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PODCAST

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?!

Atomic Entertainment

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 on how the nominations and winners are really chosen, Bruce and Tex break down each Oscar ceremony year

tv & film

All Episodes

68:29

Welcome to an Oscars full of murder, greed,...

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/04/07

Welcome Oscars: WWTT? fans to the 2003 Oscars for the films of 2002. In the US we are in post-9/11 recovery; in the Middle East the Iraq War has just begun and on the Oscar stage it’s a battle between the hit musical adaptation of Chicago VS. The Hours, Gangs of New York, The Pianist and Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. So, which film about murder and/or death takes home the gold and why? And who else should have been considered? That’s what we’re here to find out as we re-examine an Academy

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70:32

1951 - ALL ABOUT OSCAR

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/03/24

Strap in, it’s going to be a bumpy Oscars! On this episode Bruce and “Tex” look back at one of the greatest years in filmmaking history, the 1951 Oscars for the films of 1950. A year which produced perhaps the greatest Oscar battle of all time: SUNSET BOULEVARD vs. ALL ABOUT EVE. Hollywood tragedy vs. Broadway deception. With double digit nominations and luminary actors, writers, and directors for each project — this was a true heavyweight showdown where it would be almost impossible to get it

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36:47

1999 Pt. 2 - Oscar in Love

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/03/10

In this episode we continue looking at the 1999 Oscars for the films of 1998. However, we're doing things a little differently as we focus mainly on one of, if not, the most controversial Oscar campaigns of all-time. In fact, the tricks, stunts and machinations pulled by Harvey Weinstein to secure the Oscar for Shakespeare in Love not only live on in Oscar lore — they forever changed the way Oscars are campaigned (both good and bad). In addition to laying out all the behind-the-scenes maneuvering

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44:37

2025 Oscar Reaction! (Is Adrien Brody still talking?)

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/03/03

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

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8:59

Introducing The Daily Brain

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/02/27

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

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76:58

1999 - Saving Private Oscar

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/02/17

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

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59:28

2006 - Brokeback Oscar!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/02/03

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

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68:44

2025 Oscars Nominations Special!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/01/23

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???Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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43:52

1942 - How Green Was My Oscar?

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/01/20

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

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63:10

1977 - Yo, Oscars!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2025/01/06

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

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53:32

2024 Holiday Movies/Oscars Special - (No, not the...

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2024/12/23

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

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60:10

1961 - A Boy's Best Friend is His Oscar

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2024/12/09

On this episode of ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’ Bruce and Tex look at the1961 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

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71:21

1986 - Back to the Oscars

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2024/11/25

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

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88:48

2010 - “This One Hurts!”

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2024/11/11

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

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82:36

1989 - “Time For Oscars!”

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2024/11/11

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

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2:31

Trailer: OSCARS.... What Were They Thinking?!

The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?! ·

2024/10/28

Have you watched the Academy Awards and thought… ‘What were they thinking?’ Have you ever wondered, how is it that so many of the awards for Best Picture go to one movie when there’s a much better movie staring them in the face? Or, why have so many actors not won Oscars for their best roles? Or, why is it that so many movies that everyone loves and made a ton of money at the box office get no Oscar love while little-seen movies rake in the nominations and awards? If so, then this is the podcast for

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