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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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Check latest episodes from The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! podcast

1975 - I Knew it was You, Oscar. You broke my heart!

2026/09/21

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

BONUS - Disorder in the Court!

2026/09/07

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

1960 - Ben Hur, Won That!

2026/08/24

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

1983 - Oscars, Phone Home!

2026/08/10

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

1984 Redux - Oscars of Endearment

2026/07/27

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 [email protected] 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

1940 - Gone With the Oscars!

2026/07/13

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: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1998 - A Titanic Year for Movies & the Oscars!

2026/06/30

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: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus - No Competitive Oscars for Sidney Lumet Makes us ‘Mad as Hell!’

2026/06/22

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

1963 - Oscar of Arabia

2026/06/08

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

2009 - The Curious Case of the Slumdog Oscar

2026/05/27

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: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Encore 1999 - Love vs War

2026/05/11

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

1943 - Minvers, Ambersons & The Pride of the Yankees Doodle Dandy

2026/05/04

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

Bonus - The Freakishly Fantastic Films of 1995

2026/04/27

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

1996 - They May Take Our Lives…But They'll Never Take Our Oscars!

2026/04/14

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

ENCORE 1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is his Oscar!

2026/04/07

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

Podcast reviews

Read The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! podcast reviews

4.7 out of 5

127 reviews

★★★★★

ffttttttttt 2026/07/17

WWTT

Great fun and knowledge about the Oscar’s and Hollywood. Love hearing Bruce’s voice and sense of humor. Both hosts are enthusiastic and genuine

★★★★★

Liz 82 2026/06/27

Love the show

Love the show now have a long list of movies to watch. Just finished in old Chicago which I enjoyed but Dion’s forcing himself on Belle multiple times...

★★★★★

orlando20035 2026/06/13

Pleasant

i barely like movies and i love listening to these two

★★★★★

thehipwolf 2026/02/03

Fun podcast!

I listen to a lot of film podcasts and this is one of the best. It’s a light-hearted look at the sense and nonsense of the Oscars. Highly recommended...

★★★☆☆

raspberryruthie 2026/01/12

I love the History but some of the takes…

Bruce gives history and insight and can see sides of the argument even if it’s not his pick. Adam, however, has never seen a mid level man basic bish ...

★★★★★

robinohio 2025/12/01

So Great!! -1938!

I think I’ve seen all of the best picture nominees and love each one. Loved the inside stories and I laughed out loud about Kay Francis’s lisp!

★★★★★

ShelleyNovak 2025/12/01

Bogart episode

You guys are fantastic, but you swore too much too much use of the F word in that episode

★★★★★

TimA11y 2025/10/19

Warning! This show may turn you into a cinephile!

these hosts love movies and their passion for films of all types is incredibily infectious. It is fascinating to listen to their discussions about why...

★★★★★

shelleysfnyc 2025/07/30

Love the Show

The exchanges between Bruce and Tex are very entertaining, as is the whole show. I look forward to each episode in my feed. I do wonder why you don’t ...

★★★★★

Jeff from Springfield 2025/06/04

Really enjoyable !

Very enjoyable podcast. The hosts are knowledgeable, humorous articulate, and really know how to keep the podcast moving .a lot of wonderful insight...

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