Thank the Academy

In this episode we discuss The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s involvement in making the film, Quincy Jones’ first turn at producing a film, Steven Spielberg’s reluctance to direct, and Whoopi Goldberg’s and Oprah’s breakout roles. We also discuss the directors of the Academy Award ceremonies up through the 60th Academy Awards, their contribution to the ceremonies, and their many career achievements...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-eighth Best Picture winner, Out of Africa, the politics of The Color Purple not winning any awards, the low ratings for the 58th Award ceremony, and the low point for the film industry and the Academy in awarding Out of Africa the Best Picture prize. -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email...

In this episode we discuss Places in the Heart, Danny Glover’s stirring turn as Moze, Robert Benton’s semi-autobiographical script, and Sally Field’s second Oscar win. We also discuss Sally Field’s career up to this point in history, her start in television, her shift to movies, and her business savvy in creating her successful career. -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-seventh Best Picture winner, Amadeus, the many quintessential 1980’s movies to come out in 1984, the historic Best Supporting Actor win for Haing S. Ngor, and the story of Amadeus from real life, to play, to Best Picture winning film! -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts...

In this episode we discuss the music of Flashdance and Tender Mercies, Irene Cara’s historic songwriting win for Best Original Song, the music in the films of the 80’s, Shirley MacLaine’s Best Actress Oscar, and her long career in the film industry. -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@g...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-sixth Best Picture winner, Terms of Endearment, Shirley MacLaine’s and Jack Nicholson’s wins for acting, rumors of Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger not getting along, and Irene Cara’s historic win for Best Original Song. -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheaca...

We’re back! Thank you for your patience during our long hiatus! In this episode we discuss the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, wrap up the end of our 2023, and look forward to this new year for the podcast!  Info on the SAG-AFTRA agreement: https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/TV-Theatrical_23_Summary_Agreement_Final.pdf ttps://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/sag-aftra-strike-negotiations-e...

In this episode we break down the current entertainment industry strike, especially from the point of view of SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actor’s Guild). We outline a few of the biggest current talking points, A.I. In entertainment, residuals, and keeping up with inflation. Kristen lets us know what it’s been like on the front lines and we talk about what this means for the future of the podcast! For mo...

In this episode we discuss E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and 50 years of the Screen Actors’ Guild. We discuss Steven Spielberg’s continued success in technical filmmaking, his new working partnership with Kathleen Kennedy, and Melissa Mathison’s script for E.T. We also discuss the first 50 years of the Screen Actors’ Guild, the first actors to start the guild, what the guild does for its members, the...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-fifth Best Picture winner, Gandhi, and the foibles of having multiple uncommitted hosts for the ceremony, the night of peace, and The Temptations’ suprise appearance. We also discuss Sir Richard Attenborough’s twenty year quest to make a film about Gandhi, the discovery of Ben Kingsley, his stirring turn at the renowned Indian ethicist! -- Instagram: https://ww...

In this episode we discuss On Golden Pond, Jane Fonda’s involvement in producing and acting in the film, her relationship with her father, Henry, and their climactic scene together. We also discuss Katherine Hepburn’s final Oscar winning performance in the film, her early days in Hollywood, her self-made outlook on the industry, and her long and storied career as one of the best actresses to ever...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-fourth Best Picture winner, Chariots of Fire, a controversy free 54th Academy Awards ceremony, the historic wins for Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn, behind the scenes of David Puttnam’s Chariots of Fire, and the new trend to British films and biopics among Academy voters! -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast Twitter: https://www.twi...

In this episode we discuss two Academy Award favorites from 1980, Raging Bull and The Elephant Man and discuss Thelma Schoonmaker’s first Academy Award win for Best Editing. We talk about her immense contribution to the film industry, to Martin Scorsese’s films over his career, and the signature look and style of a Scorsese film and how those feelings can be attributed to Schoonmaker’s editing pro...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-third Best Picture winner Ordinary People, the ceremony delay after the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, Robert Redford’s directing debut, Mary Tyler Moore’s exciting break from type, and the amazing ensemble assembled for Ordinary People! **Content Warning** Mentions of suicide in relation to the plot of Ordinary People ** -- Instagram: http...

In this episode we discuss Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, the months and months of shooting in the jungle, his ever expanding budget, and the endless pitfalls the cast and crew had to endure to make this film. We also discuss Academy Award winning actor Dustin Hoffman, his life in New York City, friendship with Robert Duvall, love of theater, and his contributions to the industry. -- Insta...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-second Best Picture winner, Kramer vs. Kramer, a non-controversial ceremony to end the ‘70s, the cultural significance of the classic marriage drama, Dustin Hoffman’s and Meryl Streep’s deep commitment to their craft, and the record-breaking performance of child-actor Justin Henry! -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast Twitter: https://...

In this episode we discuss Heaven Can Wait, Warren Beatty’s early days in Hollywood, turn to producing, first film as a director, and record breaking feat of being nominated as a producer, writer, actor, and director all for the same film. We also discuss Jane Fonda’s life, her family legacy, her many accolades and awards, mold-breaking career, and decades of activism. -- Instagram: https://www.in...

In this episode we discuss the fifty-first Best Picture winner, The Deer Hunter, its historic win as a film about the Vietnam War, its carefully planned Oscar campaign, the origins of the story and script, and the too short life and career of actor John Cazale! **Content Warning** Mentions of darker themes in relation to the plot of The Deer Hunter ** -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thankt...

In this episode we discuss George Lucas’s Star Wars, his four drafts of the film, producer Gary Kurtz’s reigning in of Lucas’s endless ideas, and the unequaled success of the first installment in the Star Wars Saga. We also discuss comedian Bob Hope, his early days as a child in the entertainment industry, his pioneering effect on stand-up comedy, and his lifelong relationship with the Academy. --...

In this episode we discuss the fiftieth Best Picture winner, Annie Hall, Vanessa Redgrave’s infamous acceptance speech, Margaret Booth’s Honorary Award, the writing partnership of Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman, and Diane Keaton’s big win as the iconic rom-com leading lady, Annie Hall! -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypo...

In this episode we discuss Taxi Driver, the controversies surrounding the film, Jodie Foster’s Oscar nomination, and Martin Scorsese’s early career. We also discuss Faye Dunaway’s life and career, her roles in Bonnie and Clyde and Chinatown, her reputation as a “difficult actress,” and her ability to make the best of her situations. -- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast Tw...

In this episode we discuss the forty-ninth Best Picture winner, Rocky, Sylvester Stallone’s early years in the entertainment industry, his inspiration for writing his breakout film, his struggle to breakout beyond the action genre, and the many records set at this year’s ceremony.  --  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/than...

In this episode we discuss Jaws, Steven Spielberg’s early days in Hollywood, his confidence as a young director, and the film’s three Oscar wins. We also discuss the history of visual effects and the relationship between visual effects and the Academy Awards.  --  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod  Emai...

In this episode we discuss the forty-eighth Best Picture winner, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, its “big five” sweep at the Oscars, original author Ken Kesey and his inspiration for writing, Michael Douglas’s push to make his father’s, Kirk Douglas’s, dream come true, and Louise Fletcher’s return from retirement in her Oscar winning turn as Nurse Ratched! **Content Warning** mentions of intense...

In this episode we discuss two unique adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Scrooge, the first theatrically released musical adaptation of the story starring Albert Finney and A Christmas Carol, the animated, Oscar winning short film version directed by Richard Williams. Finally, we wrap up our year of podcasting with a look back at some of our favorite films that we've discussed over...