10 chapters across the catalog
The 2024 Academy Awards are overshadowed by plagiarism allegations against the film The Holdovers, with claims that the screenplay was stolen from a script titled Frisco. Discussion shifts to the difficulty of watching modern films due to their length and the impact of short-form content like TikTok on attention spans. One participant admits to having access to screeners but failing to watch nominated films like Oppenheimer.
The hosts discuss the upcoming Academy Awards and the controversy surrounding director Chloe Zhao. While her film *Nomadland* is a frontrunner, her past criticisms of the Chinese government have led to a media blackout in China. The discussion explores Hollywood's financial reliance on the Chinese market versus the Academy's voting process.
ABC's morning coverage focused on safety protocols for the upcoming Academy Awards and a controversy regarding an actress's Instagram post about spanking. Experts were brought on to debate the merits of physical discipline for children.
The Ad Council and Sesame Workshop released new public service announcements targeting different demographics. One features Oscar the Grouch telling children to wear masks so he doesn't have to see their "happy smiling faces," while another uses mac and cheese imagery to encourage adults to research vaccine facts.
Academy Awards Politics and Casey Affleck's Speech
The hosts anticipate a highly political Academy Awards ceremony, citing Casey Affleck's "abhorrent" administration comments at the Spirit Awards as a preview. Joy Behar on *The View* defended celebrities using their platform for political advocacy. The hosts predict the show will be "boring and banal," suggesting a drinking game for every mention of "Russia" or "Cheetos."
Whoopi Goldberg defended the Oscars on "The View," arguing that the conversation about diversity should happen year-round rather than just during award season. As a member of the Academy, Goldberg is described by the hosts as "complicit" in the system she is criticizing, while she also defends host Chris Rock against boycott calls.
The Act of Killing, Oscar Documentary Nominees
The documentary "The Act of Killing," which explores the 1965-66 mass killings in Indonesia, is favored to win an Oscar over Jeremy Scahill's "Dirty Wars." The film features perpetrators reenacting their crimes and highlights US complicity in the extermination of nearly a million people. The hosts contrast the "sincere" filmmaking of Joshua Oppenheimer with the perceived "lightweight" and self-promotional nature of Scahill's work.
Julian Assange Extradition, The King's Speech Set Controversy
The segment covers the news of Julian Assange's pending extradition to Sweden. It also discusses a "dirty tricks" campaign against the film "The King's Speech," involving reports that the movie was filmed on the same set used for a gay adult film, which the hosts link to Oscar season maneuvering.
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.
The King's Speech, German Cultural History, Locker Beef
The film "The King's Speech" is praised for its acting and historical accuracy, with comparisons made to the current political climate. The discussion transitions into a broader look at German cultural history, referencing Tacitus's descriptions of Germanic tribes. The segment wraps up with a final mention of "locker beef" and the importance of local food security.
