t even nominated for an Academy Award? Or that the film often cited as the ‘Greatest Film of All Time’ didn’t win the Oscar in its year? Or that Cuba Gooding Jr. has the same number of acting Oscars as Al Pacino?

Look, stuff happens. But if you’ve ever watched or read about the Academy Awards, you’ve probably been left scratching your head over which movies and performers won – and how many beloved films weren’t even considered.

Why do so many Best Picture winners become some of the least remembered movies? How is it that legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick never won an Oscar? And why do great actors miss out on their best performances, only to win later for less impressive work?

Sure, the Oscars aren’t sports – there’s no scoreboard to show the winners. But with so many Academy members voting, you’d think they’d get it right. Spoiler alert: They often don’t.

On The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, Bruce Vilanch and Adam “Tex” Davis take a deep dive into Oscar history, looking back at the biggest mistakes, controversies, and snubs. From Shakespeare in Love beating Saving Private Ryan to Dances with Wolves winning over Goodfellas, we’ll examine where the Academy went wrong.

Along the way, you’ll hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories and never-before-told moments from Hollywood’s biggest night. We’re re-examining each Oscar ceremony, year-by-year, award-by-award, to see what the Academy got right, what they missed, and how we would “fix” the Oscars.

Whether you’re a dedicated movie buff or just a casual fan, this is the podcast for you. Join us for The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, where we break down the flubs, snubs, and forgotten gems of Oscar history.

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August 24 · 1 hr 15 min
1960 - Ben Hur, Won That!
Hey Oscar fans! Today we’re looking back at the 1960 Oscars for the films of 1959! In the end, just like with the famous chariot race, Ben Hur demolished his opponents — but what made it a glorious victory was the sheer quality of his competition. From devastating historical dramas to scandalous courtroom battles, from one of the all-time greatest comedy films not even securing a nomination to foreign classics from some of cinema’s masters, this was a year when Hollywood was beginning to head in a new direction. Add in a few lesser-remembered hidden gems and genre pics and you’ve got a year that not only stands the test of time — it aces it. Join Bruce Vilanch and “Tex” as they take a deep dive into swords, sandals, attics and cannibals! As always, thanks for listening! FILMS DISCUSSED Ben Hur The Diary of Anne Frank The Nun’s Story Anatomy of a Murder Room at the Top Some Like it Hot Pillow Talk Porgy and Bess North by Northwest Suddenly Last Summer The Young Philadelphians Imitation of Life The Last Angry Man The Apartment Compulsion Carmen Jones Rio Bravo The 400 Blows Wild Strawberries Pickpocket Hiroshima Mon Amour Mrs. Miniver The Best Years of Our Lives The Lost Weekend The Apartment Double Indemnity Sunset Boulevard Stalag 17 Sabrina Witness for the Prosecution Giant Shane A Place in the Sun The Ten Commandments The Story of Louis Pasteur Operation Petticoat Ship of Fools Black Orpheus Dr. Strangelove The Poseidon Adventure Imitation of Life (1934) Lolita On the Beach Sleeping Beauty Stay One for Me Lil’ bAner The Five Pennies A Hole in the Head (The Apu Trilogy) The World of Apu Pather Panchali Aparajito (The Human Condition Trilogy) The Human Condition Part 1: No Greater Love Last Year at Marienbad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 10 · 1 hr 10 min
1983 - Oscars, Phone Home!
Hey Oscars fans! What a year 1982 was for movies! Besides having mostly one word titles: Gandhi, E.T., Missing, Tootsie, and (The) Verdict, this group of films are all Oscar worthy in multiple categories and they almost all win for something or other! And those are just the nominees battling it out! Strap in as Bruce Vilanch and Adam “Tex” Davis take a fun look back at a year full of fascinating films that have a Noah’s Ark, two-by-two quality. There’s two of the best sci-fi films ever made; two films about pretending to be the opposite gender; two military films about Naval officers; two acting nominations for the same actress; and the two most nominated actors to NEVER win an Oscar, both nominated this year! It’s peak Oscar’s insanity! Enjoy, and thanks for listening! FiLMS MENTIONED Just Friends The Odyssey Arthur Gandhi Tootsie E.T. Victor/Victoria Das Boot An Officer and a Gentleman Sophie’s Choice The Verdict Missing Poltergeist Annie Blade Runner Francis Tron The World According to Garp Lawrence of Arabia Dr. Zhivago A Man for All Seasons The Great Ziegfeld The Life of Emile Zola Patton Out of Africa The Last Emperor Schindler’s List My Favorite Year Get Him to the Greek Diner King of Comedy Z Jurassic Park Fitzcarraldo First Blood Cat People The Thing Fast Times at Ridgemont High The Dark Crystal Bugsy Kramer vs. Kramer The Deer Hunter The French Lieutenant’s Woman Shoot the Moon The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas The Tempest Full Metal Jacket It Nearly Wasn’t Christmas Network Precious Rocky 3 Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn Nigh Shift All That Jazz King Kong (1976) Pulp Fiction Quest for Fire Yes, Giorgio! Begin the Beguine Clean Slate Veronika Voss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 27 · 1 hr 15 min
1984 Redux - Oscars of Endearment
Hey Oscar fans, join us for another look back at the 1984 Oscars for the amazing films of 1983. A time when all the big stars, big directors and top talent were putting out great films to satisfy every film urge and scratch every movie itch! With so many objectively great movies in every genre 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. And please note, we'll be back with new episodes, fresh complaints and satisfying explanations in a few weeks. Hope everyone is beating the heat by staying in and watching great movies! 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 13 · 1 hr 15 min
1940 - Gone With the Oscars!
Hey Oscars WWTT? fans -- we're going way, way back to perhaps the first truly epic year of movies! And while it all took place over 80 years ago -- when you have this many timeless classics that are still relevant, watched & enjoyed today -- it may as well be 8 years ago. Between Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, Of Mice and Men, and Ninotchka we're talking about some of the biggest and best movies, directed by luminaries and starring some of the all-time greats. So join us for a year like few others; add some films to your watch list; and enjoy some behind the scenes trivia & stories you won't hear anywhere else! FILMS DISCUSSED (*) Recommended *Gone With the Wind *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington *Wuthering Heights Goodbye Mr. Chips *Stagecoach Love Affair *The Wizard of Oz *Ninotchka *Of Mice and Men *Dark Victory *Babes in Arms *Beau Geste *The Hunchback of Notre Dame An Affair to Remember Sleepless in Seattle *A Stolen Life *Now Voyager *Jezebel *The Letter *Only Angels Have Wings Dodsworth *Mrs. Miniver *Best Years of Our lives *The Women *It Happened One Night *Mutiny on the Bounty *The Roaring Twenties *Juarez *(The Scarlett O’Hara Wars - Mini-series) *A Streetcar Named Desire *Notorious The Last Remake of Beau Geste Drums Along the Mohawk *Young Mr. Lincoln Bachelor Mother *The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex *The Rains Came *The Hurricane Union Station Topper Takes a Trip *Hattie McDaniel Acceptance Speech: https://youtu.be/gPJVFLv3_v8?t=852 EMAIL US: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 30 · 1 hr 18 min
1998 - A Titanic Year for Movies & the Oscars!
Hey Oscars WWTT? Fans — come take a fateful trip with us as we break down the highest-rated Oscars telecast in history! And because Bruce was there, he can regale you with some behind-the-scenes fun! Of course, it was a big night for Titanic, which became the highest grossing film of all-tine, But while James Cameron might’ve been ‘The King of the Oscars’ that night — not everything broke his way. Find out all the interesting stories, as well as the snubs, flubs, oversights and WTF moments as Bruce and “Tex” walk & talk their way through this night to remember. Most of all, celebrate a year jam-packed with quality movies and hidden gems — some Oscar-worthy, others not so much — but all great films by solid filmmakers! FILMS DISCUSSED Titanic As Good as it Gets The Full Monty Good Will Hunting LA Confidential Amistad Kundun The Wings of the Dove Boogie Nights Donnie Brasco Jackie Brown Deconstructing Harry The Boxer The Ice Storm The Sweet Hereafter Mrs. Brown Wag the Dog The Game Career Girls Hard Eight Contact Rosewood Lost Highway Ulee’s Gold The Apostle In & Out Afterglow Anastasia Men in Black Starship Troopers Con Air Air Force One Liar, Liar Citizen Kane Gone with the Wind Bridge on the River Kwai Lawrence of Arabia Ben-Hur Schindler’s List The Poseidon Adventure Avatar Four Little Girls Happy Together Get Bruce! Contact us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 22 · 1 hr 10 min
Bonus - No Competitive Oscars for Sidney Lumet Makes us ‘Mad as Hell!’
It also makes us 2 Angry Men spending a Dog Day Afternoon grousing about an unfair Verdict. Yes, these are all ham-fisted references to Sidney Lumet films that were nominated for Best Picture and Best Director. And despite being beloved classics, all four films (12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, Network & The Verdict) failed to win Oscars for esteemed director Sidney Lumet. But that’s just part of the story! On this bonus episode we dive into the films and filmmaking of a true cinematic master that will have you appreciating Lumet’s genius and leave you wanting to watch or re-watch most of his filmography! Enjoy and thanks for listening! FILMS MENTIONED 12 Angry Men Dog Day Afternoon Network The Verdict Stage Struck Long Day’s Journey Into Night Fail Safe The Offence The Hill The Iceman Cometh The Seagull Equus The Pawnbroker The Anderson Tapes Murder on the Orient Express Serpico Deathtrap Prince of the City The Morning After Q&A The Wiz Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 8 · 1 hr 19 min
1963 - Oscar of Arabia
Hello! We at Oscars WWTT? believe the beauty of this podcast comes from three things. 1. Looking back at the Oscars of the past to see which winners & nominees have stood the test of time, or not. 2. Trying to understand how or why the Academy voters chose that year’s winners and nominees, and 3) Putting hidden gems and/or movies you haven’t heard of on your radar. For this episode, the 1963 Oscars for the films of 1962 — we get plenty of all three. There are some legendary wins, some historically curious losses and lots of great movies you’ll want to add to your watch list. So join us on an epic adventure as Bruce and “Tex” sift through the sands of time to discover WTF the Oscars were thinking! As always, thanks for joining us! FILMS MENTIONED The Longest Day Lawrence of Arabia The Music Man That Touch of Mink Mutiny on the Bounty To Kill a Mockingbird Days of Wine and Roses The Miracle Worker Whatever Happened to Baby Jane The Birdman of Alcatraz The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Divorce, Italian Style Gypsy Sweet Bird of Youth Billy Budd The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance Long Day’s Journey into Night Lonely Are the Brave The Manchurian candidate Through a Glass Darkly The Bridge on the River Kwai David and Lisa Bonnie and Clyde Brief Encounter Dr. Zhivago Auntie Mame Elmer Gantry Some Like it Hot The Apartment The Gunfighter The Omen Dr. No Hatari! Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Superman 2 Lolita Freud: The Secret Passion Last Year at Marienbad Seesaw Taras Bulba Gigot Jumbo Tender is the Night Walk on the Wild Side Sundays and Cybele Jules and Jim Harikari Le Eclipse Autumn Afternoon Cleo From 5 to 7 Vivre Se Vie (My Life to Live) Childhood Sanjuro Yojimbo The Exterminating Angel Midnight in Paris Knife in the Water Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 27 · 1 hr 14 min
2009 - The Curious Case of the Slumdog Oscar
Hey Oscar fans, Bruce and “Tex” are back with the 2009 Oscars for the films of 2008. This was an interesting year for many reasons: controversial winners; new formats, a singing & dancing Wolverine as host; and most notably, the reaction to The Dark Knight being snubbed causing the Academy to expand the number of Best Picture nominees from 5 to (up to) 10. As for the movies that were nominated, it’s a curious mix of decent films that really only need to be seen once — and some possibly better movies that have stood the test of time and are even more relevant now! Join us as we break it all down and get behind the scenes stories from Bruce Vilanch who got paid to spend an evening with Hugh Jackman. Thanks for listening!. Movies Mentioned *The Dark Knight **Wall-E *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Slumdog Millionaire *Milk *Frost/Nixon *Changeling *Revolutionary Road *The Wrestler *Frozen River *Iron Man *The Reader **In Bruges *The Visitor *Happy-Go-Lucky *Hunger Shame Billy Elliott **Good Will Hunting *A Beautiful Mind **The Social Network *Doubt *Shallow Grave *Trainspotting *28 Days Later The Beach *Chicago *Mystic River **Vicky Cristina Barcelona *Gran Torino W Rachel Getting Married *The Fighter *Tropic Thunder Che *In the Bedroom *My Cousin Vinny Red Belt **Idiocracy *Forrest Gump *Bolt *Kung Fu Panda Departures **Bader Meinhof Complex Australia *The Nutty Professor Maverick: Top Gun Part 2 Contact us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 11 · 1 hr 16 min
Encore 1999 - Love vs War
Hey Oscar fans. Bruce and "Tex" are on a slight hiatus, so we're doing an encore presentation of one of Oscar's most controversial years. A year that pit 'Love' VS 'War.' Of course we’re talking about the 1999 Oscars, for the films of 1998 in which Shakespeare in Love won the Oscar over Saving Private Ryan. 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.. 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
May 4 · 1 hr 14 min
1943 - Minvers, Ambersons & The Pride of the Yankees Doodle Dandy
Welcome Oscar fans. Bruce is back to help break down the 1943 Oscars for the films of 1942. It’s another stacked year with 10 Outstanding Picture nominees (most of which are very deserving) and yet, there are still several other great films left out in the cold. And while there are a few curious decisions and omissions, most of the winners in all the categories are surprisingly and refreshingly solid. Instead of controversy — this is definitely an episode you’ll want to take notes during, because there are a lot of hidden gems to go with the classics. Either way, you’re going to want to update your ‘Watch List!’ As always for joining us for another look back at the Oscars of the past, through the lens of today! Movies Mentioned *Mrs. Miniver *The Magnificent Ambersons *Yankee Doodle Dandy *The Pride of the Yankees *The Talk of the Town *The Invaders AKA The 49th Parallel *King’s Row The Pied Piper *Random Harvest Wake Island *Now Voyager *To Be or Not To Be *The Palm Beach Story *Johnny Eager Around the World in 80 Days *The Letter *The Little Foxes Wuthering Heights Doddsworth *Angels With Dirty Faces *My Sister Eileen Woman of the Year *I Married a Witch *This Gun for Hire *Tortilla Flat *The Affairs of Cellini *The Wizard of Oz *Shadow of a Doubt Holiday inn White Christmas *Road to Morocco One of Our Aircraft is Missing The Black Swan Jungle Book Bambi Arabian Nights The Shanghai Gesture The Corsican Brothers The Battle of Midway (first Documentary Winner) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Bonus - The Freakishly Fantastic Films of 1995
1995, an objectively incredible year for movies, doesn’t get talked about enough…until now! Having done the research for our 1996 Oscars, “Tex” And Mark were amazed at just how many outstanding, Oscar-worthy films came out this year — so many in fact, that we could hold an ‘Alternate Oscars’ and only include non-nominated films, directors and performances. So… That’s we did! Join us as we have some fun discussing the freakishly fantastic films of 1995 and offer our picks for an Oscars that didn’t happen — but certainly could have! We’ll be back with a regular episode next week. (The 1943 Oscars for anyone who wants to do some homework and watch some of the films of 1942!) Movies Mentioned (*) Recommended **Braveheart *Apollo 13 *Babe *Sense & Sensibility *Il Postino: The Postman **The Usual Suspects **Leaving Las Vegas *Dead Man Walking *Toy Story *Casino **Heat **Twelve Monkeys **Se7en *Crimson Tide *The American President Goldeneye *Mr. Holland’s Opus *To Die For **Zone of Interest **Anatomy of a Fall *Past Lives *I’m Still Here Emilia Pérez **Sentimental Value *The Secret Agent **Parasite **Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon *Life is Beautiful *Cries and Whispers **The Lives of Others **A Separation **City of God **Ran **81/2 **La Dolce Vita Showgirls *Clueless *Kids *Devil in a Blue Dress *The Crossing Guard Panther *The Quick and the Dead Nixon *Bridges of Madison County *Get Shorty *Living in Oblivion *Safe Dangerous Minds *Dolores Claiborne Georgia Rob Roy Funny Bones *Kiss of Death Walking Dead Boys on the Side Circle of Friends Exotica *Before Sunrise *The Secret of Roan Inish The Brothers McMullen *Clockers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 14 · 1 hr 14 min
1996 - They May Take Our Lives…But They'll Never Take Our Oscars!
Hey Oscar fans — for this episode, Bruce Vilanch and “Tex” Davis dive into the 1996 Oscars—the year Braveheart took the crown, beating out an oddly charming mix that includes Apollo 13 and Babe. But here’s the real question: how did a year packed with some all-time classics end up with this lineup? From snubbed fan favorites to the Academy’s love of big, bold spectacle, we’re breaking down what got nominated, what got ignored, and what the Oscars might have been thinking… if anything. Films Mentioned **Babe **Braveheart **Apollo 13 **Sense and Sensibility *Il Postino: The Postman *Dead Man Walking **Leaving Las Vegas Nixon **Toy Story *Crimson Tide *Batman Forever Waterworld Showgirls **The Usual Suspects *Mr. Holland’s Opus *Casino **The American President *Rob Roy Bridges of Madison County **12 Monkeys Hacksaw Ridge **Apocalypto Man Without a Face **Heat **Devil in a Blue Dress **The Goodbye Girl **Adaptation *Dances with Wolves *The Crossing Guard *Get Shorty **Thelma and Louise **Lorenzo’s Oil **Atlantic City **Howard’s End **Remains of the Day *Safe **Se7en Georgia Mighty Aphrodite *Butterflies are Free Shakespeare in Love *My Cousin Vinny **La Jette’ Sabrina Pocahontas Restoration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 7 · 56 min
ENCORE 1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is his Oscar!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we don't have a new episode for you this week -- so we decided to rerun an older one you may not have hear. This is a classic one that started the whole premise of the show. That's because in 1960, three films came out that are all sitting on the AFI's Top 100 American Films of All-Time List. Yet, only ONE of them was actually nominated for an Oscar the year it came out! Join us as we debate whether or not this is a travesty or if it made sense at the time. As always, thanks for listening and we'll be back with a new episode next week! 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
March 30 · 1 hr 7 min
BONUS 1952 - The Fantastic Films Noir of 1952!
Hey Oscar fans - “Tex” and Mark are back with another standout year of films noir. We kind of teased this episode during our 1953 Oscars episode — when four noirs (The Bad and the Beautiful, Sudden Fear, The Narrow Margin, and The Sniper) were nominated for various Oscars. But as we soon discovered, that was just the tip of the iceberg! 1952 was an absolute banger of a year for films noir and we are all too happy to walk you through at least a dozen more of our favorites, as well as introduce you to some hidden gem talent both in front of and behind the camera! So sit back and take note of some films that expose both the bad and beautiful sides of life as seen through the dark lens of film noir. Thanks for listening! Films Mentioned The Bad and the Beautiful Sudden Fear The Narrow Margin Narrow Margin (1990) The Sniper M (1931 & 1951) Kansas City Confidential Angel Face Laura Fallen Angel The Man with the Golden Arm Don’t Bother to Knock Inferno Clash by Night Affair in Trinidad Gilda The Turning Point Strange Fascination Pickup The Girl on the Bridge Bait Hit and Run One Girl’s Confession This Woman is Dangerous The Thief Man Bait Tread Softly Stranger Yield to the Night Passport to Shame Scandal Sheet The Phenix City Story Hell’s Island 99 River Street All the King’s Men Deadline USA The Boy with the Green Hair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 23 · 1 hr 14 min
1953 - The Not-So-Greatest Oscar on Earth!
Hey Oscar fans — Bruce and “Tex” find themselves under the big top for an Oscar year that’s… well… not exactly the greatest show on Earth. While The Greatest Show on Earth somehow walks away with Best Picture, a lineup of stronger, more enduring classics is left juggling in the background (including an all-time classic that wasn’t even nominated!) So, who were the clowns that let this spectacle steal the spotlight — and which films actually deserved center ring? Step right up for a lively debate, a few raised eyebrows, and one of the biggest Oscar head-scratchers of the decade! As always, thanks for listening! Films Mentioned *Recommended The Greatest Show on Earth **High Noon *Ivanhoe *Moulin Rouge The Quiet Man **Singin’ in the Rain **The Bad and the Beautiful *Come Back Little Sheeba *The Star *Five Fingers *Viva Zapata Melania *The Lavender Hill Mob **Sudden Fear The Member of the Wedding With a Song in My Heart *My Cousin Rachel The Big Sky **Angel Face *The Narrow Margin *The Man in the White Suit *Ruby Gentry *The Sound Barrier The Pride of St. Louis *The Sniper *The Atomic City Pat and Mike Navajo Email us at: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 17 · 51 min
Bonus - 2026 Oscars Reaction!
Hello Oscars Fans! Join "Tex" and Mark for an "entirely too soon to be having this conversation" conversation about the 2026 Oscars. As you probably know, it goes entirely against the premise of our show to discuss the recent Oscars -- since we rely on the 'test of time' to judge and score the winners & non-winners. At the same time, good luck keeping these certified film nerds from giving their takes on the proceedings. Some you might agree with, others not so much -- but isn't that the joy of movies? Either way, thanks for listening and being part of the fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 9 · 1 hr 4 min
1974 Bonus - The Worst Sequels to the Best Movies
Hey Oscar fans, welcome to a fun Bonus Episode that looks at a strange thing that happened following the 1974 Oscars (which we recently covered). 3 of the Best Picture Nominees (The Exorcist, American Graffiti & The Sting) went on to have sequels that were… less than successful. This led us to looking back at all the Oscar BP nominated or winning films that had sequels. It turns out, prior to 1970 there were only a handful. Why was that? And why did this year have so many? What film set the bar for the prestige sequel and how come none of these films from 1973 were able to come close to crossing it? And what were some planned sequels to classic films that (thankfully) never got made? Join us as we go sequel crazy at the Oscars! FILMS MENTIONED **The Exorcist The Exorcist II: The Heretic *American Graffiti More American Graffiti **The Sting The Sting 2 The Birth of a Nation The Fall of a Nation The Broadway Melody The Broadway Melody of (1936, 1938, 1940) **The Thin Man *After the Thin Man *Going My Way *The Bells of St. Mary’s **King Kong Son of Kong Airport Airport 1975 Airport 1977 Concorde: Airport 1979 **The Godfather **The Godfather II **Deliverance Halloween III Caddyshack 2 *Exorcist III *The Great Waldo Pepper *Slap Shot **The French Connection *The French Connection 2 *Chinatown The Two Jakes *Roger Dodger Into the Wild *The Hustler *The Color of Money *Mary Poppins Mary Poppins Returns **Psycho *Psycho II **Blade Runner *Blade Runner 2049 *Top Gun Top Gun: Maverick Tron Tron Legacy Contact us: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 2 · 1 hr 20 min
1974 - Get the Butter, this Oscar is Going to Sting!
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
February 23 · 1 hr 10 min
Bonus - The Incredible Indie Explosion of 1996
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
February 16 · 1 hr 15 min
The Oscar Goes to The English Patient. “Just Die, Already!”
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

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