Beyond the Envelope: Our Take on Oscar Films Two Months Later

3 Cocktails In

Two months after the Oscars, it's time to revisit the award-winning films with fresh perspectives and honest opinions. Did these movies truly deserve their golden statues, or were some victories more puzzling than impressive?
"Conclave" emerges as the unexpected star of our conversation. This papal election drama gained eerie relevance following recent Vatican events, with all hosts agreeing it deserved more than its single Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film's exploration of church politics, stunning ensemble cast, and nuanced storytelling make it a unanimous recommendation.
Meanwhile, Best Picture winner "Anora" proves divisive. Described by one host as "incredibly depressing, disgusting, and dirty," this so-called "indie dramedy" raises questions about what makes a film Oscar-worthy. The revelation that Academy voters weren't previously required to watch all nominated films before voting casts doubt on the legitimacy of past winners, suggesting some victories might be more about marketing than merit.
Other films receive varied verdicts: Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown" surprises Dylan non-fans with its engaging storytelling and Timothée Chalamet's committed performance; "The Brutalist" proves worth its three-hour runtime with Adrian Brody's captivating portrayal of a Holocaust survivor; while horror-satire "Substance" prompts discussion about why established actors like Demi Moore choose such unusual projects.
Beyond film analysis, we propose a new segment for future episodes—"Weirdest Thing on Social Media"—sharing bizarre findings that left us scratching our heads. We also touch on Nicole Kidman's impressive work ethic, appearing in countless diverse projects while rumors swirl about her personal life.
What Oscar films have you caught up on since March? Which deserved their accolades, and which left you confused? Share your thoughts and recommendations for what we should watch next!

Amy, Kitty & Stacey
P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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Chapters

1. Episode Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Conclave: Timely Papal Drama (00:01:37)

3. Anora: Controversial Best Picture Winner (00:06:52)

4. Academy Voting Requirements (00:13:49)

5. Complete Unknown and The Brutalist (00:19:27)

6. Substance and Actor Role Choices (00:28:12)

7. Other Oscar Films and Final Thoughts (00:35:50)