The Big Picture

Chris Ryan, writer and pod contributor who loves film lists, and Bill Simmons, sports and pop-culture writer with big movie memories, draft favorites from 1988. They debate blockbuster picks like Die Hard and Big. They revisit VHS culture, star power, and which films defined late‑80s moviegoing. Nostalgia, controversy, and surprising wildcards fuel lively tradeoffs and friendly trash talk.

Steven Spielberg, legendary filmmaker behind Jaws, E.T., and Schindler's List, discusses his six-decade career and new sci‑fi film Disclosure Day. He talks about childhood movie memories, evolving tones in his sci‑fi work, on-set process and storyboarding, thoughts on UAPs and theology, why theaters matter, and a planned Western. Short, reflective, and full of filmmaking anecdotes.

Phil Lord, filmmaker known for inventive, high-profile films, and Chris Miller, filmmaker celebrated for visual inventiveness and collaboration, join to discuss Project Hail Mary. They talk practical puppetry, building rotating ship sets, and making complex science feel clear. Conversations cover tactile production design, score choices, and the logistics of shooting ambitious space scenes.

They react to the new Dune: Part Three trailer and its star-studded casting. They break down scheduling fights with Avengers and how IMAX strategy and theatrical windows matter. They discuss Bradley Cooper’s Ocean’s 11 prequel news and Universal’s move to extend theatrical windows. They open the mailbag for a post-Oscars hangover about the telecast’s tone, awards momentum, and industry next steps.

Instant reactions to the 98th Academy Awards and the telecast’s highs and lows. A deep look at One Battle After Another sweeping major prizes and what that means for movie lovers. Conversation about Michael B. Jordan’s powerful Best Actor speech and its industry ripple effects. Notes on historic wins, casting as a voting signal, memorable musical and comedy moments, and surprising technical victories.

They lock in their final 2026 Oscar picks and debate likely winners across major categories. They react to the new Spielberg trailer Disclosure Day and trace its themes. They preview how the broadcast might run, discuss Conan hosting and song performances, and argue heatedly over acting races, Best Picture frontrunners, and craft categories like editing, sound, and visual effects.

They unpack a big opening weekend for Pixar’s Hoppers and debate its strengths and flaws. They react to WGA and ASC awards and tease Cannes premiere hopes. They share memorable movie theater experiences, argue over what defines a 2020s film aesthetic, and trade guilty-pleasure and desert-island movie picks. Plus news about a new Conan movie and studio strategy for big IP.

They unpack a bold reimagining of Frankenstein set in 1930s Chicago, debating ambition, messy choices, and standout performances. They compile a lively list of the wildest reboots and reimaginings in movie history. They revisit a gripping political thriller to praise its worldbuilding and a towering central performance. They close by surveying this year’s documentary nominees and the trends shaping what gets recognized.

Wesley Morris, Pulitzer Prize–winning critic and columnist, brings historical and cultural insight. They unpack Paramount’s purchase of Warner and the toll on jobs and indie film ecology. They trace the wild awards season tug-of-war between One Battle After Another and Sinners. Then they kick off their playful sixth annual Alternative Oscars with inventive category picks.

Matt Johnson, filmmaker behind Nirvanna the Band the Show, talks about his Toronto-made movie, time-travel satire, and upcoming projects like Tony and a Magic: The Gathering adaptation. Adam Nayman, Toronto critic, provides local cinema context and why the film feels like a cult launch. Chris Ryan, film critic, breaks down franchise casting and industry moves including Heat 2 and Scream 7 shifts.