Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Jack Harlow ‘Got Blacker,’ Spring Break in Houston, and an Oscars Recap With ‘The Big Picture’
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Mar 17, 2026 
Amanda Dobbins, film critic and co-host of The Big Picture, and Sean Fennessey, film critic and co-host of The Big Picture, join to unpack the Oscars and the awards season. They discuss major wins, voting dynamics, standout films, snubs, and how campaigns and cultural conversations shaped results. Short, sharp takes and lively film debate throughout.
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Performative Moves Backfire Without Clear Intention
- Jack Harlow's sudden pivot to neo-soul felt performative because his explanations (album name, Kangol hat, 'I got blacker') lacked depth and specificity.
- Rachel and Van argued that cultural expression reads as authentic when it's effortless, not when it appears engineered for attention.
Engage With Community Through Real Investment
- If a white artist wants to meaningfully engage with Black culture, invest in community programs or institutions rather than surface aesthetics.
- Van suggested building schools or funding sustained initiatives as credible, beneficial gestures.
Big Claims Need Deep Context In Lyrics
- LaRussell's lyric equating historical monsters with 'heaven sent' felt like an undercooked provocation that required deeper context to land.
- Van noted artists tackling big ideas must 'show their work' or risk sounding shallow when invoking figures like Hitler or Epstein.