The Oscar Project Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Vanessa Esteves, director of the short film "Christopher & the Bug," a heartwarming animated short about a reclusive owl whose solitary world is upended by an unexpected visitor, evolving into a touching story about loneliness, empathy, and the courage to connect. Listen to hear about the origin of the story in her own experience, the challenge of finding the balance between animal and human in animation, and the storybook feel of the film. Books mentioned in this episode include: The CorrespondentThe Inheritance GamesFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!Star WarsWonderboysToy StoryBack to the FutureUncle BuckFollow the film on Instagram @christopherandthebug and Vanessa @vanesteves_animation. You can also check out the film's website at www.addthedog.com/catb. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1930 film Holiday. I'm joined by Swabreen Bakr who writes the Anti-Brain Rot newsletter, and we talk about the variations between the play, this version of the film and the 1938 film adaptation, the strategies the Seton children have learned in dealing with their father, and an exploration of the difference between various characters and their relationship to wealth. You can watch Romance on YouTube or Tubi for free or rent it on Amazon Prime, and be sure to check out Swabreen's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: HolidayThe MaterialistsThe Philadelphia StoryLove StoryOther referenced topics: HolidayThe Philadelphia StoryThe New Masses reviewErin Snyder writing on Mainlining Christmas.comJ. B. Kaufman writing on jbkaufman.comSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Paul Fischer, author of the new book, The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg―and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema. Listen to hear about tackling three of the titans of the film industry, how each of his three protagonists changed filmmaking in their own way, and some of the key contributors that helped influence these three men through their journey over the last 60 years. Books mentioned in this episode include: The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg―and the Battle for the Soul of American CinemaWhat Makes Sammy Run?The DirectorFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: The GodfatherJawsStar WarsAvatarRaging BullThe 400 BlowsClose Encounters of the Third KindYou can find Paul's website at www.paulfischerauthor.com and follow him on Instagram @pfischerbooks. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is the beginning of my conversations about the films nominated at the 4th Academy Awards. I'm joined by Kevin Pettit who writes the See You at the Movies newsletter and we break down some of the history of the 4th Academy Awards, a minor change to the writing categories, and all of the nominees. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all the news episodes delivered to your device every Friday from now through early September 2026 and if you want to be a guest for a film from the 5th Academy Awards, send me a message replying to this episode and let me know you're interested. Nominees of the 4th Academy Awards (linked films will take you to where you can watch the film online as of the recording of this episode): HolidayThe Dawn PatrolLaughterWhoopee!The Doorway to HellMoroccoJust ImagineMin and BillThe Royal Family of BroadwayThe Criminal CodeLittle CaesarTrader HornCimarronTabuEast LynneThe Front PageSkippyThe Public EnemySvengaliA Free SoulSmart MoneyCheck out Oscar Wars by Michael Schulman that Kevin mentioned in the episode. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is a special between Oscars conversation about the 1922 film Nosferatu. This was another suggestion from my son Joshua who came on last year between seasons to talk about The General with me and is another classic film that came along too early to be recognized by The Academy. Listen to hear about some of the early the visual effects the film used quite effectively, the stark reality of certain German actors in the 1930s, and how this film has served as the basis for vampire films for over a century. Don't forget to check out the film for yourself on YouTube, Amazon Prime, or buy a copy of the remastered Kino Lorber disc for your collection. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Nosferatu the VampyreNosferatuThe Cabinet of Dr. CaligariTwilightSinnersBram Stoker's DraculaOther referenced topics: DraculaVampire in the GardenVariety reviewstevepulaski.com reviewSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Philip Clyde-Smith and Eliza Power, director and writer of the short film "A Hand to Hold." The film is a darkly funny body horror look at love and dealing with loss. Listen to hear about the single day writing process, the tricky balancing act between comedy and grotesque horror, and some advice to directors when casting a film. Books mentioned in this episode include: A Beginner's Guide to DyingDraculaTender is the FleshFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: The Young OffendersPossessionKinski: My Best FiendFright NightThe ExorcistThe GooniesGhostbustersThe Good, the Bad and the UglyThe Lord of the RingsMary PoppinsAmerican PsychoThe Big LebowskiDonny DarkoFollow the film on Instagram @ahandtoholdfilm, Philip @philipclydesmith, and Eliza @mselizapower. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is a special between Oscars conversation about the 1933 film King Kong. Podcast regular Kevin Pettit from the See You At The Movies newsletter recommended this film and even though it's out of order, the film was never nominated for an Oscar which made it a perfect candidate to fill in some of these in between weeks. Kevin had a chance to watch King Kong on the big screen recently, but you can check out some lesser quality prints online or buy a copy for your collection, and be sure to check out Kevin's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: King KongKong: Skull IslandJurassic ParkChang: A Drama of the WildernessForrest GumpThe Lord of the RingsStar WarsGodzillaThe HobbitRoomE.T. The Extra-TerrestrialInglourious BasterdsJawsOther referenced topics: Part 1Part 2The Lost WorldMotion Picture Herald reviewChicago Tribune reviewFilm Daily reviewRoger Ebert reviewSupport the show

Send a text In today's episode, I interview Blake Sherwyn, director of the short film "Chet Bond: License to Chill," a hilarious mockumentary about James Bond's nepobaby son. Listen to hear about he identified a gap in the market for action comedy mockumentaries, the difficulty of finding the right actors to play the supporting roles in the film, and an on set incident that could have been much worse. Books mentioned in this episode include: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever NeedFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: Lil Brick Answers the Web's Most Searched QuestionsJames Bond franchiseThe Social NetworkThe HangoverEverybody Wants SomeMarty SupremeBilly MadisonFollow Blake on Instagram @blakesherwynofficial. Support the show

Send a text The 98th Academy Awards are over and today I'm joined by Beth Lisogorsky from the You Need To Watch This! newsletter to recap everything that happened at last night's ceremony. Listen to hear us talk about the biggest winners and losers of the evening, some of the beautiful style we got to see, and anything that caught us by surprise. Other topics: Whatever NevermindSupport the show

Send a text Today is the final episode in my preview of the 98th Academy Awards where I will have broken down every category over the course of this week. Today I am joined by Enrico Banson from the Director's Notes newsletter, Janelle Lathrop from the Right Now, You Like Me newsletter, and Kevin Pettit from the See You At the Movies newsletter to break down all ten films nominated for Best Picture. I've listed the nominees below along with a few other films mentioned throughout the episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all the preview episodes this week, and head over to my Substack to submit your guesses for my annual Oscar prediction contest. The nominees for each category are listed below. Best Picture: BugoniaF1FrankensteinHamnetMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherThe Secret AgentSentimental ValueSinnersTrain DreamsOther media mentioned in this episode include: Killing of the Sacred DeerKinds of KindnessPoor ThingsThe FavouriteEddingtonWeaponsTop Gun: MaverickAvatar: Fire and AshCrimson PeakHellboyGuillermo del Toro’s PinocchioHamletBalls of FuryGood TimeUncut GemsThere Will Be BloodThe Battle of AlgiersHard EightMagnoliaBoogie NightsI'm Still HereThe ConversationThe Worst Person in the WorldThe Wizard of OzThe Thin Red LineThe Tree of LifeMagellanNo Other ChoiceSirâtCaught By the TidesOn Becoming a Guinea FowlSorry, BabyWake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out MysterySupport the show

Send a text Today is the third of a five episode preview of the 98th Academy Awards where I have been breaking down every category throughout the week. Today I am joined by Swabreen Bakr from the Anti-Brain Rot newsletter and Maria Banson from the Brunello Bombshell newsletter to break down all four acting categories, both screenplay categories, Best Director and the new Best Casting category. I've listed the nominees below along with a few other films mentioned throughout the episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all the preview episodes this week, and head over to my Substack to submit your guesses for my annual Oscar prediction contest. The nominees for each category are listed below. Best Original Screenplay: Blue MoonIt Was Just an AccidentMarty SupremeSentimental ValueSinnersBest Adapted Screenplay: BugoniaFrankensteinHamnetOne Battle After AnotherTrain DreamsBest Casting: HamnetMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherThe Secret AgentSinnersBest Supporting Actor: One Battle After AnotherFrankensteinSinnersOne Battle After AnotherSentimental ValueBest Supporting Actress: Sentimental ValueSentimental ValueWeaponsSinnersOne Battle After AnotherBest Actress: HamnetIf I Had Legs I’d Kick YouSong Sung BlueSentimental ValueBugoniaBest Actor: Marty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherBlue MoonSinnersThe Secret AgentBest Director: One Battle After AnotherSinnersMarty SupremeSentimental ValueHamnetOther media mentioned in this episode include: CasablancaJay KellySilence of the LambsGet OutParasiteWake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out MysterySupport the show

Send a text Today is the third of a five episode preview of the 98th Academy Awards where I will be breaking down each and every category throughout the week. Today I am joined by Shawna Carroll from the Notes From Post newsletter to break down Best Animated Short Film, Best Live Action Short Film, and Best Documentary Short Film. I've listed the nominees below along with a few other films mentioned throughout the episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all the preview episodes this week, and head over to my Substack to submit your guesses for my annual Oscar prediction contest. The nominees for each category are listed below. Best Animated Short Film: podcast interviewpodcast interviewBest Live Action Short Film: podcast interviewpodcast interviewBest Documentary Short Film: Other films mentioned in this episode include: Harry PotterThe Only Girl in the OrchestraInstruments of a Beating HeartDeath by NumbersI Am Ready, WardenIncidentEOSupport the show

Send a text Today is the second of five episode previewing the 98th Academy Awards where I will be breaking down each and every category throughout the week. Today I am joined by Dan Pal from the PalCinema, Television, and Music newsletter to break down Best Animated Feature, Best International Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song. I've listed the nominees below along with other films mentioned throughout the episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all the preview episodes this week, and head over to my Substack to submit your guesses for my annual Oscar prediction contest. The nominees for each category are listed below. Best Animated Feature: ArcoElioKPop Demon HuntersLittle Amélie or the Character of RainZootopia 2Best International Feature: The Secret AgentIt Was Just an AccidentSentimental ValueSirâtThe Voice of Hind RajabBest Documentary Feature: The Alabama SolutionCome See Me in the Good LightCutting through RocksMr. Nobody against PutinThe Perfect NeighborBest Original Score: BugoniaFrankensteinHamnetOne Battle after AnotherSinnersBest Original Song: Diane Warren: RelentlessKPop Demon HuntersSinnersViva Verdi!Train DreamsOther films mentioned in this episode include: Other media mentioned in this episode include: Support the show

Send a text Today's is the first of a five episode preview of the 98th Academy Awards where I will be breaking down each and every category throughout the week. Helping me through that process is Murray Mintz from the CineVibez Fanzine newsletter and Rob Thomas from the Not That Rob Thomas newsletter and we break down all of the technical categories. I've listed the nominees below along with a few other films mentioned throughout the episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all the preview episodes this week, and head over to my Substack to submit your guesses for my annual Oscar prediction contest. The nominees for each category are listed below. Best Sound: F1FrankensteinOne Battle after AnotherSinnersSirâtBest Production Design: FrankensteinHamnetMarty SupremeOne Battle after AnotherSinnersBest Cinematography: FrankensteinMarty SupremeOne Battle after AnotherSinnersTrain DreamsBest Makeup and Hairstyling: FrankensteinKokuhoinnersThe Smashing MachineThe Ugly StepsisterBest Costume Design: Avatar: Fire and AshFrankensteinHamnetMarty SupremeSinnersBest Film Editing: F1Marty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherSentimental ValueSinnersBest Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and AshF1Jurassic World RebirthThe Lost BusSinnersOther topics mentioned in this episode include: Formula 1: Drive to SurviveWithout LimitsSinners exhibit at Warner Bros. Studio TourJurassic ParkJurassic WorldAvatarAvatar: The Way of WaterTitanicTerminator 2: Judgement DaySupport the show

Send a text Today's episode is my recap of everything from the third Academy Awards back in late 1930. I recap all 25 films I watched for this season, talk about the winners of each category and more. If you missed any of the episodes discussing specific films, you can go back in this feed or just tap on the links below. 3.72-Kicking Off the 3rd Oscars with Beth Lisogorsky3.74-Bulldog Drummond with Gareth Bradwick3.76-Hallelujah with Jonathan Hammond3.78-Disraeli with Jeff Kramer3.80-The Trespasser with Kevin Pettit3.82-Condemned with Luis Mendez3.84-The Love Parade with Enrico Banson3.86-Sally with Dan Pal3.88-Their Own Desire with Maria Banson3.90-The Rogue Song with Helen Cox3.92-Street of Chance with Amanda Kusek3.94-The Green Goddess with Murray Mintz3.96-The Vagabond King with Rebecca Deniston3.98-Anna Christie with Swabreen Bakr3.100-Sarah and Son with Matthew Carlson3.102-King of Jazz with Matthew Brady3.104-The Divorcee with Beth Lisogorsky4.2-All Quiet on the Western Front with Kyle Wilson4.4-The Big Pond with James Kreul4.6-The Devil's Holiday with John DiLeo4.9-Song of the Flame with Taylor Lewis4.11-Hell's Angels with Vicki Lesley4.13-With Byrd at the South Pole with Kevin Pettit4.15-The Big House with Lewis Beer4.17-Raffles with Madison Hatfield4.19-Romance with Janelle LathropNext week will feature five episodes previewing the 98th Academy Awards before a couple of special episodes later in March. Then I'll kick off the films of the 4th Academy Awards in early April. And if you want to be a guest for an upcoming episode of the podcast and help me discuss a future Oscar nominated film, send me a message replying to this episode. I would love to add your voice to my list of guests for the show. Support the show

Send a text In today's episode, I interview Alejandro Vilpa, creator of the new streaming platform Vilpamax. The service is dedicated to showcasing short films from emerging filmmakers and is launched in early 2026. Listen to hear about how Alejandro decided to create the platform when he identified a gap in the marketplace, using films from acclaimed festivals and Oscar nominees to bring people to the service and introduce them to other films, and what the plans are for the future. Books mentioned in this episode include: InvisibleFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: Bienvenidos a Los AngelesThe Mozart of PickpocketsMementoEat Pray LoveAtonementAlice in WonderlandFollow Alejandro on Instagram @alejandrovilpa and check out the service for yourself at vilpamax.com as well as subscribe to the YouTube channel. You can also check out his work at vilpafilms.com and follow Vilpa Films on Instagram @vilpafilms. If you want to submit a film to Vilpamax for consideration, email business@vilpafilms.com and include a screener link. Support the show

Send a text Today's episode is my conversation about the 1930 film Romance. I'm joined by Janelle Lathrop who writes the Right Now, You Like Me newsletter, and we talk about confusing bits of plot development, an extremely long middle scene of the film, and the distinct lack of romance in a film titled Romance. You can watch Romance on Tubi or grab a copy of the film on DVD for yourself, and be sure to check out Janelle's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: It Happened One NightAll Quiet on the Western FrontFiddlesticksAnna ChristieAnna KareninaNational VelvetGrand HotelMoulin Rouge!The Barretts of Wimpole StreetJuror #2Twelve Angry MenOther referenced topics: Angela's AshesMad MenRomanceReview in Harrison's ReportsReview in Motion Picture NewsReview in The New York TimesReview in Picture Play MagazineDanny Reid's review on pre-code.comSupport the show

Send a text In today's episode, I interview Nick Spake, author of the new book series, Bright and Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows. Listen to hear about how he approached breaking the book up from one long volume into the three separate volumes we have today, the long history of animation and how it permeates nearly every film made today, and what the future or animation might hold in general and when it comes to awards recognition. Books mentioned in this episode include: Bright and Shiny: A History of Animation at Award ShowsVol. 1Vol. 2Vol. 3After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media CompanyFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: The Lion KingUpBeauty and the BeastFlowThe Ten CommandmentsBen-HurJurassic ParkTronKPop Demon HuntersButterflyRetirement PlanThe Girl Who Cried PearlsForevergreenE. T. The ExtraterrestrialAmerican BeautyThe Empire Strikes BackPulp FictionMy Dinner with AndreThe Big LebowskiFollow Nick on Instagram @cartooncontender and visit his website cartooncontender.com for more great content about animation. Support the show

Send a text Today's episode is my conversation about the 1930 film Raffles. I'm joined by Madison Hatfield film writer and director who previously came on the podcast in 2025 to talk with me about her film "I Could Dom." In today's episode we talk about the now standard trope of pulling "one last job" in heist films, some incredible characters that populate the film, and why a big sports star would need to moonlight as a jewel thief in the first place. You can watch Raffles on YouTube or Tubi, and be sure to check out "I Could Dom", follow her on Instagram @madhat31, and head to Madison's website to see more of her work. Other films mentioned in this episode include: The Big HouseJames BondLaughterA Star is BornOther referenced topics: Sherlock HolmesThe Amateur CracksmanReview on pre-code.comSupport the show

Send a text Today I’m replaying an episode from earlier this winter, my interview with Christine La Monte, producer of two recent documentaries, Ai Weiwei’s Turandot and the Oscar shortlisted Viva Verdi!. Viva Verdi! is nominated for Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards and the film is available to stream on jolt.film today! Books mentioned in this episode include: The Paper PalaceCry to HeavenTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowThe Crying Heart TattooThe Samurai’s GardenThe GoldfinchLet’s Call the Whole Thing OffFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: Ai Weiwei’s TurandotViva Verdi!La TraviataChildren of the RiverThe GodfatherBlack OrpheusOnce Upon a Time in AmericaDances With WolvesHolidayThe Night ManagerSomething’s Gotta GiveThe Girl with the Dragon TattooOther things mentioned in this episode: Sweet Dreams of JoyFollow Viva Verdi! on Instagram @vivaverdithefilm and check out the websites for both films at aiweiweisturandotfilm.com and vivaverdithefilm.com. And don’t forget to check out Viva Verdi! on jolt.film ahead of the 98th Academy Awards. Support the show