1999 brought audiences a remarkable number of unforgettable films, like: The Matrix, The Virgin Suicides, 10 Things I Hate About You, Eyes Wide Shut, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Magnolia, The Mummy— the list is nearly endless. Some were appreciated by the Academy while some were forgotten, but one movie did impress both voters and viewers alike: American Beauty. Its worldwide success was a surefire path to winning Best Picture, but not every component of the film was so lucky.

Sophia and Nick bring back one of their favorite series- with a twist!- by discussing Annette Bening’s performance in this controversial, yet insightful suburban satire. They marvel at her impressive performance before debating how she lost in such a dominating film and deciding if she should have won instead!

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Challengers isn’t just the hottest movie of the year, it’s a game changer when it comes to coming-of-age stories, exciting sports films, and dramas of the love triangle variety. Nick and Sophia are buzzing with excitement, ready to break down Luca Guadagnino’s latest and discuss how he creates another tantalizing universe full of electricity. In this PG-13 edition, they examine beautiful shot and dialogue parallels in every eye-popping scene and question Art, Patrick, and Tashi’s desires throughout their dynamic friendships. Stay for some fun listener questions that have them recasting the film, swapping roles, and sharing recommendations for other films with unlikeable characters.

For an explicit, churro-filled version of this episode with 10 minutes of bonus content, subscribe at www.patreon.com/OscarWild at the After Dark tier or higher!

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

There's no complete list of 70's paranoia thrillers without The Conversation-- and it almost never came to be! Sophia and Nick dive into Francis Ford Coppola's other 1974 film this week, walking through the film’s pre-Watergate production, key scenes, and quotes, how Room 773 was the original Room 237, and why Harry Caul and Ron Swanson would be friends. At the end, they answer some fun listener questions and mourn the film’s many snubs at the Oscars.

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

There’s neither a dull moment nor a wasted breath in this week’s feature— only a flaw in the iris. Nick and Sophia are excited to share a thorough deep dive into Chinatown, an exemplary film from 1974 brimming with eyes and oranges and water (oh my!). They discuss how the Academy awarded it only one out of its eleven nominations, and even debate if it should’ve won some of The Godfather Part II’s wins instead (1:22:51). Along with its performance at the Oscars, they answer a deluge of creative listener questions that have them reimagining the cast had it been made in 1937 and today, donning the beautiful suits and blouses designed by Anthea Sylbert, and ranking Faye Dunaway’s hottest chemistry with some of her shining co-stars.

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Welcome back to Season Five! To start off with a BANG, Sophia and Nick tackle one of cinema’s greatest sequels, The Godfather Part II. Coppola returned to adapt this second film only a few months after The Godfather took home Best Picture, but this time he had demands and drama to deal with. They discuss all of this and more, including a run-through of the movie’s best scenes, their favorite shots and quotes, and how the beautiful crosscutting transforms characters and scenarios to magnify the world established in the first film. Even with 11 nominations, was the movie snubbed? You bet! Listen as they debate those, too.

Check out our coverage of The Godfather here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aa0vS46hXxPClctwjBbse?si=b89ef3d629a644e1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-godfather-at-50/id1502773822?i=1000558255191

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

The long-awaited second installment of Dune is finally here and Nick and Sophia are ready to don their stillsuits back on Arrakis. In reviewing the film, they list some of their favorite shots and scenes, debate whether Denis Villeneuve’s altered world lives up to the book, and tease what’s to come with Dune: Messiah.

Of course, the episode isn’t complete without Smash or Pass with some of the Dune Universe’s finest men (49:56).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

The latest Oscars telecast not only attracted the most viewers since 2020, they brought back the fanfare the biggest night in movies deserves! Sophia and Nick recap the many memorable moments from the night, including emotional speeches, the showstopping “I’m Just Ken” performance and Jonathan Glazer’s compelling acceptance speech. Don’t worry, they break down all the shocking and awkward moments, too, like Al Pacino’s rousing finale: “My eyes see Oppenheimer.”

Last but not least, they end the episode and season with a special Oscars Edition of Smash or Pass (1:00:20). Let us know what your favorite moments of the night were!

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

It’s almost time to hear “And the Oscar goes to…” which means Nick and Sophia will finally be sharing their Oscar predictions. Will they change before the ceremony? Only time will tell. (Yes.) Even with the beginning of the end of this awards season in sight, they start the episode by sharing their initial reactions to a film that could dominate the 97th Academy Awards: Dune: Part Two. A more in-depth episode on that is coming soon, but first they use their Mentat skills to share their Final Oscar Predictions.

As in previous years, they divide all 23 categories into groupings based on degree of difficulty: In the Bag, Toss Up (24:56), and Anybody’s Guess (41:32). They end the episode by mulling over Best Picture and answering some creative listener questions. Enjoy the ceremony on Sunday, March 10th, at 7pm ET/4pm PT!

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More content including updated nomination predictions @ oscarwild.squarespace.com

Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich