Thank the Academy

In this episode we discuss the sixty-second Best Picture winner, Driving Miss Daisy, how it was the safest choice for race-related films from 1989, Morgan Freeman’s breakout, Jessica Tandy’s first Oscar Award, and Billy Crystal’s exciting debut as host of the ceremony!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the 1988 classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Steven Spielberg’s involvement in the film, the innovation that went into mixing live action and animation, and the great success of the film that spurred Disney into its 90’s Renaissance. We also learn about renowned makeup artist Ve Neill, her many iconic characters, her partnership with Tim Burton, and her first Academy Award win for Beetlejuice. 

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the sixty-first Best Picture winner, Rain Man, the notorious opening number starring Rob Lowe and Snow White, the historic financial success of Rain Man, Dustin Hoffman’s performance as Raymond, and the critique and positive outcomes of his portrayal of someone with autism in the late 1980s.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables, Kevin Costner’s breakout role as Elliot Ness, and Sean Connery’s Best Supporting Actor win. We also discuss John Patrick Shanley’s career as a writer, his penchant for magical realism, and his Oscar winning script for Moonstruck.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we look back at our first 100 episodes, going through the first 60 years of the Academy Awards. We discuss our favorite stories from the making of the first sixty Best Picture winners, special moments from the first sixty Oscar ceremonies, and name several of our favorites from our first one hundred episodes of Thank the Academy!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the sixtieth Best Picture winner, The Last Emperor, the big six-decade milestone for the Academy, the lackluster ceremony and poor performance by host Chevy Chase, the predictability of a historical epic winning Best Picture, and Bernardo Bertolucci’s experience making The Last Emperor in The Forbidden City. 

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Children of a Lesser God, Randa Haines’ contributions to the film, our qualms with the film’s perspective on deafness, and William Hurts’ one-note character. We also talk about Marlee Matlin’s award winning performance in the film, her relationship with the Winklers, the rocky start to her career, and her many successes in Hollywood.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the 59th Best Picture winner, Platoon, the shift in American culture to discuss the Vietnam war more honestly, the brutality of the film, and the lengths to which the actors went to do their characters justice. We also discuss the 59th Oscars Ceremony, Marlee Matlin’s record-breaking win for Best Actress, Platoon’s four wins, and a tie for Best Documentary Feature.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s involvement in making the film, Quincy Jones’ first turn at producing a film, Steven Spielberg’s reluctance to direct, and Whoopi Goldberg’s and Oprah’s breakout roles. We also discuss the directors of the Academy Award ceremonies up through the 60th Academy Awards, their contribution to the ceremonies, and their many career achievements along the way.

-- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Places in the Heart, Danny Glover’s stirring turn as Moze, Robert Benton’s semi-autobiographical script, and Sally Field’s second Oscar win. We also discuss Sally Field’s career up to this point in history, her start in television, her shift to movies, and her business savvy in creating her successful career.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fifty-seventh Best Picture winner, Amadeus, the many quintessential 1980’s movies to come out in 1984, the historic Best Supporting Actor win for Haing S. Ngor, and the story of Amadeus from real life, to play, to Best Picture winning film!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the music of Flashdance and Tender Mercies, Irene Cara’s historic songwriting win for Best Original Song, the music in the films of the 80’s, Shirley MacLaine’s Best Actress Oscar, and her long career in the film industry.

-- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fifty-sixth Best Picture winner, Terms of Endearment, Shirley MacLaine’s and Jack Nicholson’s wins for acting, rumors of Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger not getting along, and Irene Cara’s historic win for Best Original Song.

-- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

X: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and 50 years of the Screen Actors’ Guild. We discuss Steven Spielberg’s continued success in technical filmmaking, his new working partnership with Kathleen Kennedy, and Melissa Mathison’s script for E.T. We also discuss the first 50 years of the Screen Actors’ Guild, the first actors to start the guild, what the guild does for its members, the various strikes and deals that were struck in its first 50 years.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fifty-fifth Best Picture winner, Gandhi, and the foibles of having multiple uncommitted hosts for the ceremony, the night of peace, and The Temptations’ suprise appearance. We also discuss Sir Richard Attenborough’s twenty year quest to make a film about Gandhi, the discovery of Ben Kingsley, his stirring turn at the renowned Indian ethicist!
--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss On Golden Pond, Jane Fonda’s involvement in producing and acting in the film, her relationship with her father, Henry, and their climactic scene together. We also discuss Katherine Hepburn’s final Oscar winning performance in the film, her early days in Hollywood, her self-made outlook on the industry, and her long and storied career as one of the best actresses to ever grace the silver screen.

**Content Warning** mention of suicide in relation to Katherine Hepburn's childhood from 40:58-42:44**

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fifty-fourth Best Picture winner, Chariots of Fire, a controversy free 54th Academy Awards ceremony, the historic wins for Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn, behind the scenes of David Puttnam’s Chariots of Fire, and the new trend to British films and biopics among Academy voters!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss two Academy Award favorites from 1980, Raging Bull and The Elephant Man and discuss Thelma Schoonmaker’s first Academy Award win for Best Editing. We talk about her immense contribution to the film industry, to Martin Scorsese’s films over his career, and the signature look and style of a Scorsese film and how those feelings can be attributed to Schoonmaker’s editing prowess.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, the months and months of shooting in the jungle, his ever expanding budget, and the endless pitfalls the cast and crew had to endure to make this film. We also discuss Academy Award winning actor Dustin Hoffman, his life in New York City, friendship with Robert Duvall, love of theater, and his contributions to the industry.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fifty-second Best Picture winner, Kramer vs. Kramer, a non-controversial ceremony to end the ‘70s, the cultural significance of the classic marriage drama, Dustin Hoffman’s and Meryl Streep’s deep commitment to their craft, and the record-breaking performance of child-actor Justin Henry!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Heaven Can Wait, Warren Beatty’s early days in Hollywood, turn to producing, first film as a director, and record breaking feat of being nominated as a producer, writer, actor, and director all for the same film. We also discuss Jane Fonda’s life, her family legacy, her many accolades and awards, mold-breaking career, and decades of activism.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fifty-first Best Picture winner, The Deer Hunter, its historic win as a film about the Vietnam War, its carefully planned Oscar campaign, the origins of the story and script, and the too short life and career of actor John Cazale!

**Content Warning** Mentions of darker themes in relation to the plot of The Deer Hunter **

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss George Lucas’s Star Wars, his four drafts of the film, producer Gary Kurtz’s reigning in of Lucas’s endless ideas, and the unequaled success of the first installment in the Star Wars Saga. We also discuss comedian Bob Hope, his early days as a child in the entertainment industry, his pioneering effect on stand-up comedy, and his lifelong relationship with the Academy.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fiftieth Best Picture winner, Annie Hall, Vanessa Redgrave’s infamous acceptance speech, Margaret Booth’s Honorary Award, the writing partnership of Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman, and Diane Keaton’s big win as the iconic rom-com leading lady, Annie Hall!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Taxi Driver, the controversies surrounding the film, Jodie Foster’s Oscar nomination, and Martin Scorsese’s early career. We also discuss Faye Dunaway’s life and career, her roles in Bonnie and Clyde and Chinatown, her reputation as a “difficult actress,” and her ability to make the best of her situations.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-ninth Best Picture winner, Rocky, Sylvester Stallone’s early years in the entertainment industry, his inspiration for writing his breakout film, his struggle to breakout beyond the action genre, and the many records set at this year’s ceremony. 

-- 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod 

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Jaws, Steven Spielberg’s early days in Hollywood, his confidence as a young director, and the film’s three Oscar wins. We also discuss the history of visual effects and the relationship between visual effects and the Academy Awards. 

-- 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod 

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-eighth Best Picture winner, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, its “big five” sweep at the Oscars, original author Ken Kesey and his inspiration for writing, Michael Douglas’s push to make his father’s, Kirk Douglas’s, dream come true, and Louise Fletcher’s return from retirement in her Oscar winning turn as Nurse Ratched!

**Content Warning** mentions of intense themes in relation to the plot of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (mental health, psychiatric facilities, suicide, violence) starting at 32:05**

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss two unique adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Scrooge, the first theatrically released musical adaptation of the story starring Albert Finney and A Christmas Carol, the animated, Oscar winning short film version directed by Richard Williams. Finally, we wrap up our year of podcasting with a look back at some of our favorite films that we've discussed over 2022. See you in the new year!

-- 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod 

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Robert Towne and Robert Evan’s Los Angeles Neo-Noir Chinatown. We discuss the some of the history of Los Angeles, William Muholland, and the water wars in the 1920s and 1930’s, Jack Nicholson’s stirring turn as the lead, J.J. Gettis, and problematic director Roman Polanski. We also discuss famed actress Ingrid Bergman, her early career in Sweden, her breakout films from Casablanca to Gaslight, and the controversy surrounding the release of Joan of Arc.

**Content Warning** - mentions of harrassment in regards to Roman Polanski from 23:53-26:34

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-seventh Best Picture winner, The Godfather Part II! We talk about more ceremony controversy following the Best Documentary Feature win for Hearts and Minds and director Peter Davis, Bob Hope’s quick follow-up statement, and the growing relationship between Hollywood and American politics. We also talk about Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, sequels, Rober De Niro, and the lack of film response to the Vietnam War up to this point in history.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss George Lucas’s autobiographical coming of age film American Graffiti, his transition from film school to Hollywood, and friendship and business partnership with Francis Ford Coppola. We also discuss Academy Award nominated and winning child actors, the history of child actor contracts and negotiations, and Tatum O’Neal’s historic win for Best Supporting Actress. 

-- 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod 

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-sixth Best Picture winner, The Sting! We discuss Katherine Hepburn’s first ceremony appearance, Tatum O’Neal’s historic win, and the streaker that crashed the ceremony. We also talk about Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s second collaboration on The Sting, on-set pranks with director George Roy Hill, and the classic 1930’s techniques that gave this film its signature style and feeling.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Cabaret, its journey as a story from real life, to popular musical, to Oscar winning film, Bob Fosse’s choreography and direction, and Joel Grey’s influence on the character of the Master of Ceremonies. We also discuss Liza Minelli’s life and career from growing up with famous parents, creating her own career, and making her way out of the shadow of her mother, Judy Garland.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-fifth Best Picture winner, The Godfather, the eligibility foibles during the ceremony, Marlon Brando’s rejected Oscar, Sacheen Littlefeather’s statement about the treatment of indigenous actors, and Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia masterpiece!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss The Last Picture Show, Peter Bogdonavich’s career pivot from film critic to popular film producer, writer, and director, Larry McMurtry’s mark on the film industry, and the importance of this film in exploring relationships on screen. We also discuss composer John Williams’ impressive, award-winning, and decades long career, his friendship with Steven Spielberg, the impact of his incredible scores, and the simplicity of his brilliant compositions.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-fourth Best Picture winner, The French Connection, Charlie Chaplin’s Honorary Award for his contribution to filmmaking, the accurate portrayal of unethical behavior among police in New York City, and the famous car chase, driven by Gene Hackman, that affected all Hollywood car chases going forward!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the 1970 disaster film Airport, directed by George Seaton, it’s impact on future disaster films as a genre, Burt Lancaster’s and Jean Seburg’s hesitancy at doing purely commercial films, and the immense popularity of the film despite its poor reviews. We also talk about Helen Hayes’ life and career on the stage and screen, the inspiration of her poodle Napoleon, and her many awards, accolades, and achievements.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-third Best Picture winner, Patton, George C. Scott’s refusal of the Best Actor award, Helen Hayes’ momentous and record setting win for Best Supporting Actress, Best Picture winning war epics, and the complicated legacy of General George S. Patton!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Dame Maggie Smith. We talk about William Goldman’s fascination with the two cowboys, his expert comedic dialogue, and the quirkiness that made this film the best-selling Western of all time. We also talk about Maggie Smith and her gradual rise to fame over her seven-decade career, her iconic roles, her many accolades, and her strict attention to detail and professionalism while playing some of the funniest characters to grace the big and small screens.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-second Best Picture winner, Midnight Cowboy, the best way to have a host-less Oscars’ Ceremony, the first and only X-Rated Best Picture winner, Dustin Hoffman’s and Jon Voight’s acting nominations splitting the vote, and the growing variety films in the post-Code era!

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, its ground-breaking special effects, the future of the science fiction genre, and Kubrick’s only Oscar win. We also discuss New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther, the indelible impact he had on Hollywood, the film industry, and American culture, his classic and signature writing style, and some of the reviews that made him popular.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the forty-first Best Picture winner, Oliver! and the many controversies at the 41st Academy Awards. We talk about the changing landscape of campaigning for an Oscar, eligibility requirements, and Oscar predictions gone wrong. We also talk about the waning popularity in musicals and British films among Academy members and Jack Ward’s acclaimed performance as the Artful Dodger.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss two ground-breaking films from 1967: Bonnie and Clyde and The Graduate. We discuss the changing landscape of Hollywood films to include more violence and sexual themes in movies, but especially in the films of 1967. We talk about Warren Beatty’s turn at being the actor-producer and Mike Nichols’ win as Best Director. We also talk about Audrey Hepburn, her last Academy Award nomination for 1967’s Wait Until Dark, her early life and start in Hollywood, and her immense contributions to the film industry and the world at large through her charity work.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the fortieth Best Picture winner, In the Heat of the Night! We talk about recently appointed President of the Academy Gregory Peck and his influence on the ceremony, the Civil Rights Movement and its effect on Hollywood, Sydney Poitier’s favorite film role as Virgil Tibbs, and beginning of a new film renaissance in Hollywood.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Elizabeth Taylor’s second Best Actress win, Mike Nichols’ first film after several successful Broadway shows, and the first film to receive an age warning in theaters. We also discuss the history of stunts in Hollywood, the Watering Hole, the need for safety protocols and procedures, and Yakima Canutt and his innumerable contributions to stunt work in the film industry.

--

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanktheacademypodcast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thankacademypod

Email us your thoughts: thanktheacademypod@gmail.com