A kid in a red hoodie, a flying bike, and an alien pointing, repeating, “Phone home.” Forty years later, even just these three images conjure up shots from the instantly recognizable, ‘E.T.’ This week, Sophia and Nick celebrate this successful film’s anniversary and consider why, as one of Steven Spielberg’s most successful films, it deserves to be called an enduring classic. After discussing the history behind production, what makes the movie special to them, and some favorite scenes and performances, they debate if its performance at The Oscars should have gone differently, including any snubs they think it should have received (29:29).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

We are knee-deep in fall festival season which means it’s time for the annual Awards Season Fantasy Draft! Sophia and Nick welcome all new teams to draft their own selection of films, directors, actors, production or distribution companies, and other film creatives that they think will take home the most awards throughout the upcoming awards season. Which team do you think will take home the win this year and which picks are you rooting for the most?

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

On this mini retrospective of George Miller, Sophia and Nick talk about his background as a doctor-turned-filmmaker before discussing his grand, new release, Three Thousand Years of Longing, with Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba. Then they consider his multiple nominations at the Oscars, starting with ‘Lorenzo’s Oil,’ a docudrama about parents who will stop at nothing to help their son with an acutely debilitating disease (23:08).

Then, onto his fascination with talking animals in the 90’s classic, ‘Babe’ (29:12). Last but not least, ‘Happy Feet’ earned Miller his only Oscar (so far). (39:19)

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Who’s ready to dance until you can’t dance anymore? This movie trade finds Sophia and Nick examining a perfect double feature of obsessive determination, love, and dance. They start with ‘The Red Shoes,’ a classic tale adapted with cinematic splendor. Spoilers come at (18:24) with an explanation and alternate interpretations of the ending.

Then, onto ‘All That Jazz,’ a stellar dancing extravaganza that tests the limits of its Fosse-inspired protagonist (36:58). This technical achievement wouldn’t be complete without talking about the show-stopping finale, so beware for spoilers at (48:31).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

On a new installment of their ‘They Won For That?’ series, Nick and Sophia dive into a new category to talk about one of the best working cinematographers today, Roger Deakins. Before discussing his two Oscar wins, they talk about his style, thirteen other nominations, and notable works they think he should’ve been up for. Then, they wonder why it took him so long to grab that Oscar gold for ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and ‘1917’ (12:12). Lastly, would they swap either of these wins out or give him other deserved accolades? Nicole would surely agree that these other picks truly are dazzling images on a huge silver screen (28:59).

Team Deakins podcast: https://teamdeakins.libsyn.com/

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Sophia and Nick are back with another Oscar Rewind; this time discussing the 2012 Best Picture winner, ‘Argo.’

First, they review the movie and chat about awards season and how precursor nominations and ceremonies separately affected The Oscars. Then, they talk about the incredibly popular lineup for Best Picture, sharing some of their own honorable mentions and how they would’ve ranked these nominees on a preferential ballot (24:10). Stay tuned for a special announcement about their upcoming Patreon channel filled with exclusive content, including a spin-off, “Oscar Wild: After Dark” (51:41).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Chances are if you saw a movie released this summer, Nick and Sophia discuss it on this week’s episode with returning guest, Ryan Lamb. Box office returns may still not be at pre-pandemic numbers, but quite a few summer releases have been reeling in big audiences. First off, the super sonic blockbuster, ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ which is inching its way up the top 10 highest-grossing domestic releases ever. It’s a hit with audiences but how much Oscar potential does it really have? (6:26) Then listen to a range of other features, including: competition for Best Animated Feature (23:26), two of the three final installments in the MCU’s Phase Four (36:24), other box office successes (‘Elvis,’ ‘The Black Phone,’ ‘Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris’) and notable streaming releases (49:04). They finish by debating what they’re most excited for among the lineups announced for the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals (1:21:13).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Sophia and Nick are back to rave about one of Hollywood’s most exciting directors who loves scaring- and educating- audiences, Jordan Peele. First up, they discuss his breakout horror hit that earned him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, 'Get Out' (3:43). Next, they chat about his sophomore, Hitchcockian feature and Lupita Nyong’o’s brilliant performance in Us (13:23).

Finally, they share a quick spoiler-free review of Nope, talking about their initial reactions and if they think it has awards potential (18:01) before they dive deeper into some theories, making sense of all of its extraterrestrial elements (37:12).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Nick and Sophia are back to celebrate the dramatic conclusion of Cancer season and the 20th anniversary of Stephen Daldry’s ‘The Hours.’ Firstly, they discuss the adapted film’s rich background and the A-list cast that brings these interconnected characters to life. Then, by navigating the tricky waters of awards season (Do I hear category fraud?), they debate if they agree with Nicole’s sole win for the film (39:10). Lastly, they answer some fun Twitter Questions (52:19).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

In another themed episode, Nick and Sophia revisit Alfonso Cuarón’s filmography and his two Best Director wins (among others) at The Oscars. After discussing what they love about the director, his style, and some of his earlier works, they break down his groundbreaking wins for ‘Gravity’ (16:46) and ‘Roma’ (27:49). Would they swap out one of those wins for another of his films? Find out and see if you agree as they rewrite Academy history (37:17).

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Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich