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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

2023 Oscar Nomination Predictions

It’s that time again for Sophia and Nick to announce their 2023 Oscar Nomination Predictions! First, they recap the Golden Globes ceremony, the highs and lows, heartwarming speeches, and surprising wins as awards season tumbles forward. Then, listen as they share their ever-changing nomination predictions (10:34). Since recording, the Critics Choice Awards surprised audiences, multiple guilds have released their nominations, and the BAFTA Film Awards narrowed their longlists to final nominees. T...

Jan 20, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 3Ep. 40

The 2023 Movie Preview Special

Nick and Sophia are back with one of the biggest episodes of the year, where they list nearly 65 films slated for release in 2023! They start with some fun movies coming out soon, like ‘80 For Brady,’ ‘Cocaine Bear,’ and ‘65.’ Then, onto other major studio movies with potential blockbuster status, like ‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance,’ ‘Fast X,’ ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ and ‘The Marvels.’ You know they love horror flicks so they make sure not to leave anything out (even David Gordon Gre...

Jan 13, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 3Ep. 39

Our Top 5 Movies of 2022 & Sight and Sound Greatest Films of All Time Lists

It’s time for Sophia and Nick to celebrate the past year in film and share their top 5 films from 2022! From international films to summer blockbusters and every genre in between, follow along as they recap what they loved about moviegoing this year and also give superlatives like Favorite Non-2022 First-Time Watch and Movie You Wish You Could Push into the Oscar Race. Then, in commemoration of the new Sight & Sound Greatest Films of All Time poll last month, they each share their Top 10 lis...

Jan 06, 20231 hr 37 minSeason 3Ep. 38

The 2023 Oscar Shortlists (ft. Bennett Prosser)

The shortlists for 10 of the 24 categories recognized at the Oscars have arrived and Nick and Sophia are here to break them down with returning guest, Bennett Prosser! They answer listener questions, explain how the shortlists work and who selects the 10-15 films, and share why the bake-off is one of the most exciting insider events that determines some of the final nominees. After a brief chat on the short film categories, they begin by dissecting Documentary Feature, International Feature, and...

Dec 23, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 3Ep. 37

After Dark: 'The Holiday'

Never underestimate Nancy Meyers' ability to turn relationship woes and an all-star cast into the most charming holiday romcom, because that's exactly what she's done with 'The Holiday.' On a preview of this festive episode, Nick and Sophia discuss why they love revisiting this movie, including sharing: the cast and crew's many Oscar connections, multiple serendipitous fun facts from filming, why Mr. Brightside is the best anthem to therapeutically scream, how Graham is yet another unattainable ...

Dec 22, 202224 minSeason 3Ep. 36

Awards Season Release Round-Up III: 'Empire of Light,' 'The Whale,' and 'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio,' Plus, Golden Globes Nominations and Critics Awards!

Sophia and Nick are back this week with a mega episode to discuss more recent releases with awards potential in another awards season release round-up. First up is Sam Mendes' latest ode to cinema and his nostalgia for the theater-going experience in 1980's Britain in 'Empire of Light.' Then, they dive into Darren Aronofsky's newest polarizing film and Brendan Fraser’s comeback, ‘The Whale’ (18:16). Next up, they talk about Guillermo del Toro’s delightful new animated treat, ‘Pinocchio’ (38:28)....

Dec 16, 20221 hr 46 minSeason 3Ep. 35

'Lawrence of Arabia' at 60

"There is only the desert for you." Nick and Sophia are back to weather the sweltering heat to admire how David Lean took an extraordinary tale and made one of the most epic films in 'Lawrence of Arabia.' From its stunning cinematography and sprawling panoramas to the iconic editing (the unparalleled matchstick cut) and Peter O'Toole's sensitive yet powerful acting, there is way more to this adaptation than meets the eye. They also discuss its impressive haul at the Oscars and how they think thi...

Dec 09, 202256 minSeason 3Ep. 34

'Miracle on 34th Street' at 75

It’s December which means it’s officially time to start watching holiday movies! Sophia and Nick are back to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ultimate Santa film, ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’ With a fun production history and a number of actors, including a very young Natalie Wood, that are sure to have you believing in Kris Kringle, this is a classic you won’t want to miss. They also compare this version with its 1994 remake in which a very hot Dylan McDermott may have you editing your letter...

Dec 01, 202238 minSeason 3Ep. 33

Award Season Round-Up II: ‘Bones and All,’ ‘The Fabelmans,’ ‘She Said,’ & Spirit Award Nominations

There are only 60 days until Oscar nominations are announced so Sophia and Nick are back to talk about some other recently released and critically-acclaimed films that they love that will be vying for those top awards. First is Luca Guadagnino's latest film, his sensitive and beautiful yet violent coming-of-age fable, ‘Bones and All.' Then, a magical and personal ode to movies, family, and growing up Jewish in Stephen Spielberg's ‘The Fabelmans’ (20:30). Next, in 'She Said', Maria Schrader craft...

Nov 25, 20221 hr 35 minSeason 3Ep. 32

'Chicago' at 20 (ft. Connor and Dylan MacDowell)

Sophia and Nick are so excited to welcome back Connor and Dylan MacDowell of the DRAMA podcast to discuss the Best Picture winning musical, Chicago. In breaking down how its shocking real-life history paved the way for multiple shows and movies to come, they showcase the razzle dazzle in both Fosse’s original 1975 production and the record-holding revival. Bravo lovers will enjoy all of the tea spilled about the many Real Housewives’ performances on stage and who they'd love to see there next. T...

Nov 18, 20221 hr 36 minSeason 3Ep. 31

Awards Season Round-Up I: 'All Quiet on the Western Front,' 'The Banshees of Inisherin,' and 'Bardo'

And just like that we’re knee deep in another awards season. With the Gotham Awards nominations recently announced, Sophia and Nick go through the top nominees and some of their favorites before discussing how they feel about the Oscar host news update. Then onto some recently released films that have gotten the attention of critics and audiences alike. First is one of Netflix’s latest, 'All Quiet on the Western Front' (14:12). This worthy adaptation of the classic war novel proves a strong tech...

Nov 11, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 3Ep. 30

Noirvember with Billy Wilder's 'Double Indemnity' and 'Sunset Boulevard'

Mariah Carey may already be getting out her stocking but here at Oscar Wild, it’s time for Noir-vember. With so many titles to choose from in this fatalistic genre/style of femme fatales, crime, and sharp lighting, Sophia and Nick decided to cover two of Billy Wilder’s shining noir films: Double Indemnity and Sunset Blvd. In the former, Phyllis and Walter come up with the perfect plan to defraud and murder her husband. Listen for a full discussion on what happens when things go awry, favorite sc...

Nov 04, 20221 hr 22 minSeason 3Ep. 29

The Oscar Wild Horror Oscars

With Halloween upon us, what better way to celebrate the best of the horror genre than to host our very own Horror Oscars! It's no secret that scary movies and performances aren't usually recognized at The Oscars, so Nick and Sophia decided to right some wrongs and share their own picks. The only rule is that you can only choose a movie three times among the six major categories. First are all four acting categories, ranging in terrific performances from a faithful priest dealing with his own in...

Oct 28, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 3Ep. 28

'TÁR' and A Recap of The New York Film Festival

The 60th New York Film Festival has just finished another thought-provoking run of award-worthy films and Sophia and Nick can’t wait to share their reviews on all the movies they saw. They cover everything from some of A24’s slate (Aftersun, The Eternal Daughter, Showing Up, and Stars at Noon) to films already or soon-to-be released in theaters (Armageddon Time, Decision to Leave, Till, and Triangle of Sadness), Sony Pictures Classics’ One Fine Morning, Netflix’s White Noise, and others they’ll ...

Oct 21, 20221 hr 29 minSeason 3Ep. 27

'What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?' at 60

It’s time to honor one of Hollywood’s most talked about feuds with the 60th anniversary of the Oscar-winning ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ Joan Crawford and Bette Davis lead this macabre duet late in their careers, but nonetheless sparked an entirely new genre of psychological thrillers. From production background to the legacy of the film (especially an iconic Drag Race sketch ), Nick and Sophia break down every moment on and off set, share their favorite scenes, and look at the actual Aca...

Oct 14, 20221 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 26

'Cabaret' at 50

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Travel back to 1930s Berlin with Sophia and Nick to revisit and discuss Bob Fosse’s Oscar-winning ‘Cabaret.’ First, they share their experiences seeing the current West End revival in the high security, burlesque Kit Kat Club. Then, a deep analysis of Fosse’s film adaptation, including an extended conversation on Liza Minnelli’s desperate and refined portrayal of Sally Bowles, to celebrate its 50th anniversary (14:42). Lastly, they talk about its performance at th...

Oct 07, 202259 minSeason 3Ep. 25

September Release Round-Up: 'The Woman King,' 'Don't Worry Darling,' and More!

Some of the big fall festival premieres look to dazzle audiences as they hit a wide release this month. Reactions on the first movie that Nick and Sophia discuss, ‘The Woman King,’ are overwhelmingly positive and consistent with its A+ CinemaScore. Gina Prince-Bythewood delivers an epic warrior drama with Viola Davis at the helm and one that has already garnered great awards potential (3:37). Next is a movie that, due to a magnetic press release, needs no introduction: ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’ Aft...

Sep 30, 20221 hr 3 minSeason 3Ep. 24

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Venice, Telluride, and TIFF

With the first big fall festivals wrapped up and more heading our way soon, Nick and Sophia are back to recap all of the good, bad, and the ugly out of Venice, Telluride, and TIFF. Joining them is returning guest, Bennett Prosser, to share his experiences (and hold Nick accountable for all of his post-screening hot takes) from the second week of the 79th Venice Film Festival. Listen for spoiler-free reactions to some of the festival’s buzzier films, including ‘The Whale,’ ‘The Banshees of Inishe...

Sep 23, 20221 hr 35 minSeason 3Ep. 23

‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ at 40

A kid in a red hoodie, a flying bike, and an alien pointing, repeating, “Phone home.” Forty years later, even just these three images conjure up shots from the instantly recognizable, ‘E.T.’ This week, Sophia and Nick celebrate this successful film’s anniversary and consider why, as one of Steven Spielberg’s most successful films, it deserves to be called an enduring classic. After discussing the history behind production, what makes the movie special to them, and some favorite scenes and perfor...

Sep 16, 202243 minSeason 3Ep. 22

The 2023 Awards Season Fantasy Draft (ft. Special Guests)

We are knee-deep in fall festival season which means it’s time for the annual Awards Season Fantasy Draft! Sophia and Nick welcome all new teams to draft their own selection of films, directors, actors, production or distribution companies, and other film creatives that they think will take home the most awards throughout the upcoming awards season. Which team do you think will take home the win this year and which picks are you rooting for the most? Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwild...

Sep 09, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 3Ep. 21

'Three Thousand Years of Longing' and a George Miller Mini-Retrospective

On this mini retrospective of George Miller, Sophia and Nick talk about his background as a doctor-turned-filmmaker before discussing his grand, new release, Three Thousand Years of Longing, with Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba. Then they consider his multiple nominations at the Oscars, starting with ‘Lorenzo’s Oil,’ a docudrama about parents who will stop at nothing to help their son with an acutely debilitating disease (23:08). Then, onto his fascination with talking animals in the 90’s classic, ...

Sep 02, 202251 minSeason 3Ep. 20

Movie Trade: ‘The Red Shoes’ and ‘All That Jazz’

Who’s ready to dance until you can’t dance anymore? This movie trade finds Sophia and Nick examining a perfect double feature of obsessive determination, love, and dance. They start with ‘The Red Shoes,’ a classic tale adapted with cinematic splendor. Spoilers come at (18:24) with an explanation and alternate interpretations of the ending. Then, onto ‘All That Jazz,’ a stellar dancing extravaganza that tests the limits of its Fosse-inspired protagonist (36:58). This technical achievement wouldn’...

Aug 26, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 3Ep. 19

They Won for That? Roger Deakins (Blade Runner 2049 and 1917)

On a new installment of their ‘They Won For That?’ series, Nick and Sophia dive into a new category to talk about one of the best working cinematographers today, Roger Deakins. Before discussing his two Oscar wins, they talk about his style, thirteen other nominations, and notable works they think he should’ve been up for. Then, they wonder why it took him so long to grab that Oscar gold for ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and ‘1917’ (12:12). Lastly, would they swap either of these wins out or give him othe...

Aug 19, 202247 minSeason 3Ep. 18

Oscar Rewind: ‘Argo’ and the 2012 Oscars

Sophia and Nick are back with another Oscar Rewind; this time discussing the 2012 Best Picture winner, ‘Argo.’ First, they review the movie and chat about awards season and how precursor nominations and ceremonies separately affected The Oscars. Then, they talk about the incredibly popular lineup for Best Picture, sharing some of their own honorable mentions and how they would’ve ranked these nominees on a preferential ballot (24:10). Stay tuned for a special announcement about their upcoming Pa...

Aug 12, 202256 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Summer Release Round-Up (ft. Ryan Lamb)

Chances are if you saw a movie released this summer, Nick and Sophia discuss it on this week’s episode with returning guest, Ryan Lamb. Box office returns may still not be at pre-pandemic numbers, but quite a few summer releases have been reeling in big audiences. First off, the super sonic blockbuster, ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ which is inching its way up the top 10 highest-grossing domestic releases ever. It’s a hit with audiences but how much Oscar potential does it really have? (6:26) Then listen...

Aug 05, 20221 hr 33 minSeason 3Ep. 16

'Nope' & The Films of Jordan Peele

Sophia and Nick are back to rave about one of Hollywood’s most exciting directors who loves scaring- and educating- audiences, Jordan Peele. First up, they discuss his breakout horror hit that earned him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, 'Get Out' (3:43). Next, they chat about his sophomore, Hitchcockian feature and Lupita Nyong’o’s brilliant performance in Us (13:23). Finally, they share a quick spoiler-free review of Nope, talking about their initial reactions and if they think it has awa...

Jul 29, 20221 hr 18 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Oscar Rewind: 'The Hours' at 20

Nick and Sophia are back to celebrate the dramatic conclusion of Cancer season and the 20th anniversary of Stephen Daldry’s ‘The Hours.’ Firstly, they discuss the adapted film’s rich background and the A-list cast that brings these interconnected characters to life. Then, by navigating the tricky waters of awards season (Do I hear category fraud?), they debate if they agree with Nicole’s sole win for the film (39:10). Lastly, they answer some fun Twitter Questions (52:19). Follow us on Twitter a...

Jul 22, 20221 hr 9 minSeason 3Ep. 14

They Won for That? Alfonso Cuarón

In another themed episode, Nick and Sophia revisit Alfonso Cuarón’s filmography and his two Best Director wins (among others) at The Oscars. After discussing what they love about the director, his style, and some of his earlier works, they break down his groundbreaking wins for ‘Gravity’ (16:46) and ‘Roma’ (27:49). Would they swap out one of those wins for another of his films? Find out and see if you agree as they rewrite Academy history (37:17). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod...

Jul 15, 202254 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Movie Trade: ‘Prisoners’ and ‘3 Women’ (Spoilers)

In their latest “Eat Your Vegetables” Movie Trade, Nick and Sophia each chose a movie from one of their favorite directors for the other person to watch. Nick chose Prisoners, Denis Villeneuve’s beautiful 2013 cat and mouse thriller with an all-star cast (2:26). Sophia picked 3 Women, Robert Altman’s dreamy surrealist film about the ambiguity of identity and the horrors of being a woman (18:29). Lastly, they guess some of each other’s highest-rated and most-watched superlatives of movies and act...

Jul 07, 202256 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Oscar Rewind: Joseph L. Mankiewicz (A Letter to Three Wives and All About Eve)

This week, Sophia and Nick cover Joseph L. Mankiewicz (brother to Herman aka “Mank” who wrote ‘Citizen Kane’) and his unique record at The Oscars: winning Best Director and Best Screenplay in back-to-back years. They start off with a history of the man himself and how he made a name for himself in Hollywood (3:20) before covering A Letter To Three Wives (11:14) and another record-holding all-time classic, All About Eve (34:09). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @soph...

Jun 30, 20221 hr 20 minSeason 3Ep. 11
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