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.