Hey Oscar Fans -- after last episode's look at the 1997 Oscars for the films of 1996, "Tex" and Mark were compelled to take a deeper dive into the world of independent cinema that exploded onto screens that year. Some of the films were mentioned already, many were not. Along the way we also break down what makes a film an "indie" and "Tex" draws from his experiences having written both a studio and an indie film But most of all, you'll listen in awe at the sheer number of great indie films & the talented filmmakers (including some notable first-timers) who made them. Enjoy! 
 
Films Mentioned
*Fargo
*Secrets & Lies
*Shine
*The English Patient
*Sling Blade
*Bottle Rocket
*Rushmore
*Swingers
*Go
*Flirting With Disaster
*Spanking the Monkey
She's the One
*The Brothers McMullen
*Trainspotting
*Trees Lounge
*Big Night
*Romeo & Juliet
*Basquiat
*Citizen Ruth
*Hard Eight
*Lone Star
*Bound
*American Buffalo
*I Shot Andy Warhol
*Dead Man
*Down By Law
*Stranger Than Paradise
Crash (Cronenberg's)
*SubUrbia
*Slackers
*Walking and Talking
*Stealing Beauty
Girl Six
*Scream
*Gardener of Eden (written by "Tex")
 
CONTACT US: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Hey Oscar Fans -- after last episode's look at the 1997 Oscars for the films of 1996, "Tex" and Mark were compelled to take a deeper dive into the world of independent cinema that exploded onto screens that year. Some of the films were mentioned already, many were not. Along the way we also break down what makes a film an "indie" and "Tex" draws from his experiences having written both a studio and an indie film But most of all, you'll listen in awe at the sheer number of great indie films & the talented filmmakers (including some notable first-timers) who made them. Enjoy! Films Mentioned *Fargo *Secrets & Lies *Shine *The English Patient *Sling Blade *Bottle Rocket *Rushmore *Swingers *Go *Flirting With Disaster *Spanking the Monkey She's the One *The Brothers McMullen *Trainspotting *Trees Lounge *Big Night *Romeo & Juliet *Basquiat *Citizen Ruth *Hard Eight *Lone Star *Bound *American Buffalo *I Shot Andy Warhol *Dead Man *Down By Law *Stranger Than Paradise Crash (Cronenberg's) *SubUrbia *Slackers *Walking and Talking *Stealing Beauty Girl Six *Scream *Gardener of Eden (written by "Tex") CONTACT US: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Oscar Fans -- after last episode's look at the 1997 Oscars for the films of 1996, "Tex" and Mark were compelled to take a deeper dive into the world of independent cinema that exploded onto screens that year. Some of the films were mentioned already, many were not. Along the way we also break down what makes a film an "indie" and "Tex" draws from his experiences having written both a studio and an indie film But most of all, you'll listen in awe at the sheer number of great indie films &amp; the talented filmmakers (including some notable first-timers) who made them. Enjoy! 
 
Films Mentioned
*Fargo
*Secrets &amp; Lies
*Shine
*The English Patient
*Sling Blade
*Bottle Rocket
*Rushmore
*Swingers
*Go
*Flirting With Disaster
*Spanking the Monkey
She's the One
*The Brothers McMullen
*Trainspotting
*Trees Lounge
*Big Night
*Romeo &amp; Juliet
*Basquiat
*Citizen Ruth
*Hard Eight
*Lone Star
*Bound
*American Buffalo
*I Shot Andy Warhol
*Dead Man
*Down By Law
*Stranger Than Paradise
Crash (Cronenberg's)
*SubUrbia
*Slackers
*Walking and Talking
*Stealing Beauty
Girl Six
*Scream
*Gardener of Eden (written by "Tex")
 
CONTACT US: info@oscars.wtf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Bonus - The Incredible Indie Explosion of 1996

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.

Comedy

TV & Film

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.

Ever watched the Academy Awards and thought,&nbsp;What were they thinking?&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.

Share Bonus - The Incredible Indie Explosion of 1996

Sign up to save your podcasts

Bonus - The Incredible Indie Explosion of 1996

Bonus - The Incredible Indie Explosion of 1996

More shows like The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

The Dana Gould Hour

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

Awards Chatter

Little Gold Men by Vanity Fair

Unspooled

It Happened In Hollywood

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

This Had Oscar Buzz

The Three Questions with Andy Richter

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Blocks w/ Neal Brennan

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)

Prestige Junkie

Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre