6 podcasts to help you win the Oscar pool
The biggest award show of the year is upon us and podcasters are weighing in on who should bring home a gold statuette. Here are 6 podcasts with everything you want to know about this year's nominees.
1. The Treatment
Recommended Episode: Adam McKay talks The Big Short
Elvis Mitchell hosts KCRW's The Treatment. It's a weekly show that features some of the most "innovative and influential people working in entertainment, art, and pop culture." On a recent episode Mitchell sat down with Oscar nominated director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights and The Other Guys), to discuss why he chose to stray from his comedy roots with The Big Short. Mitchell always knows just the right question to ask next…which leads to very entertaining conversations.
2. Maltin on Movies with Leonard Maltin & Baron Vaughn
Recommended Episode: 2016 Oscar Nominees
On Maltin on Movies, legendary film critic Leonard Maltin teams up with comedian Baron Vaughn, to bring you in-depth analysis of the blockbusters and "hidden gems you ought to see." With 50 years of industry experience, Maltin explores every angle of a film, from aesthetics to cultural impact. The excellent chemistry between the two hosts keep the conversation free-flowing and candid.
3. Filmspotting
Recommended Episode: 45 Years Review
The most impressive thing about this show isn't its longevity, but Adam Kempenaar & Josh Larsen's ability to discuss so many different angles of each film they review. Both Kempenaar & Larsen aren't afraid to criticize the film industry or the Academy. It's a highly produced show with great sound quality and engaging conversation. Sam Van Hallgren, who used to host the show, has now stepped into a behind the scenes role.
4. Filmwax Radio
Recommended Episode: Director Tod Haynes on Carol
Film Wax Radio is part of Rooftop Films, a New York non-profit which has been showing independent movies outdoors since 1997. The podcast is hosted by Adam Schartoff. He interviews some of the most interesting individuals from the independent film world, from producers to cinematographers.
5. What's The Point by FiveThirtyEight
Recommended Episode: The Guy Who Will Predict Whether a Movie Will Bomb Before it's Made
The What's The Point podcast usually focuses on sports and political data, but they took a week off their usual beat to take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard. In this episode, host Jody Avirgan is joined by television critic Andy Greenwald, of the now defunct Grantland Network. Their discussion focuses on how much revenue a blockbuster Hollywood film could generate in the box office, according to a simple algorithm produced by the Piedmont Media Research. The podcast is numbers heavy, but the hosts and guests make it easy to follow.
6. The Pixar Podcast
Recommended Episode: Inside Out Designer Ralph Eggleston
When it comes to film animation, no one does it better than Pixar. Once again, they are nominated for an Academy Award for Inside Out. It's the story of an 11-year-old girl whose family moves to San Francisco from the midwest and turns her world inside out. There are a number of familiar voices in the film including Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader. In this episode of The Pixar Podcast, the production designer of the film gives listeners an inside look at how the entire production was assembled.
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For more great podcasts, check out CBC's podcast portal or subscribe in iTunes.