This week we watch Chariots of Fire, a 1981 British historical sports drama film directed by Hugh Hudson, written by Colin Welland and produced by David Putnam. It is based on the true story of two British athletes in the 1925 Olympics— Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. It is a film of modest intentions and funding that went on to be a worldwide success—its most lasting legacy being its innovative use of slow motion and enduring electronic score. It won the Oscars for — Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Score and Best Costume Design. To celebrate the end of awards season and the Oscars, we are revisiting Best Picture Oscar winners from the past

Joins us as we celebrate awards season and give our predictions for this year's Oscars. Who do you think will win? 

To celebrate awards season and the Oscars, we are revisiting Best Picture Oscar winners from the past. We discuss Matt's Best Picture selection -- The Best Years of Our Lives. It is a 1946 drama directed by William Wyler. The movie follows three World War II veterans as they return home to their families and attempt to readjust to civilian life. The three men come from different backgrounds, and their individual experiences highlight the challenges and emotional toll of war, including physical disability, PTSD, and difficulties in re-establishing relationships with loved ones. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, and the impact of war on ordinary people, offering a poignant and deeply affecting portrayal of post-war America. The Best Years of Our Lives remains a timeless classic and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Our topic this week is Matt's pick-- Defending Your Life. It is a 1991 comedy-drama directed by Albert Brooks. The film stars Meryl Streep as Julia and Albert Brooks as Daniel Miller, a Los Angeles advertising executive who dies and finds himself in a strange afterlife world where people must defend their lives before a celestial tribunal to determine if they are worthy of advancement to the next phase of existence. Through his experiences, Daniel learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, as he strives to prove himself and win his case. The film features a witty and insightful script, charming performances, and a thought-provoking commentary on the meaning of life and what truly matters.

Branson's pick Dance, Girl, Dance is a 1940 American comedy-drama directed by Dorothy Arzner and starring Maureen O'Hara, Louis Hayward, Lucille Ball, and Ralph Bellamy. The film follows two dancers who strive to preserve their own integrity while fighting for their place in the spotlight and for the affections of a wealthy young suitor. The feminist movement of the late 60s and early 70s helped give the film a new lease on life. In 2007, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, describing it as Arzner's "most intriguing film" and a "meditation on the disparity between art and commerce.”

For Valentine's Day we discuss Priceless. It is a 2006 French romantic comedy film directed Pierre Salvadori, starring Audrey Tautou and Gad Elmaleh. The film follows Jean, a shy waiter who works at a high-end hotel in the south of France who falls for the beautiful and intriguing fortune hunter Irene. One night he is mistaken as a potential client by Irene and spends the night with her. The next morning, Irène realizes her mistake and leaves, but poor Jean is smitten with her. Later, when a rich dowager mistakes Jean for a veteran gigolo, Irène agrees to tutor him in the art of fleecing wealthy lovers.

SPECIAL GUEST: Bryan Berrios. Magic Magic is a 2013 psychological thriller written and directed by Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Silva and starring Juno Temple, Emily Browning, Michael Cera, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. The film follows Alicia (Juno Temple), who arrives in Chile to visit her cousin, Sarah (Emily Browning). Unexpectedly Sarah is called away and Alicia is then stuck on a remote island with three of Sarah’s friends. Bewildered, frightened and unable to sleep, Alicia’s reality becomes a waking nightmare. Her companions fail to notice the danger until it is too late. This film was selected by our guest and friend of the podcast Bryan Berrios (@berriosbryan), a Venezuelan filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY.

This week we discuss Matt's pick An American Werewolf in London--a 1981 horror comedy film directed by John Landis. The film follows two American college students, David and Jack, who are attacked by a werewolf while backpacking in England. Jack is killed and David is left with a bite wound. He struggles to come to terms with his new condition and the death of his friend, while also trying to prevent himself from hurting others. The film combines elements of horror and comedy, and is known for its groundbreaking special effects, which earned it the first Academy Award for Best Makeup.

We discuss Branson's pick Nights of Cabiria (1957), an Italian drama co-written and directed by the great auteur Federico Fellini. It stars Guilietta Masina as Cabiria, a prostitute living in Rome.  The film is based on a story by Fellini. Gulietta Mansion won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and the film won Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. Cabiria has gone on to be lauded as one of the most indelible characters in all of cinema-- she is a fiercely independent sex worker who moves through the sea of Rome’s humanity through adversity and heartbreak. She must rely on herself to stay standing. Criterion writes that the film “embodies the blend of the bitter and the sweet that define Fellini’s vision of the world.”