Oscar WildExplicit
by Sophia Ciminello & Nick Ruhrkraut
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.
Podcast episodes
Season 5
'The Substance'
“Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect.” This simple, yet expansive idea frames the timely new release, The Substance, a hyper-stylized modern fairy tale that heavily satirizes Hollywood and the beauty industry. Nick and Sophia thoroughly break down this wildly thrilling body horror award winner from Cannes, including: Demi Moore’s daring performance, the gruesome prosthetic and makeup effects, the meaning behind its many movie references, and its continued awards potential. If you haven’t seen the film yet (we definitely recommend finding a packed screening), there’s a spoiler warning mid-episode (22:54) in case you decide to revisit later. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @oscarwildpod Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich More content including updated nomination predictions @ oscarwild.squarespace.com
2024 Venice, Telluride, and Toronto Film Festival Recap & NYFF Preview
Now that all of the Big Five film festivals (Berlin, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Venice) have ended and handed out their awards, it’s time for Sophia and Nick to recap how their premieres will influence the rest of awards season. Listen as they discuss initial reactions from Venice, Telluride (18:31), and TIFF (37:21), and preview some releases coming at the New York Film Festival (46:21). Afterwards, they answer some fun listener questions related to buzzy performances and their chances at competing on Survivor, older films that would pair well with recent releases, and some category specific possibilities, like in Screenplay or Picture. If you’re curious about what audiences think of Anora, Conclave, Saturday Night, The End, Nightbitch, The Brutalist, Maria, Hard Truths, or The Last Showgirl (with Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis), or want to learn more about these movies, then this is the episode for you! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 More content including updated nomination predictions @ oscarwild.squarespace.com Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich
Fall 2024 Movie Preview (feat. Ben VanHoose)
Even though the yearly transition from the dog days of summer into sweater weather always feels too abrupt, it also means that there’s an exciting crop of new releases on its way! To talk about over 40 of these movies headed to the big screen and on streaming, Nick and Sophia are joined by Benjamin VanHoose, @People’s Associate Editor, Movies. Listen as they highlight blockbusters and indie films alike being released in September, October (27:34), November (44:42), and December (1:04:50). Are you a fan of horror? Then The Substance, Heretic, or Nosferatu might be for you. Looking for a family night at the theater? Check out showtimes for The Wild Robot, Transformers One, Moana 2, or Mufasa: The Lion King. Let us know what your most anticipated movie of the fall is! Follow Benjamin at https://people.com/author/benjamin-vanhoose/ or on Instagram @benjamin_vanhoose and Twitter @BenVanHoose Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @oscarwildpod Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich
1974 Oscar Rewind: ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’
Sophia and Nick are looking back on 1974 once more, this time to a wonderful comedy double feature: both Oscar nominees and both made by the same director! Here’s to Mel Brooks’ odd couple, the unforgettable Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein (22:09). Listen as they uncover behind the scenes facts and share their favorite quotes and scenes alike. Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn aren’t the only ones seeing double! Do you think either of these classics deserved to win at least one Oscar? Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @oscarwildpod Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich More content including updated nomination predictions @ oscarwild.squarespace.com
The 2025 Awards Season Fantasy Draft: All-Stars Edition
Fall festivals are about to begin which means it’s time for Oscar Wild’s biggest episode of the year! Nick and Sophia are excited to invite back eight extraordinary guests to compete in their fifth Awards Season Fantasy Draft: All-Stars Edition. Part competition, part movie madness, the draft showcases what they believe to be the biggest players throughout the coming awards season, possibly even taking home some Oscar gold come March. Each of their teams select films, cast and crew, and some fun creative picks that could earn them the most points via critics prizes, multiple guilds, and the biggest award ceremonies. Tune in for a lively, hilarious, enlightening, and all together unforgettable insider look at the year’s biggest movies! Which team do you think will take home the win: Team Berger Kings or Team New Rochelle Bi-Coastal Champions? Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @oscarwildpod including updated nomination predictions @ oscarwild.squarespace.com Follow Erik Anderson @awards_watch Follow Cody Dericks @codymonster91 Follow Chelsea Eichholz @chels725 Follow Joyce Eng @joyceeng61 Follow Kevin Jacobsen @Kevin_Jacobsen & @OscarRunnerUp Follow Ryan McQuade @ryanmcquade77 Follow Bennett Prosser @BennettProsser Follow Morgan Roberts @msmlroberts & @femalegazethefilmclub Follow Nick @sauerkraut27 Follow Sophia @sophia_cim Music: “The Greatest Adventure” by Jonathan Adamich