Blank Check with Griffin & David Critical Darlings: The Oscar Nominations Recap (And Also Some Talk About F1)
15 snips
Jan 22, 2026 Join in as the hosts delve into the Oscar nominations, highlighting the astonishing 16 nods for Sinners underlining its awards momentum. They debate the cinematography of Hamnet and Train Dreams while revealing the complexities of Oscar voting and timing. Expect discussions on surprising omissions like Delroy Lindo and the unexpected Best Picture nomination for F1, which managed to impress voters with its star power and technical appeal. The collapse of Wicked: For Good also sparks intriguing industry insights. Get ready for a lively awards-season analysis!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Big Contenders Squeeze Craft Categories
- Big awards contenders can crowd out craft slots, leaving commercially minded films like Wicked with no room.
- Academy slot limits often force voters to prioritize politically or artistically resonant films over showbiz tentpoles.
Begonia's Divisive Rise To Acting Nod
- Alison and Richard discuss Begonia's surprising Best Actress nomination for Emma Stone despite the film's divisive reception.
- They note Yorgos Lanthimos' trajectory from divisive indie auteur to regular Oscar favorite.
Late Sales Harm Awards Momentum
- Late sales to distributors can compress awards runs and weaken campaign momentum.
- Alison notes Searchlight's late pickup of Lee's film likely hurt its Oscars traction.
