Episodes
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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)
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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
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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
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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 [email protected]
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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 MENTIONEDBowling for Columbine ChicagoGangs of New YorkThe HoursThe PianistFridaRoad to PerditionLord of the Rings: The Two TowersAdaptationFar From HeavenTalk to HerAbout SchmidtCatch Me if you CanSpidermanOliverJoker 2The AviatorShutter IslandThe Lord of the Rings25th HourMinority ReportSpirited AwayY tu mama tambienThe Quiet AmericanLeaving Las VegasOne Hour PhotoPunch Drunk LoveUncut Gems8 MileSecretaryIgby Goes DownUnfaithfulThe Deer HunterEntrapmentAbout a BoyWinged MigrationRoger & MeFahrenheit 9/11The Wild Thornberrys MovieThe Lion KingA Hard Day’s NightCatsStar Wars: Attack of the ClonesThe DepartedAmelia PerezLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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
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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)
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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!
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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
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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
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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???
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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
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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
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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
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On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the1961 Oscars for the films of 1960. Yep we're going back a ways to a year that reallyhelps exemplify what this show is about. You see, in 1960 three films came out that arecurrently 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! Usingthe test of time and our love of movies, we examine whether those other two films (aswell as the iconic performances and directorial efforts within them) deserve to replacethe nominated films --- and Bruces gives the cultural and historical context as to whythose films might have been left off the list at the time. Adam of course thinks they wereegregious omissions and you'd have to be a total psycho not to include at least one ofthem!Movies MentionedJust FriendsThe ApartmentElmer GantryThe AlamoSons and LoversLady Chatterley’s LoverThe SundownersFrom Here to EternityOklahomaNever on SundayRarfifiNight in the CityPsychoPsycho (Gus Van Sant remake)Sweet Smell of SuccessThe KillersKiss the Blood Off my HandsThe EntertainerInherit the WindSands of Iwo JimaFriendly PersuasionMr. RobertsTeen SympathyThe Life and Times of Colonel BlimpElenor RooseveltButterfield EightCleopatraDouble IndemnityPushoverExodusMurder, Inc.SpartacusAll About EveYankee Doodle DandyThe Dark at the Top of the StairsMirandaFear Strikes OutJawsHomicidalThe Angry SilenceThe Facts of LifeHiroshima, My Love / Hiroshima, Mon AmourTunes of GloryOceans 11Little Shop of HorrorsThe Magnificent SevenSwiss Family RobinsonLa Dolce VitaSergeant YorkHigh NoonThe Naked EdgeKiller’s KissThe KillingLolitaPaths of GloryThe Ten CommandmentsBen HurSolomon & ShebaLand of the PharaohsThe Life of BrianTrumboLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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
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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)
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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)
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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?
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