Episode #36: Backstage at the Oscars - a decade of covering the main event with Mark London Williams

In a quick movie recap episode, Jake shares his thoughts on Sofia Coppola's new film "On the Rocks" starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray, and evaluates the most likely Oscar categories in which it could compete. Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

The highly anticipated new Aaron Sorkin film, "The Trial of the Chicago 7", has arrived. Jake breaks down how the acting branch might handle nominations for multiple worth entries among the 12-person ensemble and the strategic considerations for where to run Sacha Baron Cohen. Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

For a discussion about the Representation and Inclusion standards recently unveiled by the Academy, Jake is joined by J Mase III, author of "White Folks Be Trippin': An Ethnography Through Poetry & Prose". He and his books can be found at www.jmaseiii.com and on Instagram (@jmaseiii). Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

Following yet another studio announcement of shifting release dates, this time from Disney impacting Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, Jake runs through the most updated (as of the time of recording) release calendar to highlight all the upcoming films he's keeping an eye on in preparation for Oscar season. Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

Jake fully avoids spoilers in covering Christopher Nolan's new film Tenet. After recapping his own Nolan-style mission to see the movie in a theatre, Jake shares his review and analyzes the film's chances across Oscar categories. Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

Filmmaker Adam Lippe rejoins the O.C.C. First, he discusses his new film Wait Wait Don't  Kill Me, which is currently streaming online until September 19. (0:00-10:00). Then, Jake and Adam have a spoiler-free discussion of the new Charlie Kaufman film "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" and where it might fit into the 2021 Oscar picture. Click here to watch Wait Wait Don't Kill Me through September 19: https://thecolonialtheatre.com/programs/wait-wait-dont-kill-me/?fbclid=IwAR3Fw353cUXnI_rg01TPqC1Can0ymBCdlDBqfQmXxWHd_UzChTFn5w6rHlo Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

Jake shares his thoughts on Boys State, one of the most anticipated documentaries of the year (4:07). Then, he takes this release as an opportunity to evaluate what's shaping up to be the most competitive category in the 2021 Oscars - Best Documentary Feature - with a run down of the strongest contenders of the year to date: Athlete A (12:38) On the Record (13:06) Welcome to Chechnya (15:38) The Painter and the Thief (18:39) Father Soldier Son (20:00) The Reason I Jump (21:30) Finally, he looks at the high profile documentaries yet to come in 2020 (22:45) and sizes up the coming dogfight for the five nomination slots in the category.  Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

Watching all the Oscar-nominated movies every year is a start,  but the holy grail of Oscar completism is 4,838 movies and counting - 90+ years of nominees across current and discontinued categories to put in your spreadsheets and check off one by one. Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic Rachel from Rachel's Reviews has seen every Animated Feature nominee ever, and joins Jake to revisit the first 19 years of the award, as well as look forward to some of the top contenders this year. Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

Mark London Williams is a former Variety reporter who attends the Oscars each year as part of his coverage with Below the Line and British Cinematographer. In a special episode, Mark joins Jake to share what it's like covering the big show from behind the scenes and reminisce on unforgettable press room moments from the past decade. Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.

Watching all the Oscar-nominated movies every year is a start, but the holy grail of Oscar completism is 4,838 movies and counting - 90+ years of nominees across current and discontinued categories to put in your spreadsheets and check off one by one. It's a tall task, but returning guest Linda Napikoski is well on her way, having just completed every Best Picture winner in Oscar history. Jake and Linda take a journey through the decades, discuss what can be learned from looking back on the Best Picture winners across the years, and talk most and least favorite films to take home the golden statue. Theme song is Inevitable Hope by RKVC.