Academy Anonymous

| Follow us: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for Oscar Predictions: FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:We break down all the biggest moments, surprises, and controversies from this year’s Oscars ceremony — from PTA’s big night to the most shocking upsets.Thoughts on the ceremony: Conan O’Brien, questionable decisions, and an ambitious In MemoriamThe biggest surprises of the nightAutumn Durald Arkapaw makes history for SinnersHow Mr. Nobody Against Putin pulled off a shocking Best Documentary winA rare tie in Live-Action Short — how did that even happen? Plus: we called the Animated Short upsetThe Supporting Actress aftermath: why Amy Madigan prevailed over Teyana Taylor and Wunmi MosakuTimothée Chalamet’s stalled awards run — and whether overexposure or controversy played the biggest roleMichael B. Jordan emerges as the undeniable crowd favoriteThe bittersweet victory for Warner Bros.PTA is king: Paul Thomas Anderson’s legacy in the Oscar conversationPlus: what this ceremony tells us about where the Academy is headed — and what’s next as we look ahead to Cannes.Season 2 finale — signing off (for now).Support the show

| Follow us: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for Oscar Predictions: FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:| Follow us: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for Oscar Predictions: FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Final predictions for the winners of the 98th Academy AwardsA swan song for Warner Bros. as shadow of Paramount merger looms over the film industrySINNERS big SAG Actors Awards night cuts into the lead of ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHERNetflix quietly plotting their biggest Oscar night in studio history behind Guillermo Del Toro, FRANKENSTEIN, and KPOP DEMON HUNTERSAre MARTY SUPREME and Timothée Chalamet beyond recovery for Best Actor after campaign snafusSean Penn captures Best Supporting Actor momentum from Stellan Skarsgård, but will Delroy Lindo spoil his 3rd Oscar win?Best Supporting Actress ends in a three-way race between Wunmi Mosaku, Teyana Taylor and Amy Madigan for WEAPONS, in a battle between BAFTA winner vs. Golden Globe winner vs. SAG Actor winnerAfter major losses at BAFTA and ASC, can SINNERS and Autumn Durald Arkapaw still make history for Best Cinematography? Or will Adolpho Veloso steal the award for TRAIN DREAMS?F1 hoping to steer surprise Best Picture nomination to win over SINNERS for Best Sound DesignLudwig Göransson aims to surpass legendary Alexandre Desplat and Hans Zimmer with record third Oscar for Best Original ScoreGuillermo Del Toro in position to make Oscar history after Best Director snub for FRANKENSTEINNorway’s SENTIMENTAL VALUE, Brazil’s THE SECRET AGENT and France’s IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT duel for Best International FilmPaul Thomas Anderson to finally collect Oscar for Best Director on fourth try!Breaking down the different scenarios for the Best Picture matchup between ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and SINNERSRevelations to unlocking whether ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER or SINNERS will win the Best Picture OscarPlus forecasting favorites for Best Documentary and the unpredictable Short Film categories!Support the showSupport the show

| Follow us: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for Oscar Predictions: FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Final Oscar voting begins!A24, Josh Safdie and Timothée Chalamet are box-office gold with MARTY SUPREMEPaul Thomas Anderson wins first career Directors Guild of America award for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHERONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER bests box-office behemoth SINNERS at the Producers Guild of America awardsBest Picture rivals ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and SINNERS share the stage at ACE Eddie awards for Best Film EditingSINNERS capitalizes on ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER snub to win highest honor from Casting SocietyNetflix and TRAIN DREAMS dominate the Independent Spirit Awards, but likely too small to make a dent at the OscarsONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER takes home 6 BAFTA awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best CinematographyWunmi Mosaku finally gets invited on stage for SINNERS with BAFTA Best Supporting Actress winSean Penn surprises Stellan Skarsgård and SENTIMENTAL VALUE with Supporting Actor win at BAFTAHow Timothée Chalamet and MARTY SUPREME shutout at BAFTA spells trouble at the OscarsKPOP DEMON HUNTERS loses BAFTA nomination, but still steals spotlight on BAFTA nightSINNERS and Michael B. Jordan surge in Best Picture and Best Actor after electric reception at the Screen Actors Guild awardsSean Penn muscles his way into frontrunner status with SAG victoryVeteran actor Amy Madigan celebrated by her peers for surprise WEAPONS role, destined to duel Wunmi Mosaku for Best Supporting ActressMARTY SUPREME scores 0 (again) at the SAG awardsSupport the show

| Follow us: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for Oscar Predictions: FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:The Academy announces the nominees for the 98th Oscars!How ACADEMY ANONYMOUS fared in the Oscar pool Warner Bros. in a league all their own this year - racks up 30 nominations between SINNERS, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and WEAPONSONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is PTA's biggest Oscar success with 13 nomination (!) but it can't stop SINNERS from making Oscar historyAcademy sets the stage for a final showdown between ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and SINNERS - is an upset brewing??Chloé Zhao makes history in the Best Director categoryA24's MARTY SUPREME makes Josh Safdie a 4-time Oscar nomineeNeon's SENTIMENTAL VALUE completes comeback to score 9 nominationsA lukewarm reception for international titles including THE SECRET AGENT and IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENTEmma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos revive BUGONIA at the 11th hour How Kate Hudson in SONG SUNG BLUE edged out Chase Infiniti in ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHEREthan Hawke and Micheal B. Jordan crack Best Actor, but Joel Edgerton gets left out in the cold againPlan B's Oscar muscle steers summer popcorn flick F1 into Best Picture, but will the company regret it in the long run?How we correctly predicted a BLUE MOON surprise in Original ScreenplayAVATAR: FIRE AND ASH crashes Best Costume DesignThe "shocking" Oscar shutout that industry pundits refused to see... and ACADEMY ANONYMOUS laid out the breadcrumbs for.PLUS - the snubs and surprises we saw coming (Paul Mescal, Delroy Lindo) and those we hoped wouldn't come to pass (Jafar Panahi)Cross referencing Oscar nominees with nominations for the British Film Academy's BAFTA awards, the Writers Guild, and the ACE Editors GuildSupport the show

Final Oscar Predictions (Part 3) — Acting, Directing, Writing & Best Picture | ACADEMY ANONYMOUSIn this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS, we conclude our FINAL OSCAR PREDICTIONS (Part 3), breaking down the Academy Awards’ most talked-about races — Directing, Screenwriting, Acting, and Best Picture.Pundits insist these categories are “locked,” but history says otherwise. We’re tracking the hidden vulnerabilities, surprise snubs, and late-stage breakthroughs that could define nomination morning — and help you perfect your Oscar ballot.We analyze the 2026 Oscar contenders in:Best CastingThe Academy’s newest category: Will voters default to the status quo, or can two international films crash the party and make a statement?Best Adapted ScreenplayCan anyone crack the consensus five — from Mary Shelley and Denis Johnson adaptations to Hamnet, Alien Bosses, and the ever-present PTA?Best Original ScreenplayRichard Linklater and Ethan Hawke threaten to spoil spots long reserved for celebrated international films, while Sinnersand Marty Supreme ride undeniable momentum.Best Supporting ActorBeyond the perceived “safe” picks (One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value), are Paul Mescal or Jacob Elordi far more vulnerable than expected? And who’s waiting to capitalize on a major snub?Best Supporting ActressA volatile three-way race anchors the category, but the final slots are wide open. Can recent SAG snubs be overcome? Are surprise veterans or pop-culture wildcards ready to surge? Expect chaos.Best ActorThe most competitive acting race of the year — and someone big is missing. Is it Michael B. Jordan or Joel Edgerton? Can Jesse Plemons convert SAG momentum? Is Wagner Moura truly safe?Best ActressBuckley is the clear frontrunner, while Chase Infiniti carries the category’s strongest momentum. Renate Reinsve capitalizes on European love, while Rose Byne defeats the odds. The final slot becomes a high-stakes showdown between a favorite and a comeback-gal.Best DirectorClear locks, international threats, shocking snubs, and one potential jaw-dropper that could redefine the race entirely.Best PictureStudio heavyweights, Netflix contenders, acclaimed international films, and underdogs all feel “safe”… but only one slot remains. Will it go to another daring foreign-language breakout or a late-career auteur passion project?If you want to understand where the Oscar races are actually fragile, and where the Academy is most likely to surprise, this is the episode to hear before nomination morning.Support the show

| Follow us: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for the latest Oscar predictions - FramesAndFlicker.com |Final Oscar Predictions — Shorts, Documentary, Sound, VFX & Makeup | ACADEMY ANONYMOUSIn this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS, we continue our FINAL OSCAR PREDICTIONS (Part 2), breaking down some of the Academy Awards’ most volatile categories — where surprises, snubs, and late-breaking momentum define the race.We analyze the 2026 Oscar contenders in:Live-Action Short Film — socially and politically urgent stories dominate, but can comedy or crowd-pleasers break through?Animated Short Film — why adult-driven animation should outperform traditional, family-friendly shortsDocumentary Short Film — films reflecting current U.S. political and social unrest lead the fieldDocumentary Feature — the most unpredictable branch of the Academy, where presumed frontrunners are always at riskBest Visual Effects — blockbuster spectacle regains control as prestige titles like Frankenstein and Sinners miss key groundBest Sound — One Battle After Another and Sinners feel secure, while Sirât challenges Avatar: Fire and AshBest Makeup & Hairstyling — why international films and transformative real-life portrayals have the advantageWhether you’re filling out an Oscar ballot, tracking awards season momentum, or just love dissecting the Academy Awards, this episode dives deep into the races most likely to shock on nomination morning.Support the show

| Follow us: @AcademyAnon | | Visit our website FramesAndFlicker.com for Oscar Predictions |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:The DGA reveals the top five favorites for the Oscars Best Picture raceSENTIMENTAL VALUE gets shutout at the Screen Actors Guild Actors AwardsCinematographers prefer MARTY SUPREME over HAMNETWEAPONS, F1 fly at the Producers Guild Awards while AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH and WICKED: FOR GOOD flopBUGONIA staging a major Oscar comeback with impressive showing at British Academy’s BAFTA AwardsFinal predictions for Best Animated FeatureDreamworks’ THE BAD GUYS 2 and Pixar’s ELIO duel for final spot in Animated Feature raceCan French animation rule at the Oscars with ARCO, LITTLE AMELIE and A MAGNIFICENT LIFE?Final Predictions for Best Original ScoreDecoding the connection between Best Picture and the Original Score categoryMARTY SUPREME beat too new age for Oscars’ music branch?F1 and SIRĀT likely enemies across Oscar categories, face-off for final slot in Original ScoreFinal Predictions for Best Original SongStephan Schwartz to finally get back into Song race with WICKED: FOR GOODDouble nominations for SINNERS for Original Song?Diane Warren hunts for first competitive Oscar winFinal Predictions for Best Costume DesignA loophole in the Costume category might leave a Best Picture favorite on the outsHEDDA and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN targeting an upsetFinal Predictions for Best Production DesignAVATAR: FIRE AND ASH and WICKED: FOR GOOD duel for scraps among production design favoritesFinal Predictions for Best CinematographyNot enough space for Best Picture frontrunners FRANKENSTEIN, MARTY SUPREME and HAMNETFinal Predictions for Best Film EditingBreaking down the “veteran” issue smothering the film editing categoryF1 to test editor’s love for racing filmsFinal Predictions for Best International FilmNEON films tries to wrap up the rare perfect category with ALL 5 nominations!Venice Film Festival and THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB to haunt the fate of NO OTHER CHOICESupport the show

| Follow us on Twitter - @AcademyAnon || Visit our website FramesAndFlicker.com for Oscar Predictions |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:MARTY SUPREME is a runaway Christmas hit for A24, Timothée Chalamet is King of the Box-OfficeSpain's SIRĀT to explode onto Oscar scene with surprise nominations, but can it really crash Best Picture?Will SINNERS, TRAIN DREAMS and ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER land first time nominations for their cinematographers at the ASC guild award?Cinematographers Guild to sideline international films in their annual lineup for Best CinematographyCan multiple foreign films pull off an upset at the Directors Guild of America?Guillermo del Toro's FRANKENSTEIN looks to cement itself as a top 5 Best Picture movie with DGA nominationCan MARTY SUPREME three-peat nominations at the SAG Ensemble, DGA and PGA.... or did it peak too late?Will the Producers Guild of America resuscitate flailing box-office hits AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH and WICKED: FOR GOOD?WEAPONS hoping to ride Hollywood horror-renaissance into PGA Top 10 and SAG Ensemble nominationsHEDDA's Tessa Thompson and SONG SUNG BLUE's Kate Hudson look to leap BUGONIA's Emma Stone and TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE's Amanda Seyfried at the Screen Actors GuildCan Wagner Moura leverage NARCOS visibility into a SAG Best Actor nomination for THE SECRET AGENT?Is WICKED: FOR GOOD poised to receive a complete shut-out at the Screen Actors Guild? HAMNET, SENTIMENTAL VALUE and IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT look for a boost on Golden Globes weekendCritics Choice Awards vote for Timothée Chalamet, Jesse Buckley, Jacob Elordi and Amy Madigan, but one speech seems to seal the deal and another appears to have blown the race wide open!Which Critics Choice winning actor is flirting with a snub and may end up on the cutting room floor at the Oscars?Support the show

| Follow us on Twitter: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for more coverage: FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:A few words of remembrance for Rob Reiner, Michelle Reiner and James Ransone.Can AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH pull a GODFATHER/LORD OF THE RIGNS and get all 3 installments nominated for Best Picture? Our Oscar take after watching the latest chapter.THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB is undeniably compelling, and could absolutely sneak into the final Best Picture Ten; our Oscar take after screening the film.Going over the snubs and surprises from the 98th Oscars shortlists: who’s making an impression (SIRAT!) and who’s falling behind (THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE!).Previewing the Critics Choice Awards: predicting the winners in every category.Predicting the National Society of Film Critics winners and runner-ups.If you enjoy our awards-season coverage and want to help support the podcast, you can do so here:Support the show

| Follow us on Twitter: @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for more coverage: FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and Rose Byrne build momentum at the Los Angeles Film Critics AssociationThe Critics Choice Awards snub IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, THE SECRET AGENT and NO OTHER CHOICE in favor of Hollywood misfires JAY KELLY and WICKED: FOR GOODThe Golden Globes nominate five international films for Best Picture - will the Oscars follow their lead?Richard Linklater crashes Best Picture Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes - TWICE!Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt and THE SMASHING MACHINE prepare to mount a comeback at the Golden GlobesLee Byung-hun and NO OTHER CHOICE make Golden Globes historyThe cast of ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER ties for most Golden Globe acting nominations WICKED: FOR GOOD snubbed for Best Picture at the Golden Globes and officially in trouble at the OscarsDid A24 and Timothée Chalamet miscalculate the release of MARTY SUPREME? Film underdelivers at the Critics Choice and Golden GlobesAVATAR: FIRE AND ASH can’t squeeze into Best Picture at either Critics Choice or Golden Globes; Is James Cameron in store for a snub at the Oscars?NUREMBERG fails to seize opportunity with Golden Globe nominations, are its Best Picture hopes dashed?Neon campaigns to make historic gains in the Oscars shortlist categories with mentions for Score, Sound, Casting, and CinematographyBlockbusters F1, WICKED: FOR GOOD, and AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH aim for a comeback with Oscars shortlist revealSINNERS duels ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER for Oscars shortlist dominanceSupport the show

| Follow us on Twitter - @AcademyAnon || Visit our website FramesAndFlicker.com for Oscar predictions |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Gotham Film Awards shut out Rose Byrne and IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU, champion IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENTONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER rolling to one Best Picture prize after another with NYFCC and NBREarly Supporting Actress winners splintered - WEAPONS, SINNERS, SENTIMENTAL VALUEWunmi Mosaku vs. Teyana Taylor for Best Supporting Actress nomination?Independent Spirit Awards blaze a path for TRAIN DREAMS Oscar hopesAre the Critics Choice nominees anything more than glorified Oscar predictions?Golden Globe Predictions!!!Can WICKED FOR GOOD hold onto its Comedy or Musical slot?Netflix to double down in Comedy or Musical with JAY KELLY and WAKE UP DEAD MANCan Lee Byung-hun make Golden Globe history with NO OTHER CHOICE? Pull upset over Timothée Chalamet and MARTY SUPREME?Wagner Moura makes THE SECRET AGENT the favorite for Actor Drama - can Dwayne Johnson, Jeremy Allen White or Michael B. Jordan stop him?Trouble brewing for Amanda Seyfried, Rose Byrne and Emma Stone - BUGONIA, TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE and IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU hunt Globe support and Oscar appealLate-breakers RENTAL FAMILY, IS THIS THING ON and SONG SUNG BLUE look to shake up the race with audience appeal and Globe endorsementWill AVATAR three-peat with Golden Globe Best Picture and Director nominations?A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE looks to redeem Kathryn Bigelow with the Golden GlobesJacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney hope to continues breakout Globes streak with nominations for FRANKENSTEIN and CHRISTYKISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN conjuring up Bill Condon's Golden Globe magic for Tonatiuh, Jennifer Lopez and Diego LunaSENTIMENTAL VALUE and IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT look to flex international appeal with major Globe nominationsSupport the show

| Follow us on Twitter for more updates - @AcademyAnon || Visit our website for the latest awards coverage and Oscars predictions - framesandflicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:WICKED FOR GOOD is gold at the box-office, but misfires with criticsDid Universal's "studio greed" blow up the chances for a WICKED Best Picture Oscar win?Why the Oscars fate of WICKED FOR GOOD is in the hands of AVATAR: FIRE AND ASHCynthia Erivo vs. Ariana Grande? - WICKED FOR GOOD makes the case for co-lead status Historic consecutive Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress nominations in the rearview for WICKED FOR GOOD? The 5 nomination max - analyzing what Oscar categories are still in play for WICKED FOR GOOD Polarizing Gotham Film Awards to announce winners from controversial nominee lineup Will Warner Bros tower over indie films with record-breaking ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER at the Gotham Film Awards? We predict the favorites to winNYFCC - prestigious New York Film Critics Circle looks to set the tone on this year's critics' darlings with early winners listWe predict which films and performances will triumph at NYFCC and boost their Oscar chancesCan Paul Thomas Anderson finally nab Best Picture at the NYFCC for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER? Or is A24's MARTY SUPREME destined to spoil its hopes?Support the show

| Follow Us at @AcademyAnon on Twitter | | Oscar Predictions On Our Website - FramesAndFlicker.com |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Governors Awards - contenders show up in force to gain an edge in the Oscar raceHonorary Oscars vs. Competitive Oscars - is there really any substitute for the real thing?Gotham Award nominees back the big guys and leave the small films in the shadows, polarize indie film communityFRANKENSTEIN winning audiences across the globe on Netflix, can Guillermo del Toro and Jacob Elordi sneak in?Emma Stone and Jesse Plemmons looking to work their Oscar magic again with Yorgos Lanthimos in BUGONIAHAMNET - the real deal or overhyped?THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE - masterpiece or misfire?NUREMBERG - flying under the radar but building steamDid Netflix miss the Best Picture train on TRAIN DREAMSWAKE UP DEAD MAN angling nominations for Josh O'Connor and Glenn CloseEconomic and financial woes may just be the golden ticket for Park Chan-wook and NO OTHER CHOICEAcademy Awards and Searchlight Pictures likely to squander Bradley Cooper's best film - IS THIS THING ONJeremy Allen White's SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE hoping to survive disappointing startSydney Sweeney's CHRISTY at the crosshairs of the culture warJennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson launch DIE MY LOVE to $2 million opening! And a "D+" from audiences!Amazon MGM backs the wrong contender and fumbles Oscar worthy Tessa Thompson and Nina Hoss in HEDDASupport the show

| Visit us our website - Frames and Flicker || Click here for NEW Oscar Predictions! |On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE awards contention very vulnerable after it disappoints with domestic premiereThe secret Oscars math behind why Guillermo del Toro’s FRANKENSTEIN is actually Netflix’s strongest contenderJacob Elordi vs. Paul Mescal for Best Supporting Actor?Luca Guadagnino misfire AFTER THE HUNT leaves Julia Roberts grasping at straws for Best ActressEthan Hawke’s BLUE MOON hopes to outmaneuver Jeremy Allen White’s SPRINGSTEEN for biopic spot in Best ActorCan Daniel Day-Lewis survive mixed reviews for his big-screen return in ANEMONETwo Oscar favorites battle box-office woes: Can THE SMASHING MACHINE and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN mount a comeback with voters? New York Film Festival previews the remaining Oscar contendersSearchlight Pictures buries IS THIS THING ON before it even screens, picks up THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEEMARTY SUPREME and Timotheé Chalamet wow at NYFFHow high can A24 take MARTY SUPREME at the Oscars?Josh Safdie looks to steal a Best Director spot from HAMNET’s Chloe Zhao and SENTIMENTAL VALUE’s Joachim TrierSupport the show

All Major Oscar Predictions Now Live at FramesAndFlicker.comFollow us: @AcademyAnonOn this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Warner Bros. unveils instant American classic with ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHERThe legacy of Paul Thomas Anderson to reign over this year’s OscarsIs SINNERS vs. ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER the new BARBIE vs. OPPENHEIMER?Will U.S. box-office receipts be the Achilles heel for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER’s Best Picture chances?ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER vs. THERE WILL BE BLOOD - Revisiting PTA’s big Oscar breakthrough from 2007NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and the arrival of a new era of Hollywood filmmaking at the OscarsCan Leonardo DiCaprio finally shepherd his first film to a Best Picture Oscar since 1997’s TITANIC?Will brilliant performances from ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER ensemble cancel each other out or make Oscar history with record-breaking SIX acting nominations?Best Supporting Actress category stuffed with possibilities and no clear front runner!Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall and Chase Infiniti duel it out for voter favoriteWarner Bros. stuck between a rock and a hard place in Best Supporting Actress as they prep campaigns for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, SINNERS and WEAPONSWill Amy Madigan in WEAPONS upset Oscar nominees Emily Blunt from THE SMASHING MACHINE and Glenn Close from WAKE UP DEAD MAN to nab the coveted veteran spot?Emily Blunt too “real” to snub in Best Supporting Actress?Will the Netflix Best Supporting Actress streak stay alive?Aunt Gladys vs. Glinda the Good! Analyzing Ariana Grande and Amy Madigan’s unorthodox chances - will they break history or be broken by history?Jennifer Lopez hoping to ride pedigree of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to first career nomination! Is she being underestimated by Oscar pundits?With four spots likely taken, contenders target the final wide-open slot for Best Supporting ActorWarner Bros. tries to double up nominees AGAIN - Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro vs. Delroy Lindo and Miles CatonCan Adam Sandler FINALLY break in with heartwarming turn in JAY KELLY? Or will voters prefer Billy Crudup’s scene-stealing moment?Diego Luna looks to capture nomination that eluded Raul Julia with KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMANIs celebrated turn from Jacob Elordi in the overlooked FRANKENSTEIN enough for him to leap frog veterans for the final spot in Best Supporting Actor? Can Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal both reaps nods in the Best Supporting Actor category?Support the show

Visit us at FramesAndFlicker.comView Our Oscar PredictionsFollow us: @AcademyAnonOn this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Icon of Cinema Robert Redford passes awayRecapping results from the Toronto International Film FestivalWill TIFF's new dual People's Choice Award categories create more crossover with Best Picture at the Oscars? Or sow more chaos? HAMNET a solid frontrunner following People's Choice AwardCan FRANKENSTEIN, WAKE UP DEAD MAN or NO OTHER CHOICE ride People's Choice selection to possible Best Picture surprises?The biggest losers at TIFF? Can RENTAL FAMILY, NUREMBERG, ROOFMAN and other titles survive People's Choice Award omission?The Best Picture Six - early surefire nominees you shouldn't bet againstHow many studios can double up their Best Picture nominations this year? Neon, Netflix, A24, Focus Features and Warner Bros. among favorites to nab multiple Best Picture nods.A24 presents "Safdie vs. Safdie" - will the two brothers' film divorce yield two Best Picture nominees or snubees? Will blockbusters or international films climb new heights in the Best Picture race?Is there enough room in Best Director for a Kathryn Bigelow vs. Chloé Zhao showdown? Or will voters leave one out in the cold?A nightmare Best Actor category will have the majority of worthy contenders missing the cut, so who has the edge? The secret to unlocking the Best Actor nominees - figuring out who has the chance to win!Will too many challenging films leave Oscar voters looking for more safe, conventional choices in Best Actress?Cynthia Erivo could be a historic winner for Best Actress, but first she must climb a mountain too impossible for even Al Pacino, Michael Corleone and THE GODFATHER! Does it spell trouble ahead?Support the show

Visit us at https://framesandflicker.com/View our OSCAR PREDICTIONS Follow us: @AcademyAnonOn this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:A Frontrunner is Born with Chloé Zhao's HAMNET premiere at the Telluride Film FestivalJessie Buckley becomes the Best Actress favorite, can Paul Mescal join her in Best Actor?Can Jeremy Allen White win for SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE?A brief look at the importance of TIFF’S People’s Choice Award for Oscar glory and Best Picture dreamsDe-coding recent films listed for the People’s Choice Award and how they reveal which of this year’s film could walk away with the prize!A24 hoping ETERNITY with Elisabeth Olsen, Callum Turner and Miles Teller can turn into another WE LIVE IN TIMEGOOD FORTUNE with Keanu Reeves! ROOFMAN with Channing Tatum! Crowd-pleasers hoping to become fall blockbusters, sure. But can they actually become Oscar players? The answer may surprise you.Sony Classics delivering films with wide audience appeal, prepare to pitch both THE CHORAL and NUREMBERG to Oscar voters in the fall. Is any their secret weapon this season? Or are they perhaps angling to acquire a red-hot THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE out of the Venice Film Festival?RENTAL FAMILY has People’s Choice Award written on every prognosticator’s lips! But how come we’re not buying it? Is Searchlight pitting all their Oscar hopes on a Hail Mary? Check out the red flags we’re seeing before it premieres.Don’t look now, but Rian Johnson’s trilogy-capper WAKE UP DEAD MAN may finally deliver Netflix the People’s Choice Award! Why this final installment could win the prize for the entire series!THE LOST BUS reads like a slam-dunk Oscar contender on paper. So why is Apple bulldozing its chances with their release plan? Is this BLITZ all over again? Can a People Choice Award save them from imminent Academy Awards oversight?Plan B and Amazon not giving Tessa Thompson and HEDDA the red carpet Oscar treatment they deserve. Is there any hope the film can draw enough attention from audiences to get both to reconsider their priorities with F1 and AFTER THE HUNT?SACRIFICE from Romain Gavras walks the route of TRIANGLE OF SADNESS - with a lot on its mind and headline-worthy ensemble. So, why did Venice, Telluride and Cannes give it the cold shoulder? Sidney Sweeney and an overdue Ben Foster try to ride the sports biopic to Oscar nominations with CHRISTY - but is there any room left on that bus after THE SMASHING MACHINE? Black Bear the “distributor” tries its hand at molding an Oscar contender, but does the Sidney Sweeney controversy already have them running behind?Ian McKellen and Angelina Jolie chart big-screen comebacks and possibly Oscar buzz by teaming up with esteemed directors Steven Soderbergh and Alice Winocour. Will their new films THE CHRISTOPHERS and COUTURE bring them back into contention?Is Saoirse Ronan quietly plotting to take Best Actress by storm with the dark comedy BAD APPLES. You can never sleep on the great ones!And of course which early Oscar contenders will win the coveted People’s Choice Awards - HAMENT, SENTIMENTAL VALUE, or even JAY KELLY?Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Can an unlikeable George Clooney still squeeze into a very competitive Best Actor race with mixed JAY KELLYWho's the real scene-stealer of Netflix's JAY KELLY - Adam Sandler vs. Billy CrudupCan Emma Stone really get into Best Actress AGAIN for newest collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos?Is BUGONIA Jesse Plemons' ticket to lead Actor recognition?Luca Guadagnino and Julia Roberts may be playing with fire with AFTER THE HUNT - could be difficult to recover after early burn from VeniceAnother genre classic from master Park Chan-wook, but will the South Korean great EVER get some Oscar love?Jim Jarmusch's meditation on family FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER a winner - best reviewed American film in Competition!Guillermo del Toro's beloved FRANKENSTEIN dividing audiences, but everyone agrees Jacob Elordi steals the show!THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE's Amanda Seyfried looks to crash the Best Actress categoryIs Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson really this year's "Brendan Fraser"? Stuns viewers with THE SMASHING MACHINE transformation, but will it be enough?Is Emily Blunt un-beatable for Best Supporting Actress? Never doubt Kathryn Bigelow! Helmer returns with nerve-shattering A HOUSE OF DYNAMITETwo female directors for Best Director AGAIN! An early analysis of the Kathryn Bigelow vs. Chloé Zhao narrativeTHE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB poised for Venice breakout! Could be a major dark horse for Best Picture!Who will win the Golden Lion? We make our calls.Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Unlocking the connection between the Venice Film Festival and the OscarsAlexander Payne brings his unique sensibility to the Venice JuryYorgos Lanthimos ditches Searchlight for Focus Features with BUGONIANetflix Triple Threat - JAY KELLY vs A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE vs FRANKENSTEINCan A24 afford a poor showing at Venice after disastrous Cannes? They're betting it all on THE SMASHING MACHINEPremieres without studios - a Fox Searchlight-sized hole in Competition, will they buy a film?NO OTHER CHOICE is another punch from NeonRed flags on Julia Roberts and Luca Guadagnino collaboration AFTER THE HUNTPotential standouts in the International Film and Documentary raceThe return of Julian Schanbel and Gus Van SantWillem Dafoe premieres LATE FAME from Kent Jones and Samy BurchThe early frontrunners for selection at the TELLURIDE FILM FESTIVALSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:We recap our first ever Cannes experience!We've seen big Oscar players: SENTIMENTAL VALUE; IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT; DIE MY LOVE; THE SECRET AGENT; NOUVELLE VAGUE; and more (THE MASTERMIND; THE PLAGUE; CHRONOLOGY OF WATER; SOUND OF FALLING; PILLION; YES!; THE HISTORY OF SOUND....); our thoughts!We also went to the Tribeca Film Festival; our quick recap.We have something brewing... A NEW WEBSITE!Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:We take a deep dive into which titles we foresee in tomorrow's major Cannes announcement!!Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN reunites Bill Condon and Lionsgate Films, reaffirms Roadside Attractions as a committed Oscar flix distributorJLo and Tonatiuh enter the awards conversation with lucrative distribution deal and THEATRICAL release!Gywneth Paltrow turns heads in the Chalamet-verse with sex-charged MARTY SUPREME talk. One to watch for this year? Warner Bros. rethinks release slate - doubles down on Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Thomas Anderson, railroads Maggie Gyllenhaal's THE BRIDE! Our first takes on what you should expect to pop-up on the Croisette at this summer's Cannes Film Festival - films for cinephiles and Oscar addicts staking a claim as among the year's absolute best! Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:An uncertain future for Utah and the Sundance Film FestivalSundance 2025 again key to unlocking the early favorites for Best Documentary OscarA24 teams with Pastel again on Eva Victor’s “Sorry, Baby” - screenwriting winner, early critics darling and standout debut among US Dramatic CompetitionRace for Best International Feature starts with selection of co-production titles among World Dramatic Competition - Canada, Argentina, North Macedonia, Turkey, India, UK, Poland, FranceUnderdog “Omaha” and John Magaro pull on the heartstrings just right, dismiss the title at your own peril!!Crowd-pleasing debuts for “The Ballad of Wallis Island” and “The Wedding Banquet” look to signal sleeper hits for Focus Features and Bleecker Street in theaters this spring  Josh O’ Connor makes first (but NOT last) festival stop this year with “Rebuilding” - in a year where he’s primed to finally break into major Oscar acting raceWill the Academy Awards ever wake up to the artistic achievement of “Peter Hujar’s Day” director Ira Sachs? The BIG 3 titles from Sundance 2025!“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” kickstarts a big year for Safdie-esque cinema, BUT can this brand of filmmaking crossover with the Academy Awards in a big way?Can “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” succeed where “Hereditary” failed and finally bring Rose Byrne to the Oscars for Best Actress? Will “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” get lost among A24’s slate of films?Queer-Golden Age Hollywood musical hybrid “Kiss of the Spider Woman” has all the cards it needs for a long, successful Oscar runThe prestigious legacy of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” - Bill Condon, William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga, Hector Babenco, Kander & Ebb, Chita Rivera, Terrence McNallyColleen Atwood, Oscar-winning Sound Designers and veteran Production Designer and DP in the Oscar hunt for sumptuous visuals on display in “Kiss of the Spider Woman”Jennifer Lopez channels old-Hollywood glamour and dances her way to another Oscar bid for Best Supporting Actress in “Kiss of the Spider Woman”Tonatiuh poised for breakout year as Molina, Diego Luna's heartfelt turn and reputable career to figure in Best Supporting ActorNetflix bets on “Train Dreams,” but after last year’s “Sing Sing” can Bentley and Kwedar score consecutive Best Adapted Screenplay nods with prized source material?“Train Dreams” to factor into Best Cinematography, but is it going to miss the big-screen treatment?Joel Edgerton wins strong mentions for Best Actor but will he be the victim of the film’s use of voice-over?Is Netflix the right fit for “Train Dreams” Best Picture hopes?Where have all the distributors gone?! Big-name independents scaring themselves out of sure-fire Oscar contention and potential mass audience appealSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Oscar Sunday post-mortumConan O'Brian takes his Oscar swingMusical performances - well executed, but arbitrary and favoritist?Supporting favorites stay perfect - category fraud a major advantage?Latvia’s FLOW surprises! And the telling connection between Animated Feature and Animated Short winners!WICKED makes Oscar History in Costume Design! But did it fall short of its potential wins?THE SUBSTANCE makeup controversy? Screenplay wins spotlight a battle between ANORA and CONCLAVE - New Academy vs. Old AcademyPesky short films prove difficult for any/every Oscar predictorFilm Editing STILL key to securing Best Picture IN MEMORIAM - Gene Hackman, notable snubs and where’s David Lynch’s tribute?!DUNE, PART TWO doubles up wins and proves more liked than slight nominations suggestI”M STILL HERE leads Brazil to historic win! EMILIA PEREZ can’t overcome Mexican controversyAdrien Brody proves SAG win optional Sean Baker defends movie theaters!Unpacking Demi Moore’s loss, Mikey Madison’s “upset” and Fernanda Torres’s shortcomingA new Best Picture winner! Final Takeaways - stats that survived, forecasting future trends, Cannes is King and Oscar voting body in transitionSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:CONCLAVE an easy call for Adapted Screenplay. Can any other film catch up?ANORA loses ground in Original Screenplay, but can A REAL PAIN really capitalize on a BAFTA win after its Best Picture snub? Kieran Culkin undefeated in Supporting Actor RaceWhy Zoe Saldaña will cruise to a win in Supporting Actress; Isabella Rossellini too far behindCan Adrien Brody stop the late-breaking surge for Timothée Chalamet? Or will Oscars choose Bob Dylan over giving Brody two Lead Actor Oscars?Demi Moore vs Fernanda Torres vs Mikey Madison; one of Oscars biggest upsets is brewing, and her name is TORRESIs Sean Baker in the clear for Best Director?It's PGA & DGA winner VS. SAG & BAFTA winner for the big prize, againANORA vs CONCLAVE for Best Picture; get ready for a great night for ANORASupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:BAFTA awards stall FLOW’s momentum, Latvia likely to fall short of historic win in Animated FeatureDreamworks Animation to ride studio-best 3 Oscar nominations into first Animated Feature win in nearly two decadesBrazil to make OSCAR HISTORY - surging I'M STILL HERE poised to upset EMILIA PEREZ and capture first International Film title for the countryNetflix’s EMILIA PEREZ wrestles to maintain hold as International Film favorite, can the film survive Mexican controversy and growing unpopularity?Does BAFTA snub foretell of trouble for NO OTHER LAND at the Oscars?With win at DGA, can PORCELAIN WAR upset in Documentary and result in a three-peat for the Ukrainian War in the category?DUNE: PART TWO still favorite for VFX Oscar with BAFTA win, but Visual Effects Society snub leaves the door open for WICKEDDUNE: PART TWO vs. A COMPLETE UNKNOWN vs. WICKED - a three-headed monster in SOUND makes it nearly impossible to select a favoriteCratering EMILIA PEREZ tries to salvage Original Song win, but Diane “Never-Say-Die” Warren might just deliver the death blowTHE SUBSTANCE the clear front-runner for Makeup Oscar, but can a win give Demi Moore an edge in Best Actress?WICKED's Paul Tazewell to makes OSCAR HISTORY as first black man and only second black costume designer to win Costume. Nathan Crowley to FINALLY win Production Design (without Christopher Nolan)!An absolute free-for-all in Film Editing - BAFTA win for CONCLAVE either a mirage or the win that seals its fate on Oscar night! Can Sean Baker get on stage four times on Oscar night? Will EMILIA PEREZ and WICKED cancel each other out or ride their Sound nominations to a surprise victory in Film Editing?Support the show

On this episode of Academy Anonymous:Taking a look at the surprise wins at the Bafta/SAG awards, and what they mean for the raceWhy Demi Moore’s BAFTA loss is a huge RED FLAGCan Timothée Chalamet really beat Adrien Brody for that Oscar?Discussing the momentum shift towards CONCLAVE, and why it may derail ANORASupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:The state of the race after ANORA’s weekend DGA-PGA-Critics-Choice-winsRecapping some curious and possibly telling Critics Choice winnersWhy CONCLAVE is likely the only film that can give ANORA some competitionPredicting the winners of the BAFTA 2025 awardsSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Has the Karla Sofía Gascon controversy sunk the "Emilia Pérez" campaign? Can anything be salvaged?Do Oscar voters care about social media backlashThe problem at the heart of the Critics Choice Awards organizationForecasting the winners at the Directors Guild & Producers GuildA new front-runner after this weekend?Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:We compare the Oscar nominees category-by-category against our final predictionsPrediction blindspots & miscalculations VS. Accurate early hunches & last-minute "On The Pulse" gut feelingsOscar voting patterns - Stats that Stuck and Stats that StrayedPreviewing winners and spoilers a month out from the Oscars ceremonyWe NOMINATE the Best of Nomination Morning and... the WorstSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:"Flow" outpacing worthy challengers in a striking Animated Feature category spotlighting diverse techniques, unique voices and international reach.Will the financial success of "The Wild Robot" help Dreamworks cross the finish line for the win - something that's evaded them since Aardman's Wallace & Gromit in 2005Will we see the vote-split between international titles, "Flow" and "Memoir of a Snail"Will the two clay stop-motion features, "Wallace & Gromit" and "Memoir of a Snail" cancel each other outCan a robust nomination haul at the ANNIE awards mean that we're in for a surprise GKids nod for "Chicken for Linda"Can Disney's "Moana 2" use its boxoffice success to go further than "Frozen 2"Will Disney or Pixar be snubbed for their sequel work - as they've been in the pastWill the lack of U.S. distribution be a factor against "No Other Land"National Geographic's "Sugarcane" and Netflix's "Daughters" eyeing nods and winsWill both or either colonialism related title, "Dahomey" and "Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat," secure a nod"Black Box" filmmaker may court favor with her first-hand account and powerful testimonyAudience favorites "Will & Harper," "Porcelain War," and "The Remarkable Life of Ibelin" well positioned to surpriseSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:"Emilia Perez" - shoe-in and favorite to win OR shocking snub waiting to happen"Flow" flexes its appeal with dual mentions in International Film and Animated Film. Voters motivated to nominated Latvia for the first time in Academy history."I'm Still Here" a sure-fire nominee, a massive box-office success for Brazil and a return for director Walter SallesNeon to secure "Seed of the Sacred Fig" among the five nominees"Kneecap" a strong dark horse after dominating at BAFTA"Vermiglio" poised to bring a female filmmaker back into International film for the first time since 2020UK might have a winning recipe with break-out "Santosh"Netflix's inter-generational Thai film "How To Make Money Before Grandma Dies" a sleeper box-office hit and huge spoiler Diop's "Dahomey" lands in two longlists, looking good for at least one nomination and another success story for MUBI this yearDouble entries this year from Netflix, Sony Classics, MUBI, and JanusCan Sony Pictures Classics return to dominant form in this category and land two films among the five nominees, "I'm Still Here" and "Kneecap." A feat they have failed to repeat since 2018.Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:How many photo-real animal work can the Visual Effects branch spotlightIs there room for both Weta's dystopian apes and dancing ape on the Visual Effects fiveIs the Ridley Scott name on the long list enough to carry “Gladiator 2” into a nominationCan “Twisters” and “Alien: Romulus” capitalize on their distinct settings and effects to distinguish themselves from the rest of the lineupAlex Garland looks to crash the Visual Effects category again after previously winning with “Ex-Machina” and reaping a nod from the Visual Effects Society with "Civil War"“Wicked” favored for a nod by pundits but not the traditional kind of work visual effects artists fall for, especially with the musical “Better Man” outperforming it at the VESWill Disney finally lose out on a Visual Effects nomination - their first since the category expanded in 2010? Or is Shawn Levy and his production company their “ace in the hole”?Can “Wicked” and “Emilia Perez" coexist in Best Sound, the first time for multiple musicals in the category since 1968Can one-time Best Picture favorite “Blitz” use BAFTA nod to capture at least a single nod at the Oscar“A Complete Unknown” to continue Sound branch’s love for musical biopics and James Mangold projects“Dune, Part 2” bolstered in Sound by its Visual Effects nominationHow a spot on the VFX longlist has bolstered the chances of “Gladiator 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Alien: Romulus” to steal a spot as a Best Sound nomineeCan “The Wild Robot” find favor in the Sound branch - where few animated titles and only Pixar have been before?Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Newcomer from "The Brutalist" likely to breakthrough at the OscarsWill "Conclave" composer suffer a snub due to his recent win for "All Quiet on the Western Front""Wicked" unlikely to beat Original Score bias against Broadway musical adaptions"Emilia Perez" poised for three nods among both Song & Score categoriesReznor & Ross just the right kind of magic to overcome BAFTA snub after Golden Globe win for "Challengers." Can they double-up song and score?"Nosferatu" proving to have broad voter appeal with BAFTA nod for its atmospheric musicHans Zimmer - disqualified for "Dune, Part 2" - hoping to get recognized for his body of work this year with Steve McQueen collaboration on "Blitz"Alberto Iglesias a possible spoiler in Original Score for another collaboration with Almodovar in "The Room Next Door""Kneecap" Original Song nomination TOO IRRESISTIBLE an ending for a story-book year, especially after BAFTA haul Diane Warren tries for another win with Tyler Perry's "The Six Triple Eight"Too much Netflix in the Original Song longlist, likely to burn multiple contenders"Sing Sing" to capitalize on Best Picture buzz to land on Original SongOriginal Song may provoke voter confusion with longlist that has Lin-Manuel Miranda and "Moana 2" competing against each other, after having been nominated for their collaboration in 2016Can "The Wild Robot" help Dreamworks land both score and song nods for the same film for the first time in their history?Vote-split effect among Original Song contenders? - Documentaries, animated features, blockbusters.Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:"Conclave" Costume Designer FINALLY breaks into Costume Designers Guild - but will it be enough to overcome the "Contemporary Curse"Jacqueline West falls short at BAFTA as "Dune, Part 2" loses ground "Wicked" the perfect recipe for Costume & Production Design crossover nodsRobert Eggers and Linda Muir welcomed into BAFTA & CDG - "Nosferatu" looking good to double-up on Costumes & MakeupAfter FINALLY returning with a nod for last year's "Napoleon," can the Costume Designer of "Gladiator 2" go back-to-back?Arianne Phillips' BAFTA-"bounce-back" a promising sign for "A Complete Unknown" after guild and Makeup snub.Can Tim Burton's Makeup effects give "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" an edge in the Makeup categoryAs actress campaign stumbles, can "Maria" still reap nods Below-The-Line"The Substance" looking like the favorite for Makeup but is the team too unfamiliar for Academy voters"Emilia Perez" the rare international title to make Makeup guild - a positive sign or a red-herringIn Makeup, where performance matters, at least one nod featuring the work of "Man of a Thousand Faces" Sebastian Stan looks promisingAll signs point to Makeup voters omitting any work modeled after real-life people. Will voters really go full-genre this year?Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:A very complete consensus five for Production DesignA Robert Eggers breakthrough Below-The-LineSusie Davies just the right kind of vet and “Conclave” the right kind of vehicle to beat the “Contemporary Curse”Overlap between sister categories - Production Design, Costume Design and MakeupThe mandatory Visual Effects nomineeCan Production Design and Cinematography go 5-for-5Directors who Production Designers seriously love - Tim Burton & Ridley ScottIs it ever wise to discount Arthur Max for a spot among the Production Design fiveIs the lineup COMPLETE without a historically-rendered period piece - the secret weapon for “A Complete Unknown” spoilerCan breakthrough “Nosferatu” Below-The-Line love translate into Best PictureSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Film Editing, a possible rough draft of the Academy Award’s Best DirectorACE Eddie film editing snubs & surprises: “A Complete Unknown” & “Civil War”“Challengers” using the the sports film genre to its advantageToo many nominations for Sean Baker Less veterans likely at the Oscars with editors of American blockbusters “Dune, Part 2” & “Wicked” having reaped nominations recentlyThe curious case of “September 5” mirroring the editing snubs of “Spotlight” - are voters watching the film?“Emilia Perez” editor to be welcomed back into the Oscar, “Conclave” editor poised for first career nod“The Brutalist” overlooked at BAFTA & ACE, too long for editors to consider it seriously in this category. Will it doom its Best Picture chances?The films potentially trying to jump from surefire Best Sound nominees to Film Editing nomineesPerformance & Writing mentions still key for any film trying to crack Film Editing nomination “Emilia Perez” SNUBBED by Cinematographers guild, behind SEVEN other titles!Netflix streak of Cinematography nominations in jeopardyCan beloved veteran Ed Lachmann go back-to-back this year for “Maria” after last year’s surprise lone nomination for black-and-white “El Conde”?Jarin Blaschke and Lol Crawley FINALLY land ASC nominations for Best Cinematography‘Wicked” cinematography backlash not enough to stop female director of photography, Alice Books. Can she ride her historic inclusion at the American Cinematographers Society into an Oscar nomination?‘The Girl With The Needle” & “Nicke Boys” striking visuals land in ASC Spotlight category, but too edgy for mainstream Academy votersJacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez” out at ASC. But Jacques Audiard’s frequent DP collaborator finally breaks in with “Conclave” - how’s that for irony.Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:ANORA & A REAL PAIN locks for Original ScreenplayTwo unconventional writing pieces in THE SUBSTANCE & THE BRUTALIST cement their chances for Screenplay with solid Best Picture bids, but are they really writers’ cup of tea?Four first-time nominees and the shrinking window for a veteran writer on the Original Screenplay shortlist. Can CIVIL WAR or SATURDAY NIGHT recover?Justin Kuritzkes to ride breakthrough year into first Oscar nomination for writer-fave CHALLENGERSA (too little too late?) boost for writer Mike Leigh’s HARD TRUTHS with vocal support from Barry Jenkins & Greta GerwigALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT hopes for a solo nod in writing after being the rare critics darling not submitted for International FilmCan the experimental NICKEL BOYS lock up a screenplay nod on the strength and popularity of its Pulitzer Prize-winning source materialDUNE PART 2 struggling to repeat after Dune Part One’s nominationCan the Almodovar name push his English-language debut THE ROOM NEXT DOOR past musical fareSING SING  vast writing team hopes to secure at least one nomination with writers Veteran CONCLAVE writer the favorite to finally winFormer writing nominees, Mangold and Jay Cocks collaboration an easy call for Adapted ScreenplayWICKED and EMILIA PEREZ trying to scale a mountain of history against them and land among the Adapted Screenplay nominees. Can ONE or BOTH beat the odds?Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:A “Perfect” LOCK - Saldana reaps reward for years of work in mainstream Hollywood fare with demanding, delicate dance in “Emilia Perez”A VULNERABLE kind of “Perfect” - Ariana Grande hits everywhere so far, but is her turn in “Wicked” on par with the dramatic performances her fellow musicians gave in order to find Oscar success?Three Is A Crowd:  vote-splitting between too many musical performances.Two Of A Kind: the Gomez-Grande parallels that hurt bothSelena Gomez bid undone by a Screen Actors Guild snubIsabella Rossellini cashes in her “WAY PAST DUE” ticket with Best Picture contender “Conclave”Felicity Jones fights for veteran’s spot, but is “The Brutalist” running time hurting her chances?Jamie Lee-Curtis “afterglow” nomination NOT IMPOSSIBLE - but far from sure-thing going it alone.“SAG Remembers” - Danielle Deadwyler campaign marches on after Actors Guild refuses to forget egregious snub for “Till”Monica Barbaro sings her way into the category with scene-stealing performance as Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown”Margaret Qualley - “nepo-baby” & coattail nominee OR rising starlet building bridges with the right indie/international/art-house cinema insiders (Lanthimos, Denis, Tarantino, Coen). Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Kieran Culkin way ahead of his competitionScreen Actors Guild snub kills Guy Pearce momentum for Best Picture contender “The Brutalist”The surprising (and heartwarming) rise of scene -stealer Yura Borisov - from Cannes staple to knocking at Oscar’s door for “Anora”Is Stanley Tucci getting lost among his cast mates in “Conclave”?Edward Norton flexing his vocals may just be enough for the upsetClarence Maclin’s chances for a double nomination still alive after unexpected BAFTA supportJeremy Strong able to survive “The Apprentice” controversy & dislike - with or without Sebastian StanDenzel Washington, ZERO British Academy nods…. stillA24 vs. A24 vs. A24 vs. A24 - Too many actor contenders may prove a problem A24 has no solution forSAG snub shows the Sebastian Stan vote-split effect is real“A Different Man” too small? “The Apprentice” to unlikeable?Dual makeup shortlists may be Sebastian Stan’s “ace in the hole”Daniel Craig’s OVERDUE status carries him to surprise first SAG mentionHugh Grant’s devilish “Heretic” turn capitalizing on polarizing “Queer” Too early to go back-to-back for Colman DomingoSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:The “Best” Best Actress contender lineup….ever?Best Actress - THERE WILL BE SNUBSFernanda Torres aims to spoil Oscar morning for vets Cynthia Erivo & Marianne Jean-BaptisteDemi Moore, Karla Sofia Gascon, Mikey Madison… too many newbies?An Oscars 5-for-5 with the Directors Guild of America for Best DirectorIs it now or never for director James Mangold Can Denis Villeneuve find the sweet spot again with his directing branch for Dune, Part 2Oscar morning headline - “Female directors shut-out at the Academy Awards, again”The Producers Guild of America tries to go 100% with the Oscars Best Picture lineup for two years in a row!!The secret weapon for A Real Pain landing in Best Picture of the YearA24’s Sing Sing & MGM’s Nickel Boys (two of the year’s best) left out in the cold…Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Votes are in from the Directors Guild of America!The DGA 5 = The Academy Awards Best Picture 5 A bad omen for Dune, Part 2 and Denis Villeneuve OR “Who needs a veteran anyway?!”Edward Berger poised to strike back after “All Quiet on the Western Front” snub at the Oscars James Mangold FINALLY gets his flowersCorbet - young, unfamiliar and uncompromising… but “The Brutalist” may just be un-snubbable.No Jon M. Chu, BIG problem! A “Wicked” snub spells trouble at the OscarsBaker’s “Anora” proves irresistible with first nomination for Palme D’Or winner since “Parasite” - the NEON playbook may lead to gold at the Oscars yet againCoralie Fargeat and her visionary “The Substance” not enough to overcome guild’s ingrained genre biasSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Surveying the Post-Golden-Globes Oscar RaceWhat we got right (Fernanda Torres! Sebastian Stan! Demi Moore!) and what we got wrong from our Golden Globe predictions Our predictions for Wednesday's Screen Actors Guild nominations Support the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Reacting to BAFTA Longlist revealRecapping the winners of the National Society of Film CriticsOur Golden Globe winner predictions We've started a twitter page! Let's Talk! Please follow us at https://x.com/AcademyAnonSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Inspecting the strangest acting category, BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESSIt’s Zoe Saldana’s for the taking, no question…The Veteran spot is Felicity Jones for The Brutalist, period. Snubs be damned…Isabelle Rosselini’s time has come; is she Zoe’s only real competition?The re-snubbing of Danielle Deadwyler?Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande fighting for the same audience; but Selena has the right movie, and the edge.Margaret Qualley sneak-attackCan love for Nickel Boys push Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor to a compensatory nomination?Saoirse Ronan DOA for Blitz?Why everyone is sleeping on Elle Fanning and Monica Barbero for A Complete Unknown Looking at the remaining fringe contendersOur current predicted fiveWe've started a twitter page! Let's Talk! Please follow us at https://x.com/AcademyAnonSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Diving into the BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR categoryKieran Culkin, Guy Pearce and Edward Norton are the only locks; watch out for Norton to possibly upset Culkin for the winIs Yura Borisov too unknown (to the academy) to make the final five?Can Stanley Tucci stand out enough amongst his ensemble?“Comparing neighbors”Why we think Denzel Washington will missClarence Maclin has the narrative; but will he get nominated twice?Too much SUCCESSION going on in the Supporting Actor category? But under-estimate THE APPRENTICE at your own will…Why are we always overlooking the great Peter Sarsgaard…Our current predicted fiveSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Looking at the BEST ACTRESS category, the most VOLATILE acting category this year; prepare for snubs…Is Mikey Madison more vulnerable than people think? Is Karla Sofia Gascon?Cynthia Erivo and why fantasy and acting categories don’t mix so well for the AcademyWill outside noise hurt Angelina Jolie?Demi Moore getting ready to take it all…We we need TWO VETERANS in this category… will awards darling Mariane Jean-Baptiste break precedent?Is Nicole Kidman’s film too racy for the Academy?Never underestimate Sony Pictures Classics: three of their contenders to look out for…The September CurseWatch for Kate Winslet; she’s coming for that surpriseHow this year’s Best Actress race mirrors the 2009-2010 Best Actress raceThe Toronto Film Festival statSurveying the rest of the dark horsesOur current predictions for BEST ACTRESSWe've started a twitter page! Let's Talk! Please follow us at https://x.com/AcademyAnonSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:How we navigate the ACTING CATEGORIES; what patterns and trends to look for; we dive in EXTENSIVELYPredicting the BEST ACTOR categoryThe only locks are Ralph Fiennes, Timothée Chalamet (both can win), and Adrien Brody We have an A24 problem in Best Actor…Why Daniel Craig AND Colman Domingo are vulnerable to snubs…The resurrection of Sebastian StanWho can surprise?Our current predictions for BEST ACTORWe've started a twitter page! Let's talk! Please follow us at https://x.com/AcademyAnonSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Diving in to the BEST DIRECTOR categoryIs a huge snub around the corner?Jaques Audiard’s vision too gutsy to miss; is he Number 1?Can Sean Baker really land 4 nominations with ANORA?Why Brady Corbet is one to watch if a shocking snub occurs…Can Edward Berger miss for CONCLAVE?We need a Veteran in this lineup!If Villeneuve gets in, who over?Is this James Mangold’s time to finally crack Best Director?Surveying potential surprises, from Almodóvar to PayPal Kapadia…Our current individual predictions for BEST DIRECTOR We've started a twitter page! Let's talk! Please follow us at https://x.com/AcademyAnonSupport the show

On this episode of ACADEMY ANONYMOUS:Continuing our deep dive into the rest of the films contending to make the 2025 Best Picture lineupWhy A COMPLETE UNKNOWN is stronger than most think, and edging its way into the TOP 5 for BEST PICTURE Spots 8-10 is where things get interesting… surveying the field/potential surprises Not enough room for both A COMPLETE UNKNOWN and A REAL PAIN?Was SING SING just too quiet?THE SUBSTANCE going where no film like it has gone before…What happened to SEPTEMBER 5?Is NICKEL BOYS getting ready to land 0 noms?Surveying the rest of the field and discussing potential surprises Our current individual predictions for BEST PICTURE We've started a twitter page! Let's talk! Please follow us at https://x.com/AcademyAnonSupport the show