In this episode we look at the 2025 Oscars that just went by but decided to delve deeper into the Oscars history, structure and its real purpose. 

We will look at some of the most controversial Oscar campaigns, the forces behind them, if the Oscars favorite indie movies are really indie and if this whole thing is just an out of touch popularity contest. 

Also at the end, we hear what Ricky Gervais has to say about the Oscar nominees. 

History:

The House That Mr. Mayer Built: Inside the Union-Busting Birth of the Academy Awards

Corruption

The Oscars Are Corrupted and Dirty and Driven by Publicists, But Dammit We Still Need Them

The bitter truth about Hollywood’s Oscar obsession

Most corrupt Oscar campaign

Number of television viewers of the Academy Awards ceremonies from 2000 to 2025

Why THIS Is The Worst Best Picture Winner In Oscar History

Oscar voter admits meeting Robert Downey Jr ‘tipped the scales’ for his vote

Oscar voters speak:

2025 - Brutally Honest Oscar Ballot No. 1: ‘Conclave’ for Best Picture, ‘Emilia Pérez’ Star Lost His Vote with Tweets

2024 - Brutally Honest Oscar Ballot No. 1: ‘Zone of Interest’ Is Best Picture, but Nolan Is Best Director

Indie Cinema

Don’t be fooled by all the ‘indie’ nominations – Oscars are still dominated by the big players - 2015 Article

2025 Oscars 

Emilia Perez Nomination Explained

“Emilia Pérez” is Not Good Trans Representation

REVIEW: ‘Emilia Pérez’ Hates México