Mark from the Academy of Death Racers and Rambling Cinema joins Elysia to talk about what she considers three of the most important Oscar categories: International Films (formerly Films Not in the English Language) and the two writing awards – Adapted and Original Screenplay.

Avoiding spoilers for those who haven't seen the movies, they talk through what makes or breaks these 15 films, which include Best Picture nominees Emilia Pérez, I'm Still Here, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Nickel Boys, The Brutalist, The Substance, and Anora. (Though Elysia will argue that A Real Pain and Sing Sing should have been Best Picture nominees as well / instead.)

Stick around until after the credits for updates from last night's Independent Spirit Awards, and what that says about the state of the Oscar race.

Links referenced in the ep:

Rambling Cinema (Nottingham, UK)

The Substance screenplay BTS

Coralie Fargeat's Reality+ short

The 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 pm (on ABC in the US)

Check how many Oscar nominees you've seen at OscarsDeathRace.com – or with extended stats at DeathRaceTracking.com

Oscars 2025 by category

Oscars 2025 overivew (mini-episode)

Animated Features & Shorts + Oscar campaigning

Original Scores & Songs (Nevermind the Oscars Music)

Documentary Features & Shorts + BAFTAs update

Live-Action Shorts + the Emotion Mixer

International + Adapted & Original Screenplays (this ep)

Still to come

Blockbuster (Tech) Awards

Acting & Directing Awards

Best Picture Nominees

Deep dives into 2025 Oscar nominees

The Emilia Pérez controversy

Wicked

Conclave

Dune: Part Two

Nosferatu

Alien: Romulus

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Revisit last year's Oscar series

Oscars 2024 Overview

Best Picture Nominees, Acting, Directing, Writing

Animated, International, Documentary, Shorts

"Below the Line" (Tech) Categories

Post-Ceremony Wrap-Up

Contact Us

Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to [email protected].

Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates

linktr.ee/thelorehounds

Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy