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Oscar Wild

Sophia Ciminello & Nick Ruhrkrautoscarwild.squarespace.com
Oscar Wild is an entertainment podcast where Sophia Ciminello and Nick Ruhrkraut discuss the latest in film from new releases to old favorites, always counting down to next year's Oscars.
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Episodes

Our Very Early 2023 Oscar Predictions

Ok, so we haven't even reached the halfway point of 2022 yet, but it's never too early to think about next year's Oscars, right? From Martin Scorsese and Apple's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' to other returning Oscar champs like Viola Davis in 'The Woman King' and Olivia Colman in 'Empire of Light,' and other star-studded casts in Steven Spielberg's 'The Fabelmans' and Sarah Polley's 'Women Talking,' this awards season is looking mighty strong. Listen to Nick and Sophia's predicted nominees in th...

Jun 23, 202254 minSeason 3Ep. 10

They Won for That? Kate Winslet

t’s all about Kate Winslet in this next installment of ‘They Won For That?’. Sophia and Nick break down her illustrious career, from her rich domestic dramas such as ‘Revolutionary Road’ or ‘Little Children’ and blissfully romantic fare in an Oscar Wild favorite, ‘The Holiday,’ to pinpoint exactly why they love Kate as an actress. Then, they talk about her Oscar win for ‘The Reader’ (14:54) before they each give their own picks for what they think should have won her an Oscar, either instead of ...

Jun 16, 202243 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Movie Trade: "Pride and Prejudice" and "Fire Island"

On this episode, Nick and Sophia dive into two adaptations of the Jane Austen classic, “Pride and Prejudice”: Joe Wright’s debut film, ‘Pride & Prejudice,’ with Keira Knightley, and its newest adaptation, Andrew Ahn’s ‘Fire Island.’ After discussing why Wright’s classical version may be the best, including capturing the tension and romance between the various relationships with ease (1:42), they turn to the more lighthearted and modern queer adaptation, penned by Joel Kim Booster. Find multi...

Jun 09, 202241 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Our Summer Fantasy Draft (Hot Guy Edition)

After discussing some final buzz from the Cannes Film Festival including the recently announced winners and their most anticipated releases (2:02), Sophia and Nick welcome summer with a fun new episode: The Hot Man Draft. Like previous drafts on the podcast, they’ll make picks from a list of categories to draft the best team possible. This time, of men from Oscar-nominated films or performances, in categories like ‘Movie Dad,’ ‘Nom or Winner in the 1970’s,’ or ‘Multiple Nominee with No Wins.’ Cr...

Jun 02, 202250 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Best Actress Winners at The Cannes Film Festival

Nick and Sophia are back to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival! First, they share some current buzz from La Croisette and the 75th Festival (4:25). Next, they take a look at three Best Actress winners at Cannes with varying levels of success with The Academy. First up, they chat about Kirsten Dunst’s vulnerable performance in Melancholia and why she wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for her performance (15:03). Next, they talk about the award-winning ensemble of women in Almodovar’s melodrama, “Volv...

May 26, 20221 hrSeason 3Ep. 6

Oscar Rewind: International Feature (Fanny and Alexander, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Parasite)

This week, Sophia and Nick talk about the three most winning international films at the Oscars, where each took home four awards: Parasite (2:14), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (14:03), and Fanny and Alexander (28:15). Why (only) these three movies? They also answer listener questions to dole out additional deserved awards and play Nom or Bomb with the International Feature category throughout the 2010s (54:49). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow N...

May 19, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Oscar Rewind: The 1941 Oscars (How Green Was My Valley)

Join Nick and Sophia as they travel back 80 years, once again debating whether The Academy got it right at the 14th Academy Awards. This time, they discuss seven of the ten Best Picture nominees, including: Suspicion (5:33), The Maltese Falcon (16:20), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (29:18), The Little Foxes (36:20), Citizen Kane (46:27), Sergeant York (1:01:18), and the winner, How Green Was My Valley (1:08:41). They answer listener questions, ponder the meaning of Rosebud, and share other movies releas...

May 12, 20221 hr 26 minSeason 3Ep. 4

‘The Northman’ and Other 2022 Movies to Watch

Sophia and Nick are traveling back to the 10th century to discuss Robert Egger’s epic new release, ‘The Northman.’ They talk about highlights from the movie, including the Amleth anagram, unhinged performances, and if it has any Oscar potential. Then, they share some other recent releases that they recommend, including ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once,’ ‘After Yang,’ ‘The Batman,’ and ‘Petite Maman’ (25:14). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick...

May 05, 202251 minSeason 3Ep. 3

They Won For That? Al Pacino

Following their celebration of ‘The Godfather,’ Nick and Sophia thought it would be quite fitting to begin their new series by admiring the career of Academy Award winner Al Pacino. Firstly, they look back at some of his performances from his rich 50+ year career before concentrating on his sole Oscar win for ‘Scent of a Woman.’ Was this performance a deserved win? Why don’t some people like this win? Why did Pacino win for this particular role? (13:18) Lastly, find out what each of them would w...

Apr 28, 202248 minSeason 3Ep. 2

The Godfather at 50

Join Sophia and Nick for their season premiere as they celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Godfather. After gushing about how much they adore this movie, they break down key scenes from the film and share fun facts from production. Then, they answer some listener questions and discuss Oscars trivia, including its disqualified score, four acting nominations, and how it almost lost Best Picture (52:53). Finally, their former Mafia Movies professor Dana Renga guest stars! She shares all of her kn...

Apr 21, 20221 hr 54 minSeason 3Ep. 1

The Historic, The Terrible, and The WTF of The 94th Academy Awards

On their season finale, Sophia and Nick break down what happened at The Oscars, talking all about the telecast format, performances, speeches, and shocking moments. There’s only one way to end this special episode, and that’s with Smash or Pass: Red Carpet Edition (42:35). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Mar 30, 202254 minSeason 2Ep. 54

Our Final Oscar Predictions (ft. Joyce Eng)

Nick and Sophia are excited to share their post-PGA, pre-WGA and ASC Final Oscars Predictions with returning guest Gold Derby senior editor Joyce Eng. Listen as they go through all 23 categories organized into three groups: “In The Bag” (2:24), “Toss Up” (21:31), and “Anybody’s Guess” (51:35). Tune into The Oscars on Sunday at 7pm ET/4pm PT for pre-show red carpet and awards and 8pm ET/5pm PT for the telecast on ABC! Follow Joyce Eng @joyceeng61 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod F...

Mar 24, 20221 hr 32 minSeason 2Ep. 53

Oscar Contenders: Live Action and Documentary Short, Documentary Feature, Sound, and Film Editing

Welcome back to Sophia and Nick’s penultimate Contenders episode as they cover the remaining below-the-line categories and discuss their Oscar potential. With the recent BAFTA and Critics Choice Awards and final Oscar voting beginning today Live Action Short, Documentary Short (6:24), Documentary Feature (10:28), Sound (17:15), and Film Editing (27:26). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan...

Mar 17, 202239 minSeason 2Ep. 52

Oscar Contenders: Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress

After last week’s episode on leading performances, Nick and Sophia are back to follow up with the remaining acting categories. With Supporting Actor, they discuss how this season has become a two-horse race and speculate if the tides have changed with the recent BAFTA and Critics Choice winners. In Supporting Actress, which of the first-time nominees has the best chance to challenge the previous winner and eight-time nominee Judi Dench for the statuette? (32:45) Follow along as they discuss each...

Mar 15, 20221 hrSeason 2Ep. 51

Oscar Contenders: Best Actor and Best Actress (ft. Kevin Jacobsen)

Kevin Jacobsen joins Sophia and Nick for an in-depth discussion of the two lead acting categories. In Best Actor, will Denzel’s Macbeth rise to dethrone Will Smith’s King Richard? Or can Benedict Cumberbatch manifest an Oscar win by lassoing his way to the top? Then in Best Actress, listen to them debate if the baity biopic performances in Jessica Chastain’s Tammy Faye or Nicole Kidman’s Lucille Ball could once again bring home the gold (59:27). As always with the acting categories, listen for t...

Mar 10, 20220Season 2Ep. 50

Oscar Contenders: Makeup and Hairstyling, Costume Design, and Cinematography (ft. James Kunovski)

Nick and Sophia are joined by James Kunovski of the Out of Oscar podcast to break down three more technical categories: Makeup and Hairstyling (10:25). Costume Design (44:44) Cinematography (1:13:29) Who do you think will win in these categories? Follow James on Twitter @jimmykunovski & @outofoscarpod Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Carla Farmer reaction video ( https://twitter.com/camirinfarmer/status/1491079415551651840?s...

Mar 04, 20221 hr 40 minSeason 2Ep. 49

Interview with Dan Laustsen, ‘Nightmare Alley’ Cinematographer

Both of Guillermo del Toro’s Best Picture Oscar nominations have been accompanied by a Best Cinematography nomination for Dan Laustsen, so Sophia and Nick had to find out more about their successful partnership. Check out their interview with Dan where they learn all about the lighting and camerawork in “Nightmare Alley” and how precision blocking by Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper gave those eerie noir effects. Check out what Dan is Wild! for: https://kanopy.com/video/i-am-cuba-0 Follow us on...

Mar 03, 202217 minSeason 2Ep. 48

Interview with Donald Mowat, “Dune” Makeup Department Head and Makeup, Hair, and Prosthetic Designer

Transport yourself to the world of “Dune” once more through the eyes of Donald Mowat, the film’s Academy Award nominee for Makeup and Hairstyling. He shares some wonderful insight with Nick and Sophia about his long and trusting collaboration with Denis Villeneuve, how he cohesively weaved certain elements between characters and families (i.e. Timothee Chalamet’s luscious locks and Oscar Isaac’s commanding beard), his process in bringing even more terror to the Baron Harkonnen’s presence, and ho...

Mar 02, 202224 minSeason 2Ep. 47

Oscar Contenders: International Feature, Animated Short Film, and Animated Feature

Sophia and Nick return with their second Contenders episode, diving into each nominee from three more categories and predicting what may happen at The Oscars. Thankfully, they recorded the episode before The Academy announced eight categories will be cut from the telecast so you won’t hear them scream, but they do discuss the #FanFavorite poll and thoughts on this Sunday’s SAG Awards. Who do they think should and will win in International Feature (8:12), Animated Short Film (31:02), and Animated...

Feb 24, 202256 minSeason 2Ep. 46

Oscar Contenders: Visual Effects, Production Design, Original Score, and Original Song

Welcome back to the start of another Oscar Contenders series where Nick and Sophia discuss each nominee, category by category, leading up to The 94th Academy Awards. First off, they share production details and admire the craftwork in some technical categories, with Visual Effects, Production Design (26:01), Original Score (47:25), and Original Song (1:08:17). Stay tuned for a fun little mini game to celebrate Diane Warren’s 13th nomination. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follo...

Feb 17, 20221 hr 26 minSeason 2Ep. 45

Reactions to the 2022 Oscar Nominations and Our 100th Episode!

With only 45 days until this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, the race has finally begun with the recent nominations announcement. Sophia and Nick discuss everything from ‘The Power of the Dog’ leading the pack to what feels like a bad romance between The Academy and Lady Gaga. Listen as they channel Stanton Carlisle in breaking down the snubs and surprises and interpreting what this means for The Oscars. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @saue...

Feb 10, 202242 minSeason 2Ep. 44

2022 Oscar Nomination Predictions and A Guild Week Update

Nick and Sophia are back with another awards season check-in! They share their Oscar nomination predictions coming out of a wild week of guild nominations. How do the PGA, DGA, and other guild nominations inform their Oscar nominations? Who are some contenders they’re not willing to let go of yet? Listen to find out who we think is in and who is out ahead of the big announcement on February 8th. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 ...

Feb 02, 202252 minSeason 2Ep. 43

Interview with ‘Nightmare Alley’ Production Designer, Tamara Deverell

On this episode, Sophia and Nick were delighted to be joined by Tamara Deverell, the production designer for Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film, Nightmare Alley. In this interview, Deverell discusses her beautiful nominated work in ‘Nightmare Alley,’ and how she collaborated with visual effects, costumes, and set decoration departments to build an intricate and consuming world from the expansive carnival to the Art Deco interiors in Buffalo. Stay tuned to hear more on Guillermo del Toro's director...

Jan 29, 202228 minSeason 2Ep. 42

The 2022 Movie Preview Special

Nick and Sophia are back with their 2022 Movie Preview, counting down a number of new releases that are scheduled to come out this year! First, they share some releases that were delayed from 2021 (1:27) and a couple of Sundance hopefuls that already have release dates (10:30). Then, find out if ‘Scream’ (2022) is one of their favorite scary movies in their first spoiler-free review of the year (16:47). Finally, they reveal which movies they think could be box office hits (21:54), what’s next on...

Jan 27, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 2Ep. 41

Joel Coen’s ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’

Something wicked this way comes with Sophia and Nick’s review of Joel Coen’s recently released ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth.’ By going category by category, they break down each of the film’s elements, from Kathryn Hunter’s transformation as a fowl witch to Bruno Delbonnel’s geometric and expressionist cinematography, and discuss its awards potential. Check out the movie on Apple TV+ and in theaters now! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkrau...

Jan 20, 202254 minSeason 2Ep. 40

Awards Season Check-In: Golden Globes, BAFTA Longlists, and SAG Nominations (ft. Bennett Prosser)

It has been another busy week full of awards season updates that could very well influence the Oscar nominations being announced in only 25 days. Did the subdued Golden Globes Twitter release capture enough widespread attention? What were some searing snubs and exciting surprises from the BAFTA long lists? (19:27) Which actors and ensemble will prevail among the Screen Actors Guild nominations? (27:23) Follow Bennett Prosser @bennettprosser Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow...

Jan 14, 202253 minSeason 2Ep. 39

Our Top Five Paul Thomas Anderson Movies (ft. Ryan McQuade)

Nick, Sophia, and Ryan McQuade are back for part two of their discussion on The Master himself, Paul Thomas Anderson, and why they consider him one of the most unique, daring, and necessary directors of all time. Then, they answer some listener-submitted questions (18:13) and each share their five favorite PTA films (31:26). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Ryan McQuade @ryanmcquade77 Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jo...

Jan 12, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 38

Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Licorice Pizza' (ft. Ryan McQuade)

In this first half of a celebration of all things Paul Thomas Anderson, Sophia and Nick are joined by guest Ryan McQuade of InSession Film’s Chasing The Gold to dissect the director’s latest movie, ‘Licorice Pizza.’ Listen for their favorite moments from the film including performances from first-time leads and supporting celebrities alike, dangerous stunts, groovy needle drops, and an endless number of catchy one liners. What do they think about its Oscar potential? Stick around to find out (1:...

Jan 06, 20221 hr 41 minSeason 2Ep. 37

Our Top 5 Movies of 2021

Join Nick and Sophia for their last episode of 2021 with a year end wrap-up! First, they share their Letterboxd Wrapped stats and a Top 5 movie countdown including some honorable mentions. Then, you won’t want to miss out on superlative awards including our annual Top 5 Hottest Characters list (32:57). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich

Dec 30, 202156 minSeason 2Ep. 36

'It's A Wonderful Life' at 75

It’s Christmas Eve and that means it’s time to celebrate George Bailey’s most memorable day— and the 75th anniversary of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Sophia and Nick are joined by The Christmas Queen, Isabel Ciminello, to talk about why this movie is so special to them, their favorite sequences, and production fun facts. Stay tuned for a special mini-game with guessing Hallmark-ified descriptions of Oscar-nominated movies with holiday scenes (55:09). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod ...

Dec 24, 20211 hrSeason 2Ep. 35
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