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Artwork for The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

Atomic Entertainment
Academy Awards
Oscar Awards
Hollywood
Oscars
The Academy Awards
Rear Window
1938 Academy Awards
On the Waterfront
Three Coins In the Fountain
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers
The Country Girl
1984 Academy Awards
Film Noir
Best Picture
1935 Academy Awards
Citizen Kane
Ordinary People
Sam Peckinpah
Dead End
Shakespeare In Love

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 o... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes68Founded2 years ago
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TV & FilmComedy

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Artwork for The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

Latest Episodes

Hey Oscars fans! What a year 1982 was for movies! Besides having mostly one word titles: Gandhi, E.T., Missing, Tootsie, and (The) Verdict, this group of films are all Oscar worthy in multiple categories and they almost all win for something or oth... more

Hey Oscar fans, join us for another look back at the 1984 Oscars for the amazing films of 1983. A time when all the big stars, big directors and top talent were putting out great films to satisfy every film urge and scratch every movie itch!

With so... more

Hey Oscars WWTT? fans -- we're going way, way back to perhaps the first truly epic year of movies! And while it all took place over 80 years ago -- when you have this many timeless classics that are still relevant, watched & enjoyed today -- it may a... more

Hey Oscars WWTT? Fans — come take a fateful trip with us as we break down the highest-rated Oscars telecast in history! And because Bruce was there, he can regale you with some behind-the-scenes fun!  Of course, it was a big night for Titanic, which ... more

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Recent Guests

Bruce Vilanch
Legendary comedian and Oscar writer with decades of behind-the-scenes Oscar experience
Episode: 1983 - Oscars, Phone Home!
Mark Edwards
Film nerd and author, invited guest
Self/Guest
Episode: 1984 Redux - Oscars of Endearment
Mark Edlitz
Film author, historian, writer, director
Episode: Bonus - No Competitive Oscars for Sidney Lumet Makes us ‘Mad as Hell!’
Pablo Goldstein
Head researcher who can google like three hands
Episode: ENCORE 1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is his Oscar!
Mark Edwits
Fellow film nerd and author.
Episode: 1984 - "I Deserve This Oscar"
Mark Eblitz
Fellow movie nerd who fact-checks and provides insights
Episode: 1973 - The God-Oscar
Matt Neglia
Host of the Next Best Picture podcast, focusing on Oscar predictions and film reviews
Next Best Picture
Episode: 1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is His Oscar

Hosts

Bruce Vilanch
Host, legendary writer with extensive Oscar history and backstage storytelling.
Adam Tex Davis
Co-host, Oscar-nerd, Emmy-nominated producer and screenwriter; provides research-backed context.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 214 ratings
  • Love the show

    Love the show now have a long list of movies to watch. Just finished in old Chicago which I enjoyed but Dion’s forcing himself on Belle multiple times and not taking no for an answer has certainly not aged well 🤦‍♀️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Liz 82
    United States2 months ago
  • Pleasant

    i barely like movies and i love listening to these two

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    asiann mann
    United States2 months ago
  • I’ve Completely Lost Interest

    I started off enjoying this duo and the glimpses they have into the Hollywood Machine, but after several episodes I started feeling like an outsider listening to two pretentious folks incessantly go on about their insider experiences and the films they’re discussing without trying to clue me in as the listener. It just started rubbing me the wrong way and I don’t enjoy it anymore.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ray40393
    Canada4 months ago
  • Fun podcast!

    I listen to a lot of film podcasts and this is one of the best. It’s a light-hearted look at the sense and nonsense of the Oscars. Highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    thehipwolf
    United States7 months ago
  • I love the History but some of the takes…

    Bruce gives history and insight and can see sides of the argument even if it’s not his pick. Adam, however, has never seen a mid level man basic bish dude movie he didn’t think was high art. He built his life around the genius of Scorsese and whether he realizes it or not in his own episode about it he makes if clear the man is very hit and miss with his hits being great and his misses being terrible. He argues and condemns anything that isn’t his taste but his taste is usually McDonald’s. He sa... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    raspberryruthie
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans value the deep trivia and year-by-year breakdowns.
Some listeners feel the tone can be insider-heavy and niche.
Listeners praise the chemistry and insider stories between hosts.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

1940 - Gone With the Oscars!
Q: Why do you think this year is regarded as a watershed for the Golden Age of Hollywood?
They point to the convergence of top-tier directing, legendary performances, and earlier experimentation with sound and color, all coming together under a strong studio system that produced lasting classics and set standards for technical achievement.
BONUS - 2026 Oscars: Conversations about the Nominations
Q: Who wins and why? And if there were only five nominations, which would they be?
Sinners is going to win, but One Battle After Another could be a real competition.
2005 - Million Dollar Oscar
Q: What do you think about the New York Times list that said Parasite was the best movie of the century?
Bruce didn't really look at it, thinking it might come up in the conversation, and when he found out that South Korea was number one, he initially felt conflicted as an American, but ultimately acknowledged the significance of the choice.
2003 - Welcome to an Oscars full of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery & treachery.
Q: What was the behind-the-scenes feeling when Roman Polanski won?
The reaction was subdued as people were aware of being on camera.
2003 - Welcome to an Oscars full of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery & treachery.
Q: What do you think about the nominees for Best Picture?
They were all good movies, with no standout that's out of place.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

What is The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A witty, history-minded view into Oscar year-by-year ceremony analysis, with insider stories, backstage politics, and deep dives into notable categories and campaigns. The hosts balance nostalgia with sharp critique, spotlighting why certain winners won, what didn't age well, and how the Academy's voting and campaigning shaped outcomes. The format blends trivia, personal anecdotes, and strong chemistry between a veteran writer/comedian and a sharp-eyed screenwriter, making it appealing to film buffs and industry-adjacent professionals who enjoy lively debates about historical award decisions and behind-the-scenes moments. A standout trait is the duo's willingness to challenge conventional narratives while offering memorable anecdotes from H... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!:

1. Talking Pictures
2. This Had Oscar Buzz
3. Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre
4. It Happened In Hollywood
5. Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

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The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! launched 2 years ago and published 68 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!?

Recent guests on The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! include:

1. Bruce Vilanch
2. Mark Edwards
3. Mark Edlitz
4. Pablo Goldstein
5. Mark Edwits
6. Mark Eblitz
7. Matt Neglia

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