The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

Atomic Entertainment

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 o...

1999 - Saving Private Oscar

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

Feb 17, • 1:16:58

2006 - Brokeback Oscar!

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

Feb 3, • 59:28

2025 Oscars Nominations Special!

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??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 23, • 1:08:44

1942 - How Green Was My Oscar?

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

Jan 20, • 43:52

1977 - Yo, Oscars!

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

Jan 6, • 1:03:10

2024 Holiday Movies/Oscars Special - (No, not the Star Wars one Bruce co-wrote!)

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 Ch

Dec 23, 2024 • 53:32

1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is His Oscar

1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is His Oscar

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the1961 Oscars for the films of 1960. Yep we're going back a ways to a year that reallyhelps exemplify what this show is about. You see, in 1960 three films came out that arecurrently 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! Usingthe test of time and our love of movies, we examine whether those other two films (aswel

Dec 9, 2024 • 1:00:10

1986 - Back to the Oscars

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 p

Nov 25, 2024 • 1:11:21

2010 - “This One Hurts!”

2010 - “This One Hurts!”

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 los

Nov 11, 2024 • 1:28:48

1989 - “Time For Oscars!”

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

Nov 11, 2024 • 1:22:36

Trailer: OSCARS.... What Were They Thinking?!

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 th

Oct 28, 2024 • 2:31

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