Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – "The Loss of David Lynch. Plus, Our Oscar Nomination Predictions"

Date Released: January 17, 2025
Host/Author: The Ringer (Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins)
Featuring: Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, Bill Simmons (rotating cast)

1. Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of The Big Picture, hosts Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins, joined by co-host Chris Ryan, delve into the recent passing of legendary filmmaker David Lynch. Additionally, they explore their predictions for the upcoming Oscar nominations, analyzing key contenders and the evolving landscape of the awards.

2. The Loss of David Lynch

Emotional Reactions and Personal Reflections

Sean Fennessy opens the discussion with the somber news of David Lynch's death at 78 years old (00:47). The hosts express their shock and sadness, reflecting on Lynch's profound impact on filmmaking and American culture.

Sean Fennessy [02:00]: "David Lynch has died. This is terrible news. One of the signature filmmakers of the 20th and 21st century who has passed."

Amanda Dobbins echoes the sentiment, highlighting Lynch's unique role in interpreting American psychosis and his deep connection to Los Angeles.

Amanda Dobbins [03:05]: "Lynch was a very Los Angeles figure and regularly did weather reports on KCRW. It feels like an extra loss amidst other tragedies."

Impact on Cinema and Culture

The discussion delves into Lynch's innovative visual language and his ability to portray surreal aspects of the American psyche. Sean emphasizes Lynch's mainstream success despite his avant-garde style.

Sean Fennessy [05:00]: "He was deeply avant-garde, but not an outsider. He was a mainstream artist who represented the American ideal and its underbelly."

Chris Ryan adds how Lynch influenced prestige television, particularly through Twin Peaks, and underscores the universal acclaim of his filmography.

Chris Ryan [05:20]: "Every one of Lynch's films has something to think about. There are no bad movies in his filmography."

Legacy and Recommending Lynch's Work

Sean and Amanda advocate for listeners to explore Lynch's body of work, mentioning availability on platforms like Criterion and Netflix.

Sean Fennessy [19:42]: "If you haven't seen the work of David Lynch, listeners should absolutely explore them. Most of his films are on the Criterion channel right now."

3. Oscar Nomination Predictions

Overview of Predicted Contenders

The hosts transition to discussing their Oscar predictions, covering various categories such as Best Picture, Screenplay, and Acting awards.

Best Picture Predictions

Sean and Amanda focus on key films like Emilia Perez, The Brutalist, Conclave, Nickel Boys, and Wicked. They express skepticism about Emilia Perez winning, predicting it might be one of the least deserving winners.

Sean Fennessy [24:07]: "Crash over Brokeback Mountain, Green Book over Roma. That, to me, will be emerging headlines."

Amanda concurs, noting the relentless nominations for Emilia Perez across multiple guilds.

Amanda Dobbins [26:27]: "Even though I haven't seen the Brutalist yet, it's surging, and people are highly supportive."

Screenplay Awards

The conversation shifts to screenplay categories, where both hosts advocate for films like Challengers and Nickel Boys over more mainstream choices like Wicked.

Amanda Dobbins [47:18]: "Screenplay is a place where we often get to reward cool movies that aren't rewarded other places. I'm hoping that Nickel Boys makes the list."

They express confusion over Wicked’s nomination, questioning its suitability for the category.

Sean Fennessy [47:49]: "I have to figure something out. Wicked is a stage musical, obviously some things have been changed, but why wasn't it taken out?"

Acting Awards Predictions

Best Supporting Actor:

Amanda and Sean predict nominees like Yura Borisoff (Anora), Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice). They express a desire to see Clarence Macklin over Jeremy Strong.

Amanda Dobbins [50:07]: "I would like to see Clarence Macklin over Jeremy Strong. And I would take the nomination away from Jeremy Strong."

Best Supporting Actress:

The category is described as open and competitive, with predictions including Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Jamie Lee Curtis (The Last Showgirl), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), and Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez).

Sean Fennessy [51:53]: "Monica Barbaro, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, and Zoe Saldana are my top picks."

They debate the merits of each performance, especially focusing on Jamie Lee Curtis's standout role.

Chris Ryan [55:17]: "Marianne Jean Baptiste in Hard Truths is incredible. Cindy Erivo, Wicked, Carlos, Sophia Gascon, Emilia Perez, Mikey Madison, and Demi Moore too."

Best Actor Predictions

Sean predicts Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothee Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan as frontrunners. Amanda aligns closely, favoring Adrian Brody and adding personal preferences.

Sean Fennessy [57:31]: "Adrien Brody, Timothee Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan."

They discuss Sebastian Stan's transformative performance in The Apprentice as a strong contender.

Chris Ryan [58:08]: "Ralph Fiennes should have won for Conclave. I want to come back to a bigger splash for another category."

Additional Categories and Guild Insights

The discussion touches on the Producers Guild Awards, Cinematographers Guild, and unique nominations like Nosferatu. They analyze how guild nominations influence Oscar predictions, noting the unpredictability and shifting landscapes.

Sean Fennessy [32:38]: "The Producers Guild has outstanding nominations. The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune Part Two, Emilia Perez, September 5th, The Substance, and Wicked are all strong contenders."

4. Final Thoughts and Closing

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the complexities of award season, the influence of guild nominations, and the enduring legacy of David Lynch. They emphasize the importance of honoring artists and recommending significant works to their audience.

Sean Fennessy [95:41]: "I'd like to say thank you to David Lynch for everything he has contributed to art and the world of movies. He is one of one."

Amanda and Sean tease upcoming episodes, promising deeper dives into future movie auctions and more insightful conversations.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fennessy [02:00]: "David Lynch has died. This is terrible news. One of the signature filmmakers of the 20th and 21st century who has passed."

• Amanda Dobbins [03:05]: "Lynch was a very Los Angeles figure and regularly did weather reports on KCRW. It feels like an extra loss amidst other tragedies."

• Chris Ryan [05:20]: "Every one of Lynch's films has something to think about. There are no bad movies in his filmography."

• Sean Fennessy [24:07]: "Crash over Brokeback Mountain, Green Book over Roma. That, to me, will be emerging headlines."

• Amanda Dobbins [26:27]: "Even though I haven't seen the Brutalist yet, it's surging, and people are highly supportive."

• Sean Fennessy [51:53]: "Monica Barbaro, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, and Zoe Saldana are my top picks."

• Sean Fennessy [95:41]: "I'd like to say thank you to David Lynch for everything he has contributed to art and the world of movies. He is one of one."

Conclusion

This episode of The Big Picture serves as both a tribute to David Lynch's unparalleled contributions to cinema and a comprehensive analysis of the impending Oscar nominations. Sean, Amanda, and Chris provide insightful commentary, blending personal reflections with critical assessments, making it a must-listen for film enthusiasts seeking depth and thoughtful discussion.