97th Academy Awards Reactions

Summer 2026’s box office brought record-breaking superheroes, billion-dollar epics, horror breakouts, and some surprising franchise stumbles. Spider-Man: Brand New Day dominated the season and climbed past $2.4 billion worldwide, while Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey became a $1.7 billion global phenomenon. Toy Story 5 and Michael also crossed the billion-dollar mark, giving the summer four massive worldwide hits. Meanwhile, horror exploded with Obsession and Backrooms, two comparatively tiny productions that combined for more than $920 million worldwide. With a domestic total of $4.765 billion—the biggest summer box office ever in nominal dollars—Hollywood had plenty to celebrate. But audiences were selective: Toy Story and Spider-Man soared while The Mandalorian and Grogu and live-action Moana struggled to match the strength of their brands. Join us as we break down the Top 10 Films of Summer 2026, the record breakers, the surprises, the disappointments, and what’s next with The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Avengers: Doomsday, and Dune: Part Three leading into awards season.

The 98th Academy Awards are in the books, and it was Hollywood's and mainly Conan's biggest night! The Worthy boys dive into the major winners, including the night’s big champion One Battle After Another, which took home six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. They’ll also unpack the historic run of Sinners, the most nominated film in Oscars history with 16 nominations, and discuss how the awards ultimately shook out. Did Michael B. Jordan deliver the performance of the year? Was Jessie Buckley the right choice for Best Actress? And which films walked away with the most gold when all was said and done? Ben and Jon analyze the biggest surprises, the snubs that still sting, and the awkward moments everyone will be talking about from the 98th Academy Awards. Tune in for the full Oscars recap! Think Ben and Jon got it all wrong? Let them know at [email protected]

From the ping-pong intensity of chasing greatness to the dreamlike solitude of lumbering through early America, from the brutal beauty of sin and redemption to the quiet ache of manufactured intimacy—2025 reminded us just how many forms storytelling can take. These films didn’t just entertain; they challenged, mesmerized, and lingered long after the credits rolled. The Worthy Boys are diving into 2025’s most unforgettable moments, dissecting bold debuts and blockbuster surprises, along with a few letdowns that didn’t quite stick the landing. Whether it was through pulse-pounding action or poetic introspection, these films captured what it means to be human—even in worlds that look nothing like our own. And now, we want to hear from you! Tell us your favorite films of 2025 over on Instagram @worthypodcast or drop us a line at [email protected].

The Worthy Boys are off to the races in this episode as they breakdown the 1981 Best Picture winner, Chariots of Fire! Ben and Jon gallop their way into the art of slow-motion filmmaking as it is used heavily in the sports drama about the 1924 Olympics and the British track team. The film's iconic score is the highlight of the film as it incorporates synthesizers and new advancements in film scoring of the 1980s. Ben and Jon eventually find themselves running to the 54th Academy Awards and recapping the winners of the evening and if they think Chariots of Fire is worthy of the night's top prize. Take a listen and chime in on what you think about the films of 1981!

Summer 2025’s box office brought billion-dollar nostalgia, franchise crowding, and a global shake-up. Disney’s Lilo & Stitch remake became the only film to crack the $1 billion worldwide mark, while Jurassic World: Rebirth anchored the season despite stiff competition. Horror scored big with Final Destination: Bloodlines and Weapons, proving the genre’s staying power. But the real story was international—China’s animated juggernaut Ne Zha 2 crossed $2 billion, reshaping the global box office landscape. Even with a domestic total of $3.67 billion—just shy of last summer—Hollywood faced cannibalization, as superhero tentpoles like Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman undercut each other. Still, fresh surprises like Brad Pitt’s racing drama F1 showed audiences crave more than legacy IP. Join us as we break down the Top 10 Films of Summer 2025, the winners, the disappointments, and what’s next with Wicked: For Good, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Sinners, leading into awards season.

The Worthy Boys are lying on the couch and confronting our past traumas, because Ordinary People won Best Picture at the 53rd Academy Awards! Robert Redford’s directorial debut stunned Hollywood by beating out heavyweights like Raging Bull and The Elephant Man. But maybe it was the right call. Ordinary People didn’t shout—it listened. It told the story of a family drowning in grief, trying—and failing—to connect. With devastating performances, restrained direction, and emotional honesty, the film resonated with audiences and critics alike. It went on to win four Oscars: Best Picture for producer Ronald L. Schwary, Best Director for Robert Redford, Best Supporting Actor for Timothy Hutton, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Alvin Sargent. Too quiet for some. Just right for others. What do you think—did Ordinary People deserve the crown?

The Worthy Boys return with a break down of the divorce-drama, Kramer vs. Kramer. The 1979 Best Picture winner featured harrowing lead performances highlighted by Dustin Hoffman's Best Actor win. Ben and Jon share their thoughts on the film's strong screenplay, simplistic approach and tackling changing social issues allowing the actors shine in the finished film. At the 52nd Academy Awards, Kramer vs. Kramer took home 5 Oscars that night with a powerful speech by Hoffman during his Best Actor win. Tune in to find out what we think about this Best Picture winning film. 

The 97th Academy Awards have arrived, and on this episode of Worthy, Ben and Jon dive into their final predictions! They’ll break down each category, analyze the tightest races, and debate who they think should win versus who will take home the gold. Is Anora or Conclave the big winner? Does Demi Moore break Jon’s heart for Best Actress? And who emerges with the most awards for the night?   Tune in for the full Oscars breakdown!   Think Ben and Jon got it all wrong? Let them know at [email protected]

The Oscars are finally here and on this episode of Worthy, Ben and Jon will share their predictions for the 97th Academy Awards. They will breakdown the state of each category race, who they think will win and who they would've picked if they had Oscar votes! Is it Anora or Conclave? Does Demi Moore win Jon's heart as Best Actress? Who wins in the Short Film categories?? Tune in and find out on this Oscars Predictions episode.  Why are Ben and Jon wrong on their Oscar takes? Let them know at [email protected]

The Worthy Boys are trading their tuxedos for camouflage as we break down one of the most harrowing Best Picture winners—The Deer Hunter! Directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, The Deer Hunter is a haunting exploration of war’s psychological toll. From the steel mills of Pennsylvania to the horrors of Vietnam, the film delivers gut-wrenching realism and unforgettable performances. Its infamous Russian roulette sequences remain some of the most intense moments in cinematic history, symbolizing both the chaos of war and its devastating effects. At the 51st Academy Awards, The Deer Hunter won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Christopher Walken. But its win wasn’t without controversy—some hailed it as a masterpiece, while others criticized its depiction of the Vietnam War. So, is The Deer Hunter one of the greatest war films ever made? Or is it too emotionally punishing to revisit? Let us know your thoughts!