9 chapters across the catalog
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences established new rules stating that only human-performed roles and human-authored screenplays are eligible for Oscars. This follows the unveiling of an AI-rendered performance of the late Val Kilmer at CinemaCon. The film community remains divided on the ethics of using archival footage to recreate deceased stars for new productions.
Academy Award Nominees, Christopher Plummer and SAG Awards
The hosts discuss the 2018 Oscar nominations, noting Christopher Plummer's nod for "All the Money in the World" after replacing Kevin Spacey in just nine days of reshoots. Other favorites mentioned include Gary Oldman for his portrayal of Winston Churchill and Frances McDormand. The recent SAG Awards are dismissed as boring and suffering from declining ratings.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards are set to air with Kristen Bell as the first-ever host. The hosts anticipate political speeches regarding the current administration and discuss the general state of Hollywood award ceremonies.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards are analyzed for their heavy emphasis on diversity following the "Oscars So White" controversy. British actor Idris Elba, known for "The Wire," won two awards but "flubbed" a line by welcoming the audience to "Diverse TV" instead of "Diversity TV." The hosts mock the "snooty" nature of the awards show and the perceived over-correction by Hollywood regarding racial representation.
During the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, a presenter mentioned a "special In The Morning tribute" while introducing Meryl Streep. The hosts believe a show insider slipped the podcast's catchphrase onto the teleprompter as an "Easter egg" for the audience.
SAG Awards Screeners and Digital Rights Management
The transition from physical DVD screeners to digital iTunes codes for Screen Actors Guild members is examined. Concerns are raised regarding the quality of judging movies on computer screens versus television sets and the effectiveness of Apple's DRM in preventing unauthorized distribution.
The hosts briefly discuss current films in the awards circuit. While "The Social Network" is expected to win many awards, they highly recommend "The King's Speech" as the superior film from the previous year.
SAG Awards, George Clooney and Missing Ribbons
During the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, observers noted that George Clooney appeared uncomfortable and that the typical charity ribbons were absent from the red carpet. The hosts suggest a "memo" went out to downplay the Haiti disaster during the ceremony.
Female Award Acceptance, The Rise of the "Woo"
The hosts discuss a trend of women making a specific "war hoop" or "woo" sound during award acceptances and sporting events. They question the cultural origin of this behavior, wondering if it began with Howard Dean or at Chippendales shows.
