We Got To See Project Hail Mary Early! Plus Why We Think The 2026 Oscars Were A Little Bit Messy

In this episode, we discuss the latest theatrical release Project Hail Mary (or at least everything we can say about it for right now without spoiling it.) We give you our early reactions and expectations to why this story already feels like it could be a major moment for sci-fi on screen. Whether you’ve read the book or are going in completely blind, we’re unpacking what makes this movie so special and why believe it is deserving of so much attention.Before the movie review we have a brief yet comprehensive chat on the Academy’s 2026 Oscar Awards. From confusing upsets to long-standing patterns in who actually wins, we’re breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why some of these results feel frustrating in a way that goes deeper than just “your fave lost.” We cover everything from a historic cinematography win and why it matters to campaign narratives, and why not everything is about Timothee Chalamet.Media & People of Interest Mentioned in this Episode:MoonlightLa La LandOppenheimerParasiteGet OutAvatarFrankensteinThe Color PurpleThe Banshees of InisherinThe MartianThis Is UsProject Hail MaryThe OdysseyInterstellarThe Hunger GamesDark MatterThe Echo WifeWeaponsHamnetSinnersOne Battle After AnotherKillers of the Flower MoonGreen BookThe HelpMarty SupremeWakanda ForeverTurning PointBarbieRyan CooglerPaul Thomas AndersonAmy MadiganMichael B. JordanDelroy LindoTimothee ChalametMisty CopelandDisclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!