The Rings of Power - S02E08 - Shadow and Flame

Mark from the Academy of Death Racers and Rambling Cinema joins Elysia to talk about what she considers three of the most important Oscar categories: International Films (formerly Films Not in the English Language) and the two writing awards – Adapted and Original Screenplay.Avoiding spoilers for those who haven't seen the movies, they talk through what makes or breaks these 15 films, which include Best Picture nominees Emilia Pérez, I'm Still Here, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Nickel Boys, The Brutalist, The Substance, and Anora. (Though Elysia will argue that A Real Pain and Sing Sing should have been Best Picture nominees as well / instead.)Stick around until after the credits for updates from last night's Independent Spirit Awards, and what that says about the state of the Oscar race.Links referenced in the ep:Rambling Cinema (Nottingham, UK)The Substance screenplay BTSCoralie Fargeat's Reality+ shortThe 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 pm (on ABC in the US)Check how many Oscar nominees you've seen at OscarsDeathRace.com – or with extended stats at DeathRaceTracking.comOscars 2025 by categoryOscars 2025 overivew (mini-episode)Animated Features & Shorts + Oscar campaigningOriginal Scores & Songs (Nevermind the Oscars Music)Documentary Features & Shorts + BAFTAs updateLive-Action Shorts + the Emotion MixerInternational + Adapted & Original Screenplays (this ep)Still to comeBlockbuster (Tech) AwardsActing & Directing AwardsBest Picture NomineesDeep dives into 2025 Oscar nomineesThe Emilia Pérez controversyWickedConclaveDune: Part TwoNosferatuAlien: RomulusKingdom of the Planet of the ApesRevisit last year's Oscar seriesOscars 2024 OverviewBest Picture Nominees, Acting, Directing, WritingAnimated, International, Documentary, Shorts"Below the Line" (Tech) CategoriesPost-Ceremony Wrap-UpContact UsQuestions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lorehounds@thelorehounds.com.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

23 Feb 2h 1min

To talk about one of her favorite categories of every Oscar race, this year's five emotional Live-Action Shorts nominees, Elysia brings in Katherine Oktober Matthews, the inventer of a tool called the Emotion Mixer – a framework for breaking down the rich palate of emotional storytelling. They'll give you the premise of each short and also how it will make you feel, so you can decide which you might want to watch for yourself before the big day – or at least be informed who is in the race for making predictions and rooting for winners!Links referenced in the ep:Katherine Oktober Matthews (website)The Emotion MixerThe Craft w/ Katherine (Wool-Shift-Dust Spooktober special)The 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 pm (on ABC in the US)Check how many Oscar nominees you've seen at OscarsDeathRace.com – or with extended stats at DeathRaceTracking.comOscars 2025 by categoryOscars 2025 overivew (mini-episode)Animated Features & Shorts + Oscar campaigningOriginal Scores & Songs (Nevermind the Oscars Music)Documentary Features & Shorts + BAFTAs updateLive-Action Shorts + the Emotion Mixer (this episode)Still to comeWriting & International AwardsBlockbuster (Tech) AwardsActing & Directing AwardsBest Picture NomineesDeep dives into 2025 Oscar nomineesThe Emilia Pérez controversyWickedConclaveDune: Part TwoNosferatuAlien: RomulusKingdom of the Planet of the ApesRevisit last year's Oscar seriesOscars 2024 OverviewBest Picture Nominees, Acting, Directing, WritingAnimated, International, Documentary, Shorts"Below the Line" (Tech) CategoriesPost-Ceremony Wrap-UpContact UsQuestions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lorehounds@thelorehounds.com.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

19 Feb 55min

Documentary Editor Rebecca June Lane joins Elysia to talk through what makes a good documentary in general, and what in particular makes this year's crop of Documentary Feature and Documentary Short nominees good. You'll walk away with an overview of what exactly is nominated and why, what's likely to win, and which films you might want to add to your own watchlist.Links referenced in the ep:Rebecca June Lane's IMDb pageTrailer: Girls Gone Wild: the Untold StoryJohn Oliver explains the West BankLive-Action Short: "I Am Not a Robot"The 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 pm (on ABC in the US)Check how many Oscar nominees you've seen at OscarsDeathRace.com – or with extended stats at DeathRaceTracking.comOscars 2025 by categoryOscars 2025 overivew (mini-episode)Animated Features & Shorts + Oscar campaigningOriginal Scores & Songs (Nevermind the Oscars Music)Documentary Features & Shorts (this episode)Still to comeLive-Action Shorts + the Emotion MixerWriting & International AwardsBlockbuster (Tech) AwardsActing & Directing AwardsBest Picture NomineesDeep dives into 2025 Oscar nomineesThe Emilia Pérez controversyWickedConclaveDune: Part TwoNosferatuAlien: RomulusKingdom of the Planet of the ApesRevisit last year's Oscar seriesOscars 2024 OverviewBest Picture Nominees, Acting, Directing, WritingAnimated, International, Documentary, Shorts"Below the Line" (Tech) CategoriesPost-Ceremony Wrap-UpContact UsQuestions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lorehounds@thelorehounds.com.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

18 Feb 1h 23min

David welcomes Mark and Nicole from Nevermind the Music to discuss Questlove's groundbreaking documentary on Saturday Night Live's musical legacy. Together they explore the documentary's stunning opening medley, the show's role as a cultural signal booster, and how SNL revolutionized live music on television.This preview episode features highlights from their conversation about SNL's most iconic musical moments. For the complete discussion, including deep dives into musical impersonations, legendary performances, and behind-the-scenes production insights, subscribe to Nevermind the Music.Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: lorehounds@thelorehounds.comLinks to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates linktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

17 Feb 29min

Note: This podcast begins with a spoiler-free review for those who have not yet seen the film.Marilyn (student and teacher of ritual), Anthony (religious studies professor), David (cinematography aficionado), and Elysia (walking BTS reel) team up to select the next pope – or at least to dive into all the philosophy, politics, and fantastic filmmaking of Conclave, the 8x-Oscar-nominated movie all about that process.Link referenced in the ep:Playing the Cristal Baschet (instrument)Coming next – Documentary Features & ShortsThe 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 pm (on ABC in the US)Check how many Oscar nominees you've seen at OscarsDeathRace.com – or with extended stats at DeathRaceTracking.comOscars 2025 by categoryOscars 2025 overivew (mini-episode)Animated Features & Shorts + Oscar campaigningOriginal Scores & Songs (Nevermind the Oscars Music)Deep dives into 2025 Oscar nomineesThe Emilia Pérez controversyWickedDune: Part TwoNosferatuAlien: RomulusKingdom of the Planet of the ApesRevisit last year's Oscar seriesOscars 2024 OverviewBest Picture Nominees, Acting, Directing, WritingAnimated, International, Documentary, Shorts"Below the Line" (Tech) CategoriesPost-Ceremony Wrap-UpContact UsQuestions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lorehounds@thelorehounds.com.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

15 Feb 1h 46min

Elysia and John break down the first full trailer for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video. They discuss their hopes for the season with full book spoilers.Links Referenced: Teaser, New Trailer, Mat PromoSign up for the One-Time Season PassWheel of Time Season PassContact UsQuestions or comments? Send emails to: wot@thelorehounds.comLinks to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

15 Feb 41min

Mark joins Elysia for a Nevermind the Oscars crossover event to discuss the Best Original Score and Best Original Song nominees at the 2025 Oscars. Expect many music clips and much analysis, and to walk away with a new appreciation for Diane Warren and musicians who destroy pianos.Links referenced in the ep:Nevermind the Music: "Defying Gravity"Playing the Cristal Baschet (Conclave)Making The Brutalist Score (prepared pianos)Coming next – Spotlight: ConclaveThe 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 pm (on ABC in the US)Check how many Oscar nominees you've seen at OscarsDeathRace.com – or with extended stats at DeathRaceTracking.comOscars 2025 by categoryOscars 2025 overivew (mini-episode)Animated Features & Shorts + Oscar campaigningDeep dives into 2025 Oscar nomineesThe Emilia Pérez controversyWickedDune: Part TwoNosferatuAlien: RomulusKingdom of the Planet of the ApesRevisit last year's Oscar seriesOscars 2024 OverviewBest Picture Nominees, Acting, Directing, WritingAnimated, International, Documentary, Shorts"Below the Line" (Tech) CategoriesPost-Ceremony Wrap-UpContact UsQuestions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to lorehounds@thelorehounds.com.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

14 Feb 1h 43min

David and John return to a galaxy far, far away to resume the Star Wars Film Fest: their series discussing each main Star Wars film in order. They talk about what the original Star Wars movie meant to them and their generations, the changes George Lucas brought to his later updates, and the impact Star Wars has had on the greater science fiction community.Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliateslinktr.ee/thelorehoundsContact UsDeep lore questions, comments and/or thoughts to share? Send us an email at starwars@thelorehounds.comAny opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

11 Feb 1h 33min