2025 Oscars Nominations Special!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

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1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives–even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

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On this bonus episode, Bruce and “Tex” react, breakdown & discuss the 2025 Oscar nominations for the films of 2024. Who and what made the cut? Who or what was snubbed? Were there any big surprises? Who are the front-runners and why? And which of these films, if any, will we still care about in 10 years???

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2025 Oscars Nominations Special!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

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1
2025 Oscar Reaction! (Is Adrien Brody still talking?) 44:37

πριν 4 μέρες44:37

44:37

While it goes against the premise of the show (using the test of time to look back at past Oscars) we felt we had to respond to the Oscars of 2025. Especially since Adam and Mark's former classmate at NYU, Mr. Sean Baker, cleaned up with his film Anora! We don't discuss all the awards (we'll do that in 2030)...but we do look at all the top awards and give our thoughts and opinions on the winners/losers and possible snubs and mistakes. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Introducing The Daily Brain 8:59

πριν 8 μέρες8:59

8:59

From Atomic Entertainment, creators of The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, Brain Games, Who Smarted? and Brainchild – comes an exciting new way to re-evaluate History — through the lens of brain science. And a chance for you to get smarter in the process! Introducing The Daily Brain, a brand-new podcast designed to sharpen your mind in just a few minutes a day. Hosted by Emmy nominated producer and writer, Jerry Kolber – The Daily Brain explores fascinating moments in history, unpacks how your brain shapes your decision-making (both good and bad), and gives you simple, yet powerful tricks, tips and tools to boost memory, focus, and problem-solving. How’s that for an award? Listen to Daily Brain on Apple , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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1999 - Saving Private Oscar 1:16:58

πριν 18 μέρες1:16:58

1:16:58

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and “Tex” storm the beaches of one of the Academy Awards’ biggest Best Picture controversies. Of course we’re talking about the 1999 Oscars, for the films of 1998. This is known as the year that changed everything thanks to a guy you may have heard of named Harvey Weinstein. In a shocking upset, a brash, shameless, indie upstart managed to out-campaign the Hollywood elite and take home a best picture Oscar for an artsy film about love and Shakespeare. Using the test of time, many people look back at this year as a complete miscarriage of justice. But was it really? And what other controversies and unbelievable moments took place that evening? Bruce was there and is more than happy to share them with us. What do you think? Did Shakespeare deserve Oscar love? Or did Saving Private Ryan “Earn it?” MOVIES MENTIONED From Russia With Love Shakespeare in Love Elizabeth Saving Private Ryan The African Queen Life is Beautiful The Thin Red Line Armageddon A Simple Plan The Truman Show Affliction Civil Action Apollo 13 Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid In Like Flint Shine Rushmore The Big Lebowski Rocky Horror Picture Show A Fish Called Wanda Gods and Monsters Hillary and Jackie Little Voice Primary Colors Mrs. Brown Schindler’s List Amistad Warhorse Lincoln West Side Story Munich The Mask of Zorro Out of Sight The Big Chill Mighty Joe Young King Kong What Dreams May Come Pleasantville Velvet Goldmine Beloved The Last Days Dance Maker The Farm Angola USA Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth Regret to Inform Prince of Egypt Patch Adams Mulan A Bug’s Life The Horse Whisperer Babe: Pig in the City Skyfall Barbie Quest From Camelot Wicked Tango The Grandfather Children of Heaven Central Station Frankenstein Bride of Frankenstein American History X Two Women Lord of the Rings One True Thing Gia Bulworth The Best Years of our Lives E.T. The Day the Clown Cried Guilty By Suspicion On the Waterfront Streetcar Named Desire East of Eden A Face in the Crowd Splendor in the Grass America, America Gentleman’s Agreement Viva Zapata Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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2006 - Brokeback Oscar! 59:28

πριν 5 weeks59:28

59:28

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex crash headfirst into one of the most debated years in Oscar history. We’re talking about the 2006 Oscars, for the films of 2005. This was the year that saw some incredible firsts, but also left a wonderful movie out in the cold in the best picture category. And the test of time doesn’t make this poor decision look any better. In a rare show of unity, both Bruce and “Tex” agree that a major disservice was performed — and the fun of the show is trying to figure out ‘How?’ and ‘Why?’ Of course, there were lots of other dubious choices, interesting omissions and head-scratching decisions worthy of debate and discussions. I wish I knew how to quit you Oscars! To learn more about the show go to: Oscars.wtf Please feel free to leave comments on Spotify and/or reviews on Apple. We're always open to compliments (and criticism if it's constructive!) MOVIES MENTIONED Crash Crash (David Cronenberg) Capote Goodnight & Good Luck Munich Brokeback Mountain Grand Canyon Silence of the Lambs Barbie Schindler’s List Angels in America Lincoln Squid and the Whale The Constant Gardener City of God History of Violence A Violent Year Walk the Line Hustle & Flow Cinderella Man Infamous (other Capote movie) 10 Things I Hate About You Knight’s Tale North Country Pride & Prejudice Transamerica Miss Henderson Presents Election Wild Syriana Michael Collins Michael Clayton Up in the Air Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang Junebug The Mirror Has Two Faces The English Patient The Accidental Tourist The Nice Guys Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon The Ten Commandments Match Point A Place in the Sun Dial M for Murder The Talented Mr. Ripley Saltburn Batman Begins The New World Memoirs of a Geisha Rent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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2025 Oscars Nominations Special! 1:08:44

πριν 6 weeks1:08:44

1:08:44

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1942 - How Green Was My Oscar? 43:52

πριν 7 weeks43:52

43:52

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look back at the 1942 Oscars for the films of 1941 -- easily one of the greatest years in movie history. And, among those great films is the film often cited as 'the greatest film of all-time' -- the Stairway to Heaven of movies... Citizen Kane. But, did this Orson Welles masterpiece win the Oscar the year it came out? Find out -- as well as hear about all the other great movies that should be on your must-see list! To learn more about the show go to: Oscars.wtf Please feel free to leave comments on Spotify and/or reviews on Apple. We're always open to compliments (and criticism if it's constructive!) MOVIES MENTIONED Gone with the Wind Deep Throat Citizen Kane Mank How Green was my Valley Blossoms in the Dust Here Comes Mr. Jordan Hold Back the Dawn The Little Foxes One Foot in Heaven Sergeant York The Maltese Falcon Suspicion Spellbound Notorious Heaven Can Wait (1943) Heaven Can Wait (1978) Down to Earth (1947) Down to Earth (2001) The Informant The Grapes of Wrath Penny Serenade None but the Lonely Heart North by Northwest Charade His Girl Friday Father Goose Arsenic and Old Lace Casablanca The African Queen The Caine Mutiny The Roaring Twenties Ball of Fire The Lady Eve The More the Merrier The Devil and Mrs. Jones The Devil in Miss Jones Conflict Shadow of a Doubt The Great Lie Miss Miniver Blood and Sand Tom, Dick and Harry Tall, Dark and Handsome Julia The Razor’s Edge Witness for the Prosecution You’ll Never Get Rich All American Co Ed Las Vegas Nights Sun Valley Serenade Buck Privates Blues in the Night Riding on a Rainbow Dumbo Lady Be Good Last Time I Saw Paris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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1977 - Yo, Oscars! 1:03:10

πριν 9 weeks1:03:10

1:03:10

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex step into the ring to duke it out over the 1977 Oscars for the films of 1976. As many of you already know, or will come to see, the 1970’s are absolutely stacked with worthy contenders, many of which have stood the test of time. The same goes for directing, performing and technical achievements. So the real question becomes, why does the Academy choose one great film over another? Why would a movie win for best picture and director but not its actor or script which matches the underdog nature of the film? And could dying before the awards be a winning Oscar strategy? We get to the bottom of these questions and more as well as Bruce’s pivotal acting cameo in the 1986 Jane Fonda thriller, The Morning After. Ding-ding… ‘Let’s get ready to Oscars!” MOVIES MENTIONED Beaches Oppenheimer Citizen Kane Annie Hall The Great Dictator Rocky How Green Was My Valley? All The President’s Men Network Bound for Glory Taxi Driver Godfathers 1 & 2 French Connection 1 & 2 Star Wars Mad Max: Fury Road Creed Rocky 3 Raise the Titanic Seven Beauties Party at Kitty & Stud’s - (akaThe Italian Stallion) Lords of Flatbush Bananas The Outlaw Josey Wales Bad News Bears To Fly A Star is Born King Kong Silver Streak Face to Face Carrie Cousin Cousine Badlands A Coal Miner’s Daughter Voyage of the Damned Marathon Man Ballad of Cable Hogue Freaky Friday The Morning After Dog Day Afternoon 12 Angry Men The Wiz Karate Kids 1, 2 & 3 The Formula Neighbors Lean on Me Rocky 5 The Front Meet John Doe The 7 Percent Solution Fellini’s Casanova Logan’s Run The Omen The Pink Panther Strikes Again A Shot in the Dark Obsession Vertigo The Poseidon Adventure Harlan County, USA Grey Gardens The Tenant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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2024 Holiday Movies/Oscars Special - (No, not the Star Wars one Bruce co-wrote!) 53:32

πριν 11 weeks53:32

53:32

In this special holiday edition of 'The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?', co-hosts Adam "Tex" Davis and Bruce Vilanch dive into their favorite holiday movies and examine how many of them garnered the attention of the Oscars. The discussion kicks off with Adam’s own Christmas cult classic 'Just Friends' and highlights various holiday-themed films like 'It Nearly Wasn't Christmas,' - including a clip of Bruce's performance as a giant Elf named PhilPot. Discussion includes 'White Christmas,' 'A Christmas Story,' 'Scrooged,' 'Home Alone,' 'The Polar Express' and 'Die Hard.' They also touch on the rare Hanukkah movies such as 'Eight Crazy Nights' and 'An American Tail,'. Notable Oscar mentions include the heartwarming classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Miracle on 34th Street' and modern favorites like 'The Holdovers.', with a detour into Siskel and Ebert's trashing of "Silent Night, Deadly Night". Movies mentioned: Just Friends It Nearly Wasn't Christmas White Christmas A Christmas Story Gremlins Krampus Bad Santa Trading Places Silent Night, Deadly Night Black Christmas Die Hard (*Deck the Halls-referenced) Jingle All the Way Christmas with the Kranks It's a Wonderful Life Miracle on 34th Street Holiday Land The Night Before Christmas Toy Tinkers Scrooge Scrooged Home Alone The Nightmare Before Christmas The Preacher's Wife The Bishop's Wife How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Polar Express The Holdovers 8 Crazy Nights An American Tail The Night Before Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is His Oscar 1:00:10

πριν 13 weeks1:00:10

1:00:10

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 1961 Oscars for the films of 1960. Yep we're going back a ways to a year that really helps exemplify what this show is about. You see, in 1960 three films came out that are currently on the American Film Institute's Top 100 American Films of ALL TIME. However, only one of those three films was nominated for an Academy Award! Using the test of time and our love of movies, we examine whether those other two films (as well as the iconic performances and directorial efforts within them) deserve to replace the nominated films --- and Bruces gives the cultural and historical context as to why those films might have been left off the list at the time. Adam of course thinks they were egregious omissions and you'd have to be a total psycho not to include at least one of them! Movies Mentioned Just Friends The Apartment Elmer Gantry The Alamo Sons and Lovers Lady Chatterley’s Lover The Sundowners From Here to Eternity Oklahoma Never on Sunday Rarfifi Night in the City Psycho Psycho (Gus Van Sant remake) Sweet Smell of Success The Killers Kiss the Blood Off my Hands The Entertainer Inherit the Wind Sands of Iwo Jima Friendly Persuasion Mr. Roberts Teen Sympathy The Life and Times of Colonel Blimp Elenor Roosevelt Butterfield Eight Cleopatra Double Indemnity Pushover Exodus Murder, Inc. Spartacus All About Eve Yankee Doodle Dandy The Dark at the Top of the Stairs Miranda Fear Strikes Out Jaws Homicidal The Angry Silence The Facts of Life Hiroshima, My Love / Hiroshima, Mon Amour Tunes of Glory Oceans 11 Little Shop of Horrors The Magnificent Seven Swiss Family Robinson La Dolce Vita Sergeant York High Noon The Naked Edge Killer’s Kiss The Killing Lolita Paths of Glory The Ten Commandments Ben Hur Solomon & Sheba Land of the Pharaohs The Life of Brian Trumbo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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1986 - Back to the Oscars 1:11:21

πριν 15 weeks1:11:21

1:11:21

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 1986 Oscars for the films of 1985. This year was a battle of two Oscar-bait juggernauts -- the sweeping romance of Out of Africa and the struggle to survive during slavery of The Color Purple. With 22 nominations between them (11 each) this was gearing up to be a battle for the ages. However, while one movie collected award after award, the other was completely shut out. Not only that, its esteemed director was possibly snubbed and wasn't even nominated despite garnering nominations in nearly every other category. But that's not the most interesting part. Another film released that year not only dominated the box office -- it spawned two sequels and has stood the test of time and is still beloved, quoted and talked about by most film fans today -- (unlike either Out of Africa or The Color Purple). So come 'back' to the 1986 Oscars with us to see which movies, performances & achievements won -- and which had the 'Power of Love'... just not from the Academy. EPISODE 3 (1986 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned Out of Africa The Color Purple Kiss of the Spider Woman Prizzi’s Honor Witness Back to the Future Rambo: First Blood Pt. 2 Ladyhawke English Patient Evita Butterfly Trip to Bountiful Agnes of God Sweet Dreams Tootsie Cocoon Twice in a Lifetime Ice Pirates Murphy’s Romance Runaway Train Jagged Edge Things Change Trading Places The Story of Alexander Graham Bell Cocoon 2 The Way We Were Absence of Malice Three Days of the Condor They Shoot Horses Don’t They? Ran C.H.U.D. C.H.U.D. 2: Bud the C.H.U.D. The Official Story Parasite Mask The Phantom of the Opera The Mask Remo Williams: the Adventure Begins A Chorus Line White Nights Silverado Young Sherlock Holmes Return to Oz The Black Hole The Sting Quiz Show Ordinary People Save the Tiger Last Tango in Paris The Last Detail Serpico The Natural Barefoot in the Park Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid The Candidate Purple Rose of Cairo Brazil Rifkin’s Festival Midnight in Paris Radio Days Crimes and Misdemeanors Bananas Take the Money and Run Manhattan Stardust Memories 12 Years a Slave Do the Right Thing Boyz in the Hood Malcolm X Glory Training Day A Beautiful Mind Scent of a Woman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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2010 - “The Hurt Oscar!” 1:28:48

πριν 17 weeks1:28:48

1:28:48

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the 2010 Oscars for the films of 2009. Imagine, you’ve just made one of the most groundbreaking movies of all time, a timeless, epic, 3D adventure that not only captivated audiences by creating a never-before-seen world and characters, but also went on to become the highest grossing movie ever. But instead of winning the Oscar… you lose… to your ex-wife. Yep, we’re talking about James Cameron’s Avatar losing the best picture award to The Hurt Locker directed by Kathryn Bigelow who divorced him nearly 20 years earlier. So, did Hurt Locker deserve to win over Avatar? Was either of them the best film of the year? Or, was there a third film that has not only stood the test of time, but whose opening 7 minutes are considered some of the best filmmaking / storytelling of all time. We leave it UP to you to decide — but either way, Bruce’s insight and stories will not have you feeling blue. EPISODE 2 (2010 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned Avatar The Hurt Locker Crazy Heart Inglorious Basterds The Blind Side District 9 An Education Precious A Serious Man Up Up in the Air The Dark Knight A New Leaf Invictus A Single Man Star Man Thunderbolt and Lightfoot The Last Picture Show The Messenger The Last Station The Lovely Bones The Hangover Julie and Julia Cactus Flower Erin Brockovich Nine Glitter Star Wars Coraline Fantastic Mr. Fox Secret of Kells Oppenheimer Asteroid City Isle of Dogs Moonrise Kingdom Grand Budapest Hotel Bowling For Columbine My Cousin Vinnie Sudden Fear (1952 starring Joan Crawford & Jack Palance) City Slickers Basic Instinct In the Loop Titanic Dances With Wolves American Beauty Boys Don’t Cry Being Julia Million Dollar Baby The Wife Nomadland Bagdad Cafe Buster Against All Odds - (See Out of the Past (1947) instead) The Princess & The Frog Paris 36 Star Trek Dreamgirls Sherlock Holmes HONORABLE MENTION: To Leslie (Andrea Riseborough campaign controversy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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1989 - “Time For Oscars!” 1:22:36

πριν 17 weeks1:22:36

1:22:36

Welcome to the inaugural episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ In this episode we’re looking at the 1989 Oscars for the films of 1988. This is also the first year Bruce Vilanch was hired to write the telecast. After learning how Bruce got the gig and how his first awards show was almost his last — we get into the awards. The big question is — Does best picture winner Rain Man stand the test of time? Were there any better movies that were nominated that year? Or perhaps, the best movie of that year happened to be a non-nominated film that contained a fusion of live action, animation and a neurotic rabbit. And don’t even get us started about Die Hard — one of the best and most beloved action movies of all time. Join us for an in-depth look at the awards and behind-the-scenes stories about the show — which included an 11-minute, opening musical number that is considered one of the biggest disasters in Oscar history. Oh well, at least Bruce is an excellent driver! EPISODE 1 (1989 Oscars) - Movies Mentioned C.C. and Company Grease Grease 2 Where the Boys Are ’84 Can’t Stop the Music (Bruce co-wrote) Great Balls of Fire Dangerous Liaisons Rain Man The Accidental Tourist Mississippi Burning Working Girl A Fish Called Wanda Cruel Intentions Last Temptation of Christ A League of Their Own Bird Unforgiven Million Dollar Baby Tucker: A Man and his Dreams Who Framed Roger Rabbit Die Hard The Dark Knight Pelle the Conqueror The Favourite The Greatest Show on Earth A Cry in the Dark The Accused Network Gorillas in the Midst My Left Foot Little Dorrit Unbearable Lightness of Being Bull Durham Beetlejuice HONORABLE MENTION: Triumph of the Spirit (unnamed Auschwitz boxing movie) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Trailer: OSCARS.... What Were They Thinking?! 2:31

πριν 19 weeks2:31