The Tenth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid - Blank Check with Griffin & David

Transcript

Griffin Newman (0:16)

David.

David Sims (0:17)

Yes.

Griffin Newman (0:17)

This is a pre roll before the actual episode. Wow. Because we have something special to communicate about our show. Blank check.

David Sims (0:25)

Luke Griffin and David.

Griffin Newman (0:27)

10 years. Decade of Dreams. This March coming up is the anniversary month and we want to do something special. Last year for our live show at Town hall, we had our buddy Ollie Moss, the Mad Lad himself, make a beautiful poster. You might be seeing more of that artwork soon. Yep. And he sent us like six ideas. Right. Of just like here are ways I thought I could graphically represent the show. And his rough drafts were incredible. Yes, it's. It sparked something in my head.

David Sims (0:56)

Okay.

Griffin Newman (0:57)

We got all these amazing artists who we know listen to the show. What. What. What would happen if we perhaps gave those artists a blank canvas to see whatever crazy ideas they could come up with?

Joe Reed (1:08)

Wait, I'm sorry, Griffin, did you have a complicated idea?

Griffin Newman (1:12)

Yes, I did.

David Sims (1:13)

Exactly. Griffin's doing all the talking here because this was all his idea and I've not been involved with.

Griffin Newman (1:16)

We're celebrating a Decade of Dreams with a special anniversary art show presented in partnership with Coda Gallery and Mutant. And who's invited? You're invited. Hell yeah. So here's the deal. March 21 to March 23 at Coda Gallery, located at 210 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002. The show will be open to the public Friday and Saturday from 11am to 6pm, Sunday from 11am to 5pm this special event will showcase exclusive prints from Maragaya, Brian Gaja. Brian Leo Malley. Heard of him?

David Sims (1:51)

Of course.

Griffin Newman (1:51)

Kevin Wilson, our buddy Joe Bowen. And we'll also have unique kind of one of one works from Brad Hill, Sarah Rubin, Abigail Noye, Truck Torrance. Just name a few. It's quite a list of contributors and I've seen some. Some sneaky peakies of what they're working on. There's some really cool stuff. So we will have first run prints available exclusively in person at the show. If there's any leftover inventory, will make it available online to those of you who cannot attend. And here's another thing. You could take a trip down memory lane. Curated selection of blank check ephemera from over the years. Some very important historical items may or may not be on display. The envelope, Berry jeans, perhaps a full ass porch. I think it's going to be a fun thing. If you're a dang ass freak and a real nerd who likes this podcast. We think it's going to be a fun thing to do.

Summary

The Tenth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid Blank Check Productions, February 23, 2025

Introduction: Celebrating a Decade of Dreams [00:16 - 03:27] Griffin Newman and David Sims kick off the episode by announcing the milestone celebration of their podcast's ten-year anniversary, aptly named "Decade of Dreams." They reveal plans for a special anniversary art show in partnership with Coda Gallery and Mutant, emphasizing the involvement of talented artists inspired by the show.

Griffin Newman [01:13]: "We're celebrating a Decade of Dreams with a special anniversary art show presented in partnership with Coda Gallery and Mutant."

Welcome to the Blank Check Awards [03:27 - 50:00] Transitioning from the celebration, the hosts introduce the primary focus of the episode: the Blankies Awards. These awards honor outstanding performances, screenplays, and other cinematic achievements from the previous year. Joe Reid joins the discussion, bringing additional insights and humor to the proceedings.

Best Supporting Actor [04:55 - 07:40] The trio delves into the Best Supporting Actor category, highlighting nominees such as Tom Hardy for Bike Riders, Mark Edelstein for Anora, Penelope Cruz in Ferrari, and others. Griffin Nash emphasizes the intense presence of these actors, while Ben Hosley expresses his admiration for specific performances.

Griffin Newman [06:22]: "Nickel Boys was all me. I did some adjustments on a couple of them."

Best Supporting Actress [07:40 - 15:00] The conversation shifts to the Best Supporting Actress category, with nominees including Alicia Witt for Long Legs, Alison Pill for Trap, Renata Ranzva for A Different Man, and Michelle Austin for Hard Truth. The hosts discuss the depth and versatility of these performances, ultimately voting for their favorites.

Ben Hosley [12:14]: "Dolly De Leon for Ghost Lights—she is insanely good."

Best Screenplay [15:00 - 25:00] The hosts explore both Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay categories. For Original Screenplay, nominees include Annie Baker for Janet Planet, Justin Karitzka for Challengers, and others. In Adapted Screenplay, nominees feature Nickel Boys and People’s Joker. The discussion highlights the narrative structure and originality of each script.

David Sims [20:14]: "Best Adapted Screenplay goes to Nickel Boys—a really interesting way to adapt that book."

Best Actor [25:00 - 35:00] Best Actor nominations feature standout performances from Colman Domingo in Conclave, Zachary Levi in Rebel Ridge, and others. The discussion covers the emotional depth and complexity brought by these actors to their roles.

Griffin Newman [30:00]: "Now, my big takeaway from this year, besides just him, like, totally coming to his own, proving himself. Two movies that clearly got financed, like, on him."

Best Actress [35:00 - 45:00] In the Best Actress category, nominees include Marianne Jean Baptiste for Hard Truths, Mikey Madison for Anora, Julianne Nicholson for Janet Planet, and Naomi Scott for Smile. The hosts debate the nuances of each performance, ultimately selecting their top choices based on emotional resonance and acting prowess.

Griffin Newman [39:00]: "She is quiet, intense, and absolutely nails it in Hard Truths."

Best Animated Feature [45:00 - 50:00] The discussion culminates with the Best Animated Feature category, featuring films like Memoirs of a Snail, Flo, and Wild Robot. The hosts evaluate the storytelling, animation quality, and overall impact of these animated works.

David Sims [48:00]: "Best Animated Feature goes to Wild Robot—a manipulative movie that I was very happy to be manipulated by."

Notable Highlights and Audience Engagement Throughout the episode, Griffin, David, and Ben interject with humorous banter, personal anecdotes, and lighthearted critiques of the nominated works. They engage in playful disagreements, showcasing their deep knowledge and passion for cinema.

David Sims [58:12]: "Sign up now in the Regal app or at the link in the description in our show notes and use code blank check to get 20% off your three-month subscription."

Conclusion: Reflections and Future Plans [50:00 - End] As the awards segment wraps up, the hosts reflect on the year's cinematic landscape, acknowledging both hits and misses. They express excitement for future discussions and hint at potential retrospective episodes covering past decades of film.

Griffin Newman [184:39]: "A decade of dreams. Continue."

Overall Insights The episode provides a comprehensive overview of significant film achievements over the past year, blending critical analysis with the hosts' signature humor and camaraderie. Listeners gain insight into standout performances and screenplays, while also enjoying the dynamic interaction between Griffin, David, and Ben.