Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – Final 2025 Oscar Predictions: Who Will Win and Should Win

Released on February 27, 2025, "The Big Picture" episode hosted by Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins delves deep into their final predictions for the 97th Academy Awards. The discussion spans various categories, offering insights, debates, and personal takes on the potential winners and surprises of the night. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their conversation.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with Sean and Amanda preparing listeners for their comprehensive Oscar predictions. They mention an upcoming live discussion on YouTube scheduled for 2:30 PM Pacific Time, emphasizing their excitement as the Academy Awards approach.

Notable Quote:

• Sean Fennessy [01:34]: "This is the Big Picture, a conversation show about our final Oscar predictions."

2. Best Animated Feature

The hosts examine the nominees:

• Flo
• Inside Out 2
• Memoir of a Snail
• Wallace and Vengeance Most Foul
• The Wild Robot

Sean favors "The Wild Robot" due to its unique narrative and technical nominations, while Amanda leans towards "Flo," appreciating its broad internet appeal and previous international recognition.

Notable Quote:

• Amanda Dobbins [18:30]: "I'm really going with last year's results where Boy and the Heron won over Spider Verse. And that is obviously a little bit of reflection of the respect for Miyazaki and the international nature of the voting body."

3. Best Documentary Feature

Nominees discussed:

• Black Box Diaries
• No Other Land
• Porcelain War
• Soundtrack to a Coup d'État
• Sugar Cane

Amanda highlights the trend of first-person documentaries that authentically present subjects' perspectives, while Sean acknowledges the complexity and political undertones influencing the category. Both express support for "Black Box Diaries."

Notable Quote:

• Amanda Dobbins [22:20]: "It's very tough and they're all extremely important issues."

4. International Feature Film

The contenders include:

• I'm Still Here
• The Girl with the Needle
• Emilia Perez
• The Seed of the Sacred Fig
• Flo

Sean chooses "I'm Still Here" for its compelling narrative and strong performances, whereas Amanda opts for "Emilia Perez," considering its extensive nominations and cultural significance.

Notable Quote:

• Sean Fennessy [30:38]: "I think the Wild Robot is also very strong. It has nominations for best score and for best sound. It's extremely unusual for an animated film to get a best sound nomination."

5. Best Original Screenplay

Candidates:

• Honora
• The Brutalist
• A Real Pain
• September 5th
• The Substance

Both Sean and Amanda select Sean Baker for "Honora," aligning their predictions with industry expectations and prior successes.

Notable Quote:

• Amanda Dobbins [66:22]: "I think if Adrien Brody doesn't win in Best Actor, it's because there is not a brutalist hive in the Academy."

6. Best Original Song and Score

Original Song Nominees:

• El Male from Emilia Perez
• The Journey from The 6888
• Like a Bird from Sing Sing
• Mi Camino from Emilia Perez
• Never Too Late from Wicked

Sean predicts "El Male" as the winner, citing its strong nomination and backing, while Amanda favors "The Seed."

Original Score Nominees:

• Daniel Blumberg for The Brutalist
• Vocal Volker Bertleman for Conclave
• Camille and Clement Ducaul for Emilia Perez
• John Powell and Stephen Schwartz for Wicked
• Chris Bowers for The Wild Robot

Both hosts back Daniel Blumberg for "The Brutalist," appreciating its innovative composition and emotional depth.

Notable Quote:

• Sean Fennessy [47:47]: "It is a very close race. Interesting that we're split."

7. Technical Categories: Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup and Hairstyling

Production Design Nominees:

• The Brutalist
• Conclave
• Dune Part 2
• Nosferatu
• Wicked

Both Sean and Amanda predict "Wicked" to win, praising its immersive world-building and aesthetic execution.

Costume Design Nominees:

• Ariane Phillips for A Complete Unknown
• Lisi Crystal for Conclave
• Janti Yates and Dave Crossman for Gladiator 2
• Lyndon Muir for Nosferatu
• Paul Tazewell for Wicked

"Wicked" emerges as the favorite, with both hosts acknowledging its visually captivating costumes.

Makeup and Hairstyling Nominees:

• A Different Man
• Emilia Perez
• The Substance
• Wicked

Both choose "The Substance," recognizing its exceptional makeup effects that enhance the film's narrative.

Notable Quote:

• Amanda Dobbins [59:43]: "It was like going to a Bob Dylan concert."

8. Best Film Editing and Cinematography

Film Editing Nominees:

• Anora
• The Brutalist
• Conclave
• Emilia Perez
• Wicked

Sean supports "Anora," while Amanda aligns with "Conclave," reflecting their nuanced understanding of narrative pacing and technical prowess.

Cinematography Nominees:

• Laurel Crawley for The Brutalist
• Greig Fraser for Dune Part 2
• Paul Guillaume for Emilia Perez
• Ed Lackman for Nosferatu
• Maria Jaron Blaschke for Nosferatu

Both hosts back Laurel Crawley for "The Brutalist," commending the film's visual storytelling and atmospheric depth.

Notable Quote:

• Sean Fennessy [65:28]: "It does matter a lot."

9. Best Original Screenplay and Best Director

Best Director Nominees:

• Sean Baker for Anora
• Brady Courbet for The Brutalist
• James Mangold for A Complete Unknown
• Jacques Odiarn for Emilia Perez
• Coralie Farja for The Substance

Both predict Sean Baker for "Anora," emphasizing his directorial vision and industry respect.

10. Acting Categories

Best Actor in a Leading Role Nominees:

• Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
• Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown
• Colman Domingo for Sing Sing
• Ralph Fiennes for Conclave
• Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice

Both hosts favor Adrien Brody for his remarkable performance, drawing parallels to his previous accolades.

Best Actress in a Leading Role Nominees:

• Cynthia Erivo for Wicked
• Carla Sofia Gascon for Emilia Perez
• Mikey Madison for Honora
• Demi Moore for The Substance
• Fernanda Torres for I'm Still Here

Amanda and Sean both support Mikey Madison for "Honora," applauding her nuanced portrayal and emotional depth.

Supporting Acting Categories:

• Yura Borisov for An Aura
• Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
• Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown
• Guy Pearce for The Brutalist
• Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice

Sean and Amanda select Kieran Culkin for his outstanding performance, recognizing his ability to convey complex emotions.

Notable Quote:

• Sean Fennessy [71:12]: "I think that Anora is a very good character."

11. Best Picture Predictions

The final and most anticipated category, Best Picture, sees both hosts gravitate towards "Anora." They discuss the film's widespread industry support, critical acclaim, and substantial nominations across various categories, solidifying its status as a frontrunner.

Notable Quote:

• Amanda Dobbins [86:41]: "I'm choosing Anora."

12. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

As the discussion wraps, Sean and Amanda reflect on the unpredictability of the Oscars and tease their live YouTube discussion post-telecast. They express enthusiasm and anticipation for the event, encouraging listeners to join their live session.

Notable Quote:

• Sean Fennessy [93:17]: "You'll just have to tune in Sunday night to find out."

Key Takeaways:

• "Anora" emerges as the leading contender for Best Picture, supported by strong performances and technical accolades.
• "The Wild Robot" and "Flo" are closely watched in the Best Animated Feature category.
• Documentary and International categories reveal a preference for films with authentic, firsthand narratives.
• Technical categories like Production Design and Cinematography highlight the craftsmanship behind visually stunning films.
• Acting nominations showcase a blend of seasoned actors and rising stars, with Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison standing out.

Prominent Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Amanda Dobbins [18:30]: "I’m really going with last year’s results where Boy and the Heron won over Spider Verse. And that is obviously a little bit of reflection of the respect for Miyazaki and the international nature of the voting body."

2. Sean Fennessy [47:47]: "It is a very close race. Interesting that we’re split."

3. Amanda Dobbins [59:43]: "It was like going to a Bob Dylan concert."

4. Sean Fennessy [71:35]: "I think there's not a ton of evidence that it's gonna happen."

5. Amanda Dobbins [86:42]: "I have Conclave."

For more in-depth discussions and ongoing updates, listeners are encouraged to follow "The Big Picture" on their preferred platforms and join the live YouTube session on Oscar night.