Oscar Podcast #38

04/11/16 • 113 min

In our 38th podcast, I am joined by three Gold Rush Gang members - Júlia, Evan and Kenneth - to first discuss the name change of the Amy Adams space drama and if the film needs more or less Jeremy Renner (hint: it's the latter).

Then, onto predictions for the Cannes Film Festival announcement next week. Everything from what's confirmed, what's definitely not showing up to what we have a good idea will be. Much conversation revolves around the Jeff Nichols film Loving starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton and how Focus Features is positioning the film early (it doesn't do Cannes that often) and will likely hit all of the major festivals before its theatrical release. This leads to a lengthy Best Actress conversation (no, really?) that focuses mainly on Negga and Viola Davis in Fences but also on the challenge of a studio to decide which of its films to push the most, when to release it and when it's good to be seen early.

Much debate about if the Academy will take Amazon Studios and Netflix seriously this year after no nominations for a feature film happened at this year's nominations takes place, including thoughts on how the old indies (Sony Pictures Classics, Focus Features, Fox Searchlight) fell to the new indies this year (A24, Open Road Films) and where Amazon and Netflix fit, if they do at all and how those two streaming services are becoming the new home for old school indie directors. I also give a plea and shoutout to director Karyn Kusama whose film The Invitation debuted this weekend to rave reviews and deserves a major career redemption. Evan and Kenneth discuss a wealth of films they've recently seen that could end up being awards contenders come fall (as Spring movies often do) including the ever-awarded Helen Mirren in Eye in the Sky and Sally Field in Hello, My Name is Doris. Júlia shares her thoughts on the upcoming film Moonlight, starring Mahershala Ali, Andre Holland and Naomie Harris.

We also highlight something we're very proud of; an AwardsWatch forum member who has a film playing the Cannes Film Festival. Our own Aaron Salazar's film gas_n_go032416 will play the Short Film Corner of the festival. Huge congratulations to him.

Also, Nicole Kidman. Because, of course.

Also, Nicole Kidman. Because, of course.

Previous Episode

Emmy Podcast #11: TV Movies and Limited Series' Take the Front Seat

In our first Emmy podcast for the 2015/2016 television season, I am joined by Vox.com's Culture Editor Todd VanDerWerff for a deep dive into this year's Emmy predictions.

With TV Movies, Miniseries and Limited Series dominating the attention and airwaves for the last couple of years (this year in particular) the majority of our conversation circulates around these categories. American Crime, American Horror Story Hotel, The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Fargo, Roots, Show Me a Hero...all worthy contenders vying for spots.

We end with the state of Drama and Comedy Series and how streaming has become the norm for nominations and could it keep going? Will Hulu join Netflix and Amazon to continue pushing out network and cable?

Will the Emmys FINALLY embrace The Americans outside of Margo Martindale? The Leftovers? What about Better Call Saul - was the first season nom haul just Breaking Bad runoff or will its second season earn them on its own?

Find out, on the AwardsWatch Emmy Podcast.

Next Episode

Emmy Podcast #12: Drama and Comedy Category Predictions

In our last Emmy Podcast, Vox.com's Todd VanDerWerff and I broke down the TV Movie and Limited Series predictions and got a little bit into the Drama and Comedy but here, on this 12th Emmy Podcast I am joined by fellow Emmy Expert Federico Artico for a deeper dive.

We discuss how open the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category is with three of last year's nominees out of the running, the rise of black-ish and possibly Mom in Comedy Series and if Silicon Valley can break through in the acting categories. Plus, can anyone possibly beat Veep's Julia Louis-Dreyfus?

In drama we talk about if Mr. Robot can really get nominated or if it will end up like Orphan Black and we discuss who we think is winning Drama Series this year. Will Game of Thrones continue to reign or will this election year see one (or possibly two) White House-based shows win the top prize.

Plus, The Americans. Always, The Americans.