The Big Picture

Sean and Amanda reconvene the movie star committee to rank the 35 most important movie stars under the age of 35. Before diving in, they declare that we’re officially back following the domestic box office hitting a post-pandemic high (0:48). Then, they make the case for why movie stars still matter (7:56); share their main takeaways from their new list, including the biggest winners and losers (22:54); and rank Hollywood’s biggest young actors based on a blend of what a star has done already, what they have on their slate next, and what they could turn into in the future (47:58). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show by tackling some movie news headlines, including the green-lighting of a ‘Weapons’ prequel at Warner Bros., speculation that ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’ could premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and the first trailer for 20-year-old Kane Parsons’s highly anticipated horror film, ‘Backrooms’ (1:07). Then, they cover ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,’ which they found to be creatively and aesthetically bankrupt, and explain why they think it is an “evil movie” (13:56). Next, they unpack Kristoffer Borgli’s untraditional romantic comedy ‘The Drama,’ starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson (33:03). They break down why they anticipate a divided public reception, explain why they found the movie’s flipping of rom-com tropes to be hugely successful, and fully spoil the movie by analyzing its central “twist.” Finally, they share a list of their top 10 favorite movie plot twists of all time (1:08:15). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Drivers wanted. Learn more at https://vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show with a few movie news topics including Ryan Gosling being cast in the highly anticipated next film for the Daniels, and the Oscars' decision to leave the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the 2029 Academy Awards (1:19). Then, they cover 15 2026 movies they have yet to discuss on the show this year, and share their top five favorite films of the year so far (19:04). Finally, Sean is joined by BenDavid Grabinski to discuss his new film, ‘Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice,’ as well as his long and arduous journey to directing his own material, what it’s actually like to pitch your movie, and why he needs to creatively collaborate with people who genuinely love movies (1:45:52). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: BenDavid Grabinski Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️.Find what you're looking for. https://www.amazon.com/firetv/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Bill Simmons to draft their favorite movies from the year 1988. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh and Jacob Cornett Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️.Visit us in stores and online https://Warbyparker.com/BIGPICTURE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg for an extensive conversation about his illustrious career; what excited him about making his upcoming science fiction film, ‘Disclosure Day’; and how he feels about the current state of the industry (6:20). Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Steven Spielberg Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Drivers wanted. Learn more at https://vw.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show by reacting to a ton of movie news, including the Oscar ratings being down 9 percent from last year, the new trailer for ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ and Kirsten Dunst joining the cast of the upcoming ‘Minecraft Movie’ sequel (1:22). Then, they cover the biggest movie event of 2026 so far: Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s science fiction film ‘Project Hail Mary,’ starring Ryan Gosling (31:57). They break down why the film’s practicality is incredibly essential to its success and how the movie is beautiful in a way that mainstream Hollywood productions typically aren’t. Finally, Sean is joined by Lord and Miller themselves to discuss why they felt Andy Weir’s novel was the perfect source material for their next project and how the complicated process behind shooting space scenes was incredibly rewarding (1:08:19). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Phil Lord and Chris Miller Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Drivers wanted. Learn more at https://vw.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda kick off the show by reacting to a laundry list of movie news, including the new trailer for Denis Villeneuve's ‘Dune: Part Three,’ starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya; the reports that Bradley Cooper will direct a new 'Ocean's 11' prequel for Warner Bros.; and Universal’s decision to extend theatrical windows for new releases (1:15). Then, they open up the mailbag for a post-Oscars hangover discussion and talk through whether or not Chalamet will be OK going forward, what the Oscars can do differently when they move over to YouTube, and how the industry can build positive momentum around the good energy surrounding the state of cinema (35:22). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda instantly react to the 98th Academy Awards and share their main takeaways from Hollywood’s biggest night. They make the case for why these Oscars and the Best Picture win for ‘One Battle After Another’ were for “the movie nerds,” break down Michael B. Jordan’s incredible speech for his Best Actor win, and talk through their mixed feelings about the telecast itself. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders, Chris Wohlers, and Kevin Cureghian Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re getting close to the finish line! On today’s show, Sean and Amanda give their official picks for the 98th Academy Awards. Before diving in, they react to the new trailer for Steven Spielberg’s upcoming blockbuster, ‘Disclosure Day,’ starring Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt (2:11). Then, they discuss what their expectations are for the Oscars broadcast (9:36) and break down who they think will win, and should win every award (19:12). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open up the mailbag and answer your "Anything But Oscars” questions! Before diving in, they cover a handful of movie news headlines, including a big opening weekend box office for ‘Hoppers,' two of the final Oscars precursors with the WGA and the ASC awards, and the news that Christopher McQuarrie is directing a new ‘Conan the Barbarian’ movie for 20th Century Studios (1:37). Next, they open the mailbag and answer whether or not Bob Ferguson is into physical media, highlight some 2026 titles they hope to see premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, and share the most memorable movie theater experiences of their lives (17:51). Finally, they cover Pixar’s new animated movie, ‘Hoppers,’ and break down why they were ultimately mixed-positive on Daniel Chong’s new film (1:47:14). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders, Chris Wohlers, and Kevin Cureghian Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s show, Sean and Amanda break down Maggie Gyllenhaal's fascinating new movie, ‘The Bride!,’ starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale. They commend the film for its ambition and vision, highlight some of its utterly confounding fatal flaws, and debate the value of projects that reimagine old source material with modern ideas and context (4:17). Next, they make a list of their favorite reimaginings and reboots of all time (42:51). Then, they revisit Kleber Mendonca Filho’s ‘The Secret Agent,’ starring Wagner Moura. They explore why they found a rewatch of the movie to be incredibly rewarding, celebrate its singularity, and explain how Moura’s towering performance centers the entire story for the audience (54:53). Finally, they cover the Oscar-nominated films for Best Documentary this year and critique the current state of the voting branch and what types of movies it rewards (1:29:26). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by friend of the pod Wesley Morris for a very special episode! First, they react to the news that Paramount has won the bidding war for Warner Bros. and have an extensive conversation on the long-term ramifications for the industry (4:46). Next, they recap three recent awards shows with the ACE Awards, the PGAs, and the Actor Awards, and dissect what it means for the two-horse Best Picture race between ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ (35:47). Lastly, they kick off their sixth annual Alternative Oscar awards (a.k.a. the Big Picks), in which they award alternative nominees and winners for the major Oscar categories, as well as some additional homemade categories which they believe should exist at the Academy Awards (1:30:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Wesley Morris Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®️. Visit us in stores and online https://Warbyparker.com/BIGPICTURE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s action-packed episode, Sean first reacts to Netflix backing out of the bidding for Warner Brothers—clearing the path for a merger with Paramount (2:01). Next, he is joined by Chris Ryan to react to Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio’s casting in Michael Mann’s ‘Heat 2’ and give a general temperature check on the movie (6:36). Then, they cover ‘Scream 7’ and preface the conversation by discussing the rumored controversy behind the shuffling cast (16:17) before diving fully into spoilers and exploring the myriad of reasons why they found the film to be deeply unsuccessful (21:57). Later, Sean is joined by Amanda Dobbins and Adam Nayman to discuss one of their favorite movies of the year so far: Matt Johnson’s ‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie.’ They talk through why the movie is so hysterical, how its sincerity makes the movie feel moving, and why it became an instant cult classic (49:10). Finally, Sean is joined by Johnson to discuss why he felt he needed to make this movie right now, how having no knowledge of the original series actually makes the movie better, and what he’s doing next with ‘Nirvanna the Band the Show’ Season 3, as well as his Anthony Bourdain biopic ‘Tony,’ starring Dominic Sessa (1:18:45). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Matt Johnson, Adam Nayman, and Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open today’s jam-packed show by covering the results of the BAFTA Awards and highlighting some key takeaways, including Sean Penn's and Wunmi Mosaku’s wins (2:30). Then, they discuss a new release, ‘How to Make a Killing,’ starring Glen Powell, and work through why the movie was dumped (and then bombed) and why they found it to be pretty solid (14:47). Next, they take a second look at ‘Sinners’ and revisit all of the things that make it so special, including the magical moviemaking, its sharp understanding and rendering of sex and desire, and its brilliant use of music (25:32). Later, they update their Best Picture Power Rankings (1:06:37). Finally, Sean is joined by Academy Award–nominated cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw to nerd out and get into the nitty-gritty of aspect ratios and anamorphic glass, discuss where ‘Sinners’ fits into her career at large, and explain why she enjoys shooting difficult scenes that require problem-solving (1:29:58). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Autumn Durald Arkapaw Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to talk garbage crime and the litany of films that have been influenced by the likes of 'Heat'. They also discuss the life and career of Robert Duvall and his major influence in post-1960s Hollywood. They also talk about the bidding war for Warner Bros. Later, Sean is joined by filmmaker Bart Layton, director of 'Crime 101,' to discuss his influences and inspirations for the film. HOST: Sean Fennessey GUESTS: Chris Ryan and Bart Layton PRODUCERS: Jack Sanders and Steve Ahlman Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan, Joanna Robisnon, and The Ankler’s Katey Rich to right the Academy’s wrongs by drafting the biggest Oscars snubs of all time. Before diving in though, they briefly cover this year’s Best Picture race (2:00). Then, they introduce the new categories and rules for this format and draft (12:33). Next, Sean and Amanda briefly cover Óliver Laxe’s ‘Sirāt’ and talk through its deeply affective emotional provocation  (2:06:21). Finally, Sean is joined by Laxe to explain why he feels like the audience dies while watching his film, how he experienced rave culture before portraying it on screen, and why creating transformative images that evoke feeling is the most crucial aspect of cinema (2:16:16).  Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Óliver Laxe, Chris Ryan, Joanna Robinson, and Katey Rich Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Sam Sanders from the Sam Sanders Show to break down two new horny and thorny releases. They begin the show with an extensive and fascinating conversation about Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights,’ starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi (2:22). They explain why they found her provocation unsuccessful, why Robbie and Elordi were miscast in their roles, and how the film doesn’t look nearly as good as it should. Then, they discuss Harry Lighton’s delightful debut feature, ‘Pillion,’ starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, which they all absolutely adored (1:02:13). Finally, Sean is joined by Lighton to discuss how he approached adapting the original source material for the film, why he purposefully avoided classic biker and leather films as inspiration, and how he coordinates intimacy on screen (1:23:33). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Harry Lighton and Sam Sanders Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show by reacting to every movie trailer from the Super Bowl, including those for David Fincher’s ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’ and Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ (1:25). Then, they talk through their experience at the DGA Awards this past weekend and explain what it’s actually like at an awards show (33:15). Finally, Sean is joined by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the directors of ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ to discuss why they wanted to make a movie for themselves first and foremost, how legendary Korean directors Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook inspired their filmmaking style, and the importance of writing interesting and strong female characters (1:25:38). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans Producer: Jack Sanders Video Producers: Sarah Reddy, Donald LoBianco, and Ryan Todd Audio Producers: Devon Baroldi and Kevin Cureghian Additional Production Support: Nick Kosut and T Cruz A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time in show history we’re doing a “listener’s choice” episode! We gave you four options and you ultimately decided to go with a 2008 Movie Swap featuring ‘The Strangers’ and ‘Mamma Mia!’ Before diving in, Sean and Amanda preview the Super Bowl this Sunday and talk through the potential trailers for some of the year’s biggest movies (2:27). Then, they explain what a Movie Swap is exactly (8:42), and discuss ‘The Strangers’ (16:59) and ‘Mamma Mia!’ (48:38) Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open today’s action-packed show by discussing the incredible box office success of Markiplier’s self-financed ‘Iron Lung,’ and they talk through how it could possibly impact the future of moviegoing and studio strategy (2:32). Then, they react to breaking news in real time, with Nancy Meyers’s new film starring Penélope Cruz, Kieran Culkin, and Jude Law being dated for December 2027 (17:22). Next, they honor the legendary actor Catherine O’Hara following her passing and briefly build her Hall of Fame (21:58). Following that, Sean shares his 10 favorite movies from the Sundance Film Festival and highlights ‘Josephine’ as emotionally devastating and a major standout (27:16). Later, they discuss two recent releases in ‘People We Meet on Vacation,’ which they found to be quite disappointing (43:12), and the Charli xcx mockumentary ‘The Moment,’ which they both thoroughly enjoyed (1:07:16). Finally, Sean is joined by legendary production designer Jack Fisk to discuss all things ‘Marty Supreme,’ his incredibly detail-oriented creative process behind building a new world, and what he learned from working with filmmakers like Terrence Malick, David Lynch, and Paul Thomas Anderson (1:21:57). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Jack Fisk Producer: Jack Sanders A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices