Podcast Summary: The Big Picture - "Our Golden Globe Predictions. Plus: Introducing 25 for ’25!"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Big Picture
- Host/Author: The Ringer (Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins)
- Episode: Our Golden Globe Predictions. Plus: Introducing 25 for ’25!
- Release Date: January 3, 2025
1. Introduction and Welcome Back
Amanda Dobbins rejoins the podcast after a three-month hiatus spent raising her two sons. Sean Fennessey warmly welcomes her back, highlighting the camaraderie and the dynamics of their families.
- Amanda: "Raising two children and not sleeping and listening to the podcast and seeing movies as best I could fit it in." [02:23]
- Sean: "I've spent a lot of time with your family in the last couple of years. I know, it's been wonderful." [02:34]
The hosts briefly touch upon their time apart, emphasizing the joy of Amanda’s return and hinting at upcoming projects.
2. Golden Globe Predictions
The primary focus of the episode is predicting the winners of the Golden Globes. The discussion delves into various categories, analyzing nominees based on their performances, box office success, and critical reception.
2.1 Best Picture Predictions
Amanda expresses surprise and skepticism about "Wicked" emerging as a frontrunner for Best Picture.
- Amanda: "I am baffled. I am absolutely gobsmacked that this is becoming the frontrunner." [09:44]
- Sean: "So you saw it?" [10:04]
- Amanda: "I did, but I just didn't really like the show very much." [10:05]
They debate the merits of "Wicked," discussing its musical elements, choreography, and overall appeal.
- Amanda: "I didn't care for the choreography or the dance numbers in general. I thought they were just a weird mishmash." [16:02]
- Sean: "I think he's trying to modernize a classical style, and that's hard to do." [16:31]
Despite reservations, Sean predicts "Wicked" will win Best Picture.
- Sean: "Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy... I chose Wicked." [117:12]
2.2 Performance Categories
Best Supporting Actress:
- Nominees: Selena Gomez, Emilia Perez, Ariana Grande ("Wicked"), Felicity Jones ("The Brutalist"), Margaret Qualley ("The Substance"), Isabella Rossellini ("Conclave"), Zoe Saldana ("Emilia Perez").
Amanda favors Ariana Grande for her role in "Wicked."
- Amanda: "I think Ariana Grande." [67:47]
Sean opts for Zoe Saldana, highlighting her multifaceted performance.
- Sean: "I went Zoe Saldana." [86:15]
Best Supporting Actor:
- Nominees: Adrien Brody ("The Brutalist"), Timothee Chalamet ("A Complete Unknown"), Daniel Craig ("Queer"), Colman Domingo ("Sing Sing"), Ralph Fiennes ("Conclave"), Sebastian Stan ("The Apprentice").
Both predict Adrien Brody will take the win.
- Sean: "That's who I have as well." [92:39]
- Amanda: "I think Adrien Brody." [No specific timestamp]
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama:
- Nominees: Pamela Anderson ("The Last Showgirl"), Angelina Jolie ("Maria"), Nicole Kidman ("Baby Girl"), Tilda Swinton ("The Room Next Door"), Fernanda Torres ("I'm Still Here"), Kate Winslet ("Lee").
Amanda supports Nicole Kidman for "Baby Girl."
- Amanda: "I have Nicole Kidman on my big bet." [99:53]
Sean aligns with Nicole Kidman as well, considering her strong performance.
- Sean: "I am choosing Nicole Kidman to win." [107:58]
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama:
- Nominees: Adrien Brody ("The Brutalist"), Timothee Chalamet ("A Complete Unknown"), Daniel Craig ("Queer"), Colman Domingo ("Sing Sing"), Ralph Fiennes ("Conclave"), Sebastian Stan ("The Apprentice").
Amanda supports Adrien Brody, while Sean also leans towards him.
- Amanda: "I think Adrien Brody." [No specific timestamp]
- Sean: "I think Adrien Brody will win." [92:39]
3. Introducing "25 for '25"
The hosts announce their new project, "25 for ’25," a countdown of their 25 favorite movies from the 21st century. They outline the rules and framework for the series.
- Sean: "This is an attempt to capture our favorite movies of the period, which represents essentially our adult lives." [53:29]
- Amanda: "It's not trying to speak for everyone. We're speaking for ourselves." [54:28]
Rules:
- One film per filmmaker to ensure diversity.
- Release Date: Movies released between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2024.
- Categories: All genres and including international films.
They plan to reveal one movie from the countdown semi-weekly, starting post-Academy Awards in March.
4. Personal Anecdotes and Family Life
Throughout the episode, Amanda shares stories about her children’s movie preferences and activities, adding a personal touch to the discussion.
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Paddington: Influence from family members brought the character to her son.
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Wonka: Her son’s growing love for the film reflects her own enjoyment.
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Amanda: "He loves Wonka. He requests Wonka." [35:27]
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Sean: "He would be entertained by it." [81:52]
Sean and Amanda also discuss their attempts at unboxing and collecting physical media, showcasing their passion for movies beyond just watching them.
- Amanda: "I have a very strong preference for a physical paper book..." [28:21]
- Sean: "But I can tell you this is true. I know and love Apple Card." [00:27] (Note: Advertisements were supposed to be skipped, but this part seems to mix into the conversation)
5. Discussion on Film Aesthetics and Criticism
The hosts delve into the aesthetic choices of various films, particularly focusing on "Wicked" and "The Brutalist."
- Amanda: "The group numbers are not well done. And then the main performers aren't dancers." [16:57]
- Sean: "I think one of the reasons probably why the movie is resonating is that they're connected to those two people... Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande." [17:55]
They debate the effectiveness of choreography, CGI, and storytelling within these films, providing a critical analysis of what works and what doesn’t.
6. Sports and Miscellaneous Topics
Brief segments touch upon sports predictions, particularly the Mets’ performance, and personal fitness endeavors like joining the protein club.
- Sean: "The Mets would not be a playoff team." [48:56]
- Amanda: "I'm trying to join the protein club in 2025." [78:26]
7. Closing Remarks and Future Segments
As the episode concludes, the hosts reiterate their Golden Globe predictions, discuss upcoming segments for "25 for '25," and express excitement for future projects.
- Sean: "We're going to do 25 for 25... starting after the Academy Awards in March." [53:23]
- Amanda: "I'm excited to look at yours." [56:31]
They also tease potential YouTube collaborations and other interactive content for listeners.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Amanda: "I am absolutely gobsmacked that this is becoming the frontrunner." [09:44]
- Sean: "Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy... I chose Wicked." [117:12]
- Amanda: "I didn't care for the choreography or the dance numbers in general." [16:02]
- Sean: "The Core now, because that's not my job." [22:53]
- Amanda: "I've got some feedback for the people who designed the Apple TV homepage." [31:55]
- Sean: "Best original score... I went with Daniel Blumberg for 'The Brutalist'." [87:32]
- Amanda: "I'm really excited about Julia's press tour." [18:03]
- Sean: "I'm picking 'Flow' for Best Animated Feature." [82:31]
- Amanda: "Do you think Blake Lively will be in attendance?" [61:08]
- Sean: "I think Adrien Brody will win." [92:39]
Conclusion
In this episode of "The Big Picture," Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins engage in an in-depth discussion about their Golden Globe predictions, critically analyzing various nominees and anticipating the outcomes. They introduce their ambitious project, "25 for '25," promising listeners a curated list of favorite 21st-century films. Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and banter enrich the conversation, providing listeners with both insightful film critique and relatable personal stories. The hosts balance their professional insights with moments of levity, making the episode both informative and engaging for fans of cinema and their podcast.