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The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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
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- Today1h 7m
1975 - I Knew it was You, Oscar. You broke my heart!
1975 Films Mentioned The Towering Inferno Blazing Saddles Young Frankenstein Earthquake Airport 1975 Chinatown The Godfather Part II Lenny Murder on the Orient Express Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore The Conversation Day for Night Woman Under the Influence Harry and Tonto Claudine The Great Gatsby Ali: Fear Eats the Soul Thunderbolt and Lightfoot The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz Amarcord Shanks The Longest Yard Hearts and Minds (doc.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago58 min
BONUS - Disorder in the Court!
Hey Oscar fans! Based on the past few episodes which featured some outstanding films set in courtrooms, we decided to take a closer look at The Oscars long-standing relationship with courtroom movies! From the curious collection of courtroom movies that won Best Picture, to the outstanding nominees that didn’t win, to our favorite court (or court adjacent) films that received no love from The Academy. Join us as we litigate our case and determine whether The Academy delivered a just verdict or whether the whole Oscars is ‘out of order!’ Court Movies Mentioned To Kill a Mockingbird And Justice for All The Verdict Inherit the Wind 12 Angry Men Witness for the Prosecution A Few Good Men Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) The Life of Emile Zola A Man For All Seasons Kramer Vs. Kramer Gandhi Chicago Mutiny on the Bounty (1962) The Caine Mutiny Anatomy of a Murder A Soldier’s Story JFK In the Name of the Father Erin Brockovich Michael Clayton The Trial of the Chicago 7 The Social Network Anatomy of a Fall The Accused Philadelphia A Time to Kill The People vs. Larry Flynt The Rainmaker Amistad The Hurricane The Wrong Man Paths of Glory Breaker Morant Young Mr. Lincoln Roman J. Israel, Esq. A Matter of Life and Death The Ox-Bow Incident Fury Phil Spector Malice The Devil’s Advocate Presumed Innocent The Firm Defending Your Life My Cousin Vinny Legally Blond Primal Fear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 weeks ago1h 15m
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
- Aug 10, 20261h 10m
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
- Jul 27, 20261h 15m
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
- Jul 13, 20261h 15m
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
- Jun 30, 20261h 18m
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
- Jun 22, 20261h 10m
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
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About The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!
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
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