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The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

By: Atomic Entertainment
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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.© 2025 All Rights Reserved Atomic Entertainment Group LLC Art
Episodes
  • Encore 1999 - Love vs War

    Encore 1999 - Love vs War
    May 11 2026
    Hey Oscar fans. Bruce and "Tex" are on a slight hiatus, so we're doing an encore presentation of one of Oscar's most controversial years. A year that pit 'Love' VS 'War.' Of course we’re talking about the 1999 Oscars, for the films of 1998 in which Shakespeare in Love won the Oscar over Saving Private Ryan. 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.. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • 1943 - Minvers, Ambersons & The Pride of the Yankees Doodle Dandy

    1943 - Minvers, Ambersons & The Pride of the Yankees Doodle Dandy
    May 4 2026
    Welcome Oscar fans. Bruce is back to help break down the 1943 Oscars for the films of 1942. It’s another stacked year with 10 Outstanding Picture nominees (most of which are very deserving) and yet, there are still several other great films left out in the cold. And while there are a few curious decisions and omissions, most of the winners in all the categories are surprisingly and refreshingly solid. Instead of controversy — this is definitely an episode you’ll want to take notes during, because there are a lot of hidden gems to go with the classics. Either way, you’re going to want to update your ‘Watch List!’ As always for joining us for another look back at the Oscars of the past, through the lens of today! Movies Mentioned *Mrs. Miniver *The Magnificent Ambersons *Yankee Doodle Dandy *The Pride of the Yankees *The Talk of the Town *The Invaders AKA The 49th Parallel *King’s Row The Pied Piper *Random Harvest Wake Island *Now Voyager *To Be or Not To Be *The Palm Beach Story *Johnny Eager Around the World in 80 Days *The Letter *The Little Foxes Wuthering Heights Doddsworth *Angels With Dirty Faces *My Sister Eileen Woman of the Year *I Married a Witch *This Gun for Hire *Tortilla Flat *The Affairs of Cellini *The Wizard of Oz *Shadow of a Doubt Holiday inn White Christmas *Road to Morocco One of Our Aircraft is Missing The Black Swan Jungle Book Bambi Arabian Nights The Shanghai Gesture The Corsican Brothers The Battle of Midway (first Documentary Winner) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Bonus - The Freakishly Fantastic Films of 1995

    Bonus - The Freakishly Fantastic Films of 1995
    Apr 27 2026
    1995, an objectively incredible year for movies, doesn’t get talked about enough…until now! Having done the research for our 1996 Oscars, “Tex” And Mark were amazed at just how many outstanding, Oscar-worthy films came out this year — so many in fact, that we could hold an ‘Alternate Oscars’ and only include non-nominated films, directors and performances. So… That’s we did! Join us as we have some fun discussing the freakishly fantastic films of 1995 and offer our picks for an Oscars that didn’t happen — but certainly could have! We’ll be back with a regular episode next week. (The 1943 Oscars for anyone who wants to do some homework and watch some of the films of 1942!) Movies Mentioned (*) Recommended **Braveheart *Apollo 13 *Babe *Sense & Sensibility *Il Postino: The Postman **The Usual Suspects **Leaving Las Vegas *Dead Man Walking *Toy Story *Casino **Heat **Twelve Monkeys **Se7en *Crimson Tide *The American President Goldeneye *Mr. Holland’s Opus *To Die For **Zone of Interest **Anatomy of a Fall *Past Lives *I’m Still Here Emilia Pérez **Sentimental Value *The Secret Agent **Parasite **Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon *Life is Beautiful *Cries and Whispers **The Lives of Others **A Separation **City of God **Ran **81/2 **La Dolce Vita Showgirls *Clueless *Kids *Devil in a Blue Dress *The Crossing Guard Panther *The Quick and the Dead Nixon *Bridges of Madison County *Get Shorty *Living in Oblivion *Safe Dangerous Minds *Dolores Claiborne Georgia Rob Roy Funny Bones *Kiss of Death Walking Dead Boys on the Side Circle of Friends Exotica *Before Sunrise *The Secret of Roan Inish The Brothers McMullen *Clockers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
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