The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!
Ever watched the Academy Awards and thought, What were they thinking? You’re not alone. Join legendary comedian and writer of over 25 Oscar telecasts, Bruce Vilanch, and screenwriter/film nerd Adam “Tex” Davis (Just Friends) as they dive into Oscar history, unpacking the flubs, snubs, and surprises from Hollywood’s biggest night. From behind-the-scenes stories of A-list stars to insider insights on how the nominations and winners are really chosen, Bruce and Tex break down each Oscar ceremony year by year to reveal what the Academy got right—and what they didn’t. If you’ve ever questioned why your favorite movie or actor got overlooked, this podcast is for you. The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?
Did you know that two of the Top 100 American Films of All-Time came out the same year but weren’t even nominated for an Academy Award? Or that the film often cited as the ‘Greatest Film of All Time’ didn’t win the Oscar in its year? Or that Cuba Gooding Jr. has the same number of acting Oscars as Al Pacino?
Look, stuff happens. But if you’ve ever watched or read about the Academy Awards, you’ve probably been left scratching your head over which movies and performers won – and how many beloved films weren’t even considered.
Why do so many Best Picture winners become some of the least remembered movies? How is it that legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick never won an Oscar? And why do great actors miss out on their best performances, only to win later for less impressive work?
Sure, the Oscars aren’t sports – there’s no scoreboard to show the winners. But with so many Academy members voting, you’d think they’d get it right. Spoiler alert: They often don’t.
On The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, Bruce Vilanch and Adam “Tex” Davis take a deep dive into Oscar history, looking back at the biggest mistakes, controversies, and snubs. From Shakespeare in Love beating Saving Private Ryan to Dances with Wolves winning over Goodfellas, we’ll examine where the Academy went wrong.
Along the way, you’ll hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories and never-before-told moments from Hollywood’s biggest night. We’re re-examining each Oscar ceremony, year-by-year, award-by-award, to see what the Academy got right, what they missed, and how we would “fix” the Oscars.
Whether you’re a dedicated movie buff or just a casual fan, this is the podcast for you. Join us for The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, where we break down the flubs, snubs, and forgotten gems of Oscar history.
Episodes
1999 - Saving Private Oscar
On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and “Tex” storm the beaches of one of the Academy Awards’ biggest Best Picture controversies.
Of course we’re talking about the 1999 Oscars, for the films of 1998. This is known as the year that changed everything thanks to a guy you may have heard of named Harvey Weinstein. In a shocking upset, a brash, shameless, indie upstart managed to out-campaign the Hollywood elite and take home a best picture Oscar for an artsy film about love and Shakespeare. Using the test of time, many people look back at this year as a complete miscarriage of justice. But was it really? And what other controversies and unbelievable moments took place that evening? Bruce was there and is more than happy to share them with us. What do you think? Did Shakespeare deserve Oscar love? Or did Saving Private Ryan “Earn it?”
MOVIES MENTIONED
From Russia With Love
Shakespeare in Love
Elizabeth
Saving Private Ryan
The African Queen
Life is Beautiful
The Thin Red Line
Armageddon
A Simple Plan
The Truman Show
Affliction
Civil Action
Apollo 13
Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
In Like Flint
Shine
Rushmore
The Big Lebowski
Rocky Horror Picture Show
A Fish Called Wanda
Gods and Monsters
Hillary and Jackie
Little Voice
Primary Colors
Mrs. Brown
Schindler’s List
Amistad
Warhorse
Lincoln
West Side Story
Munich
The Mask of Zorro
Out of Sight
The Big Chill
Mighty Joe Young
King Kong
What Dreams May Come
Pleasantville
Velvet Goldmine
Beloved
The Last Days
Dance Maker
The Farm Angola USA
Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth
Regret to Inform
Prince of Egypt
Patch Adams
Mulan
A Bug’s Life
The Horse Whisperer
Babe: Pig in the City
Skyfall
Barbie
Quest From Camelot
Wicked
Tango
The Grandfather
Children of Heaven
Central Station
Frankenstein
Bride of Frankenstein
American History X
Two Women
Lord of the Rings
One True Thing
Gia
Bulworth
The Best Years of our Lives
E.T.
The Day the Clown Cried
Guilty By Suspicion
On the Waterfront
Streetcar Named Desire
East of Eden
A Face in the Crowd
Splendor in the Grass
America, America
Gentleman’s Agreement
Viva Zapata
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17/02/25•1h 16m
2006 - Brokeback Oscar!
On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex crash headfirst into one of the most debated years in Oscar history.
We’re talking about the 2006 Oscars, for the films of 2005. This was the year that saw some incredible firsts, but also left a wonderful movie out in the cold in the best picture category. And the test of time doesn’t make this poor decision look any better. In a rare show of unity, both Bruce and “Tex” agree that a major disservice was performed — and the fun of the show is trying to figure out ‘How?’ and ‘Why?’ Of course, there were lots of other dubious choices, interesting omissions and head-scratching decisions worthy of debate and discussions. I wish I knew how to quit you Oscars!
To learn more about the show go to: Oscars.wtf
Please feel free to leave comments on Spotify and/or reviews on Apple. We're always open to compliments (and criticism if it's constructive!)
MOVIES MENTIONED
Crash
Crash (David Cronenberg)
Capote
Goodnight & Good Luck
Munich
Brokeback Mountain
Grand Canyon
Silence of the Lambs
Barbie
Schindler’s List
Angels in America
Lincoln
Squid and the Whale
The Constant Gardener
City of God
History of Violence
A Violent Year
Walk the Line
Hustle & Flow
Cinderella Man
Infamous (other Capote movie)
10 Things I Hate About You
Knight’s Tale
North Country
Pride & Prejudice
Transamerica
Miss Henderson Presents
Election
Wild
Syriana
Michael Collins
Michael Clayton
Up in the Air
Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang
Junebug
The Mirror Has Two Faces
The English Patient
The Accidental Tourist
The Nice Guys
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Ten Commandments
Match Point
A Place in the Sun
Dial M for Murder
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Saltburn
Batman Begins
The New World
Memoirs of a Geisha
Rent
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03/02/25•59m 28s
2025 Oscars Nominations Special!
On this bonus episode, Bruce and “Tex” react, breakdown & discuss the 2025 Oscar nominations for the films of 2024. Who and what made the cut? Who or what was snubbed? Were there any big surprises? Who are the front-runners and why? And which of these films, if any, will we still care about in 10 years???
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23/01/25•1h 8m
1942 - How Green Was My Oscar?
On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look back at the 1942 Oscars for the films of 1941 -- easily one of the greatest years in movie history. And, among those great films is the film often cited as 'the greatest film of all-time' -- the Stairway to Heaven of movies... Citizen Kane. But, did this Orson Welles masterpiece win the Oscar the year it came out? Find out -- as well as hear about all the other great movies that should be on your must-see list!
To learn more about the show go to: Oscars.wtf
Please feel free to leave comments on Spotify and/or reviews on Apple. We're always open to compliments (and criticism if it's constructive!)
MOVIES MENTIONED
Gone with the Wind
Deep Throat
Citizen Kane
Mank
How Green was my Valley
Blossoms in the Dust
Here Comes Mr. Jordan
Hold Back the Dawn
The Little Foxes
One Foot in Heaven
Sergeant York
The Maltese Falcon
Suspicion
Spellbound
Notorious
Heaven Can Wait (1943)
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Down to Earth (1947)
Down to Earth (2001)
The Informant
The Grapes of Wrath
Penny Serenade
None but the Lonely Heart
North by Northwest
Charade
His Girl Friday
Father Goose
Arsenic and Old Lace
Casablanca
The African Queen
The Caine Mutiny
The Roaring Twenties
Ball of Fire
The Lady Eve
The More the Merrier
The Devil and Mrs. Jones
The Devil in Miss Jones
Conflict
Shadow of a Doubt
The Great Lie
Miss Miniver
Blood and Sand
Tom, Dick and Harry
Tall, Dark and Handsome
Julia
The Razor’s Edge
Witness for the Prosecution
You’ll Never Get Rich
All American Co Ed
Las Vegas Nights
Sun Valley Serenade
Buck Privates
Blues in the Night
Riding on a Rainbow
Dumbo
Lady Be Good
Last Time I Saw Paris
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20/01/25•43m 52s
1977 - Yo, Oscars!
On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex step into the ring to duke it out over the 1977 Oscars for the films of 1976. As many of you already know, or will come to see, the 1970’s are absolutely stacked with worthy contenders, many of which have stood the test of time. The same goes for directing, performing and technical achievements. So the real question becomes, why does the Academy choose one great film over another? Why would a movie win for best picture and director but not its actor or script which matches the underdog nature of the film? And could dying before the awards be a winning Oscar strategy? We get to the bottom of these questions and more as well as Bruce’s pivotal acting cameo in the 1986 Jane Fonda thriller, The Morning After. Ding-ding… ‘Let’s get ready to Oscars!”
MOVIES MENTIONED
Beaches
Oppenheimer
Citizen Kane
Annie Hall
The Great Dictator
Rocky
How Green Was My Valley?
All The President’s Men
Network
Bound for Glory
Taxi Driver
Godfathers 1 & 2
French Connection 1 & 2
Star Wars
Mad Max: Fury Road
Creed
Rocky 3
Raise the Titanic
Seven Beauties
Party at Kitty & Stud’s - (akaThe Italian Stallion)
Lords of Flatbush
Bananas
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Bad News Bears
To Fly
A Star is Born
King Kong
Silver Streak
Face to Face
Carrie
Cousin Cousine
Badlands
A Coal Miner’s Daughter
Voyage of the Damned
Marathon Man
Ballad of Cable Hogue
Freaky Friday
The Morning After
Dog Day Afternoon
12 Angry Men
The Wiz
Karate Kids 1, 2 & 3
The Formula
Neighbors
Lean on Me
Rocky 5
The Front
Meet John Doe
The 7 Percent Solution
Fellini’s Casanova
Logan’s Run
The Omen
The Pink Panther Strikes Again
A Shot in the Dark
Obsession
Vertigo
The Poseidon Adventure
Harlan County, USA
Grey Gardens
The Tenant
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06/01/25•1h 3m
2024 Holiday Movies/Oscars Special - (No, not the Star Wars one Bruce co-wrote!)
In this special holiday edition of 'The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?', co-hosts Adam "Tex" Davis and Bruce Vilanch dive into their favorite holiday movies and examine how many of them garnered the attention of the Oscars. The discussion kicks off with Adam’s own Christmas cult classic 'Just Friends' and highlights various holiday-themed films like 'It Nearly Wasn't Christmas,' - including a clip of Bruce's performance as a giant Elf named PhilPot. Discussion includes 'White Christmas,' 'A Christmas Story,' 'Scrooged,' 'Home Alone,' 'The Polar Express' and 'Die Hard.' They also touch on the rare Hanukkah movies such as 'Eight Crazy Nights' and 'An American Tail,'. Notable Oscar mentions include the heartwarming classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Miracle on 34th Street' and modern favorites like 'The Holdovers.', with a detour into Siskel and Ebert's trashing of "Silent Night, Deadly Night".
Movies mentioned:
Just Friends
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas
White Christmas
A Christmas Story
Gremlins
Krampus
Bad Santa
Trading Places
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Black Christmas
Die Hard
(*Deck the Halls-referenced)
Jingle All the Way
Christmas with the Kranks
It's a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
Holiday Land
The Night Before Christmas
Toy Tinkers
Scrooge
Scrooged
Home Alone
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Preacher's Wife
The Bishop's Wife
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Polar Express
The Holdovers
8 Crazy Nights
An American Tail
The Night Before
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23/12/24•53m 32s
1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is His Oscar
On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the
1961 Oscars for the films of 1960. Yep we're going back a ways to a year that really
helps exemplify what this show is about. You see, in 1960 three films came out that are
currently on the American Film Institute's Top 100 American Films of ALL TIME.
However, only one of those three films was nominated for an Academy Award! Using
the test of time and our love of movies, we examine whether those other two films (as
well as the iconic performances and directorial efforts within them) deserve to replace
the nominated films --- and Bruces gives the cultural and historical context as to why
those films might have been left off the list at the time. Adam of course thinks they were
egregious omissions and you'd have to be a total psycho not to include at least one of
them!
Movies Mentioned
Just Friends
The Apartment
Elmer Gantry
The Alamo
Sons and Lovers
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
The Sundowners
From Here to Eternity
Oklahoma
Never on Sunday
Rarfifi
Night in the City
Psycho
Psycho (Gus Van Sant remake)
Sweet Smell of Success
The Killers
Kiss the Blood Off my Hands
The Entertainer
Inherit the Wind
Sands of Iwo Jima
Friendly Persuasion
Mr. Roberts
Teen Sympathy
The Life and Times of Colonel Blimp
Elenor Roosevelt
Butterfield Eight
Cleopatra
Double Indemnity
Pushover
Exodus
Murder, Inc.
Spartacus
All About Eve
Yankee Doodle Dandy
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
Miranda
Fear Strikes Out
Jaws
Homicidal
The Angry Silence
The Facts of Life
Hiroshima, My Love / Hiroshima, Mon Amour
Tunes of Glory
Oceans 11
Little Shop of Horrors
The Magnificent Seven
Swiss Family Robinson
La Dolce Vita
Sergeant York
High Noon
The Naked Edge
Killer’s Kiss
The Killing
Lolita
Paths of Glory
The Ten Commandments
Ben Hur
Solomon & Sheba
Land of the Pharaohs
The Life of Brian
Trumbo
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09/12/24•1h
1986 - Back to the Oscars
On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 1986 Oscars for the films of 1985. This year was a battle of two Oscar-bait juggernauts -- the sweeping romance of Out of Africa and the struggle to survive during slavery of The Color Purple. With 22 nominations between them (11 each) this was gearing up to be a battle for the ages. However, while one movie collected award after award, the other was completely shut out. Not only that, its esteemed director was possibly snubbed and wasn't even nominated despite garnering nominations in nearly every other category. But that's not the most interesting part. Another film released that year not only dominated the box office -- it spawned two sequels and has stood the test of time and is still beloved, quoted and talked about by most film fans today -- (unlike either Out of Africa or The Color Purple). So come 'back' to the 1986 Oscars with us to see which movies, performances & achievements won -- and which had the 'Power of Love'... just not from the Academy.
EPISODE 3 (1986 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned
Out of Africa
The Color Purple
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Prizzi’s Honor
Witness
Back to the Future
Rambo: First Blood Pt. 2
Ladyhawke
English Patient
Evita
Butterfly
Trip to Bountiful
Agnes of God
Sweet Dreams
Tootsie
Cocoon
Twice in a Lifetime
Ice Pirates
Murphy’s Romance
Runaway Train
Jagged Edge
Things Change
Trading Places
The Story of Alexander Graham Bell
Cocoon 2
The Way We Were
Absence of Malice
Three Days of the Condor
They Shoot Horses Don’t They?
Ran
C.H.U.D.
C.H.U.D. 2: Bud the C.H.U.D.
The Official Story
Parasite
Mask
The Phantom of the Opera
The Mask
Remo Williams: the Adventure Begins
A Chorus Line
White Nights
Silverado
Young Sherlock Holmes
Return to Oz
The Black Hole
The Sting
Quiz Show
Ordinary People
Save the Tiger
Last Tango in Paris
The Last Detail
Serpico
The Natural
Barefoot in the Park
Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid
The Candidate
Purple Rose of Cairo
Brazil
Rifkin’s Festival
Midnight in Paris
Radio Days
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Bananas
Take the Money and Run
Manhattan
Stardust Memories
12 Years a Slave
Do the Right Thing
Boyz in the Hood
Malcolm X
Glory
Training Day
A Beautiful Mind
Scent of a Woman
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25/11/24•1h 11m
2010 - “The Hurt Oscar!”
On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 2010 Oscars for the films of 2009. Imagine, you’ve just made one of the most groundbreaking movies of all time, a timeless, epic, 3D adventure that not only captivated audiences by creating a never-before-seen world and characters, but also went on to become the highest grossing movie ever. But instead of winning the Oscar… you lose… to your ex-wife. Yep, we’re talking about James Cameron’s Avatar losing the best picture award to The Hurt Locker directed by Kathryn Bigelow who divorced him nearly 20 years earlier. So, did Hurt Locker deserve to win over Avatar? Was either of them the best film of the year? Or, was there a third film that has not only stood the test of time, but whose opening 7 minutes are considered some of the best filmmaking / storytelling of all time. We leave it UP to you to decide — but either way, Bruce’s insight and stories will not have you feeling blue.
EPISODE 2 (2010 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Crazy Heart
Inglorious Basterds
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air
The Dark Knight
A New Leaf
Invictus
A Single Man
Star Man
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
The Last Picture Show
The Messenger
The Last Station
The Lovely Bones
The Hangover
Julie and Julia
Cactus Flower
Erin Brockovich
Nine
Glitter
Star Wars
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Secret of Kells
Oppenheimer
Asteroid City
Isle of Dogs
Moonrise Kingdom
Grand Budapest Hotel
Bowling For Columbine
My Cousin Vinnie
Sudden Fear (1952 starring Joan Crawford & Jack Palance)
City Slickers
Basic Instinct
In the Loop
Titanic
Dances With Wolves
American Beauty
Boys Don’t Cry
Being Julia
Million Dollar Baby
The Wife
Nomadland
Bagdad Cafe
Buster
Against All Odds - (See Out of the Past (1947) instead)
The Princess & The Frog
Paris 36
Star Trek
Dreamgirls
Sherlock Holmes
HONORABLE MENTION: To Leslie (Andrea Riseborough campaign controversy)
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11/11/24•1h 28m
1989 - “Time For Oscars!”
Welcome to the inaugural episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ In this episode we’re looking at the 1989 Oscars for the films of 1988. This is also the first year Bruce Vilanch was hired to write the telecast. After learning how Bruce got the gig and how his first awards show was almost his last — we get into the awards. The big question is — Does best picture winner Rain Man stand the test of time? Were there any better movies that were nominated that year? Or perhaps, the best movie of that year happened to be a non-nominated film that contained a fusion of live action, animation and a neurotic rabbit. And don’t even get us started about Die Hard — one of the best and most beloved action movies of all time. Join us for an in-depth look at the awards and behind-the-scenes stories about the show — which included an 11-minute, opening musical number that is considered one of the biggest disasters in Oscar history. Oh well, at least Bruce is an excellent driver!
EPISODE 1 (1989 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned
C.C. and Company
Grease
Grease 2
Where the Boys Are ’84
Can’t Stop the Music (Bruce co-wrote)
Great Balls of Fire
Dangerous Liaisons
Rain Man
The Accidental Tourist
Mississippi Burning
Working Girl
A Fish Called Wanda
Cruel Intentions
Last Temptation of Christ
A League of Their Own
Bird
Unforgiven
Million Dollar Baby
Tucker: A Man and his Dreams
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Die Hard
The Dark Knight
Pelle the Conqueror
The Favourite
The Greatest Show on Earth
A Cry in the Dark
The Accused
Network
Gorillas in the Midst
My Left Foot
Little Dorrit
Unbearable Lightness of Being
Bull Durham
Beetlejuice
HONORABLE MENTION: Triumph of the Spirit (unnamed Auschwitz boxing movie)
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11/11/24•1h 22m
Trailer: OSCARS.... What Were They Thinking?!
Have you watched the Academy Awards and thought… ‘What were they thinking?’ Have you ever wondered, how is it that so many of the awards for Best Picture go to one movie when there’s a much better movie staring them in the face? Or, why have so many actors not won Oscars for their best roles? Or, why is it that so many movies that everyone loves and made a ton of money at the box office get no Oscar love while little-seen movies rake in the nominations and awards? If so, then this is the podcast for you. Co-hosted by legendary comedian, pop-culture icon and writer of over 25 Oscar telecasts, Mr. Bruce Vilanch, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the nominating process, how and why some winners may have been chosen as well as tons of incredible, never-before-told, backstage stories about the world’s biggest stars on Hollywood’s biggest night. Joining Bruce is screenwriter, producer podcaster, and film nerd, Adam “Tex” Davis, writer of the very non-Oscar nominated movie Just Friends (starring Ryan Reynolds). Together, Bruce and “Tex” break down every Oscar ceremony, year-by-year, award-by-award, to reveal what the Academy got right, what it got wrong, the flubs, snubs and oversights. In the end, they’ll answer the question every movie-loving, Academy Awards watcher always asks – The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?
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28/10/24•2m 31s