The "Anything But Oscars" Mailbag! Plus: ‘Hoppers’ - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2026-03-09

Duration: 2 hr 5 min

Summary

In this episode, Sean Fennesey and Amanda Dobbins address listener questions ahead of the Oscars while also discussing Pixar's latest release, Hoppers. They explore the shifting landscape of original films and the implications of Hoppers' box office success.

What Happened

Sean Fennesey and Amanda Dobbins kick off the episode by announcing their upcoming live event on Instagram, timed right before the Oscars. They emphasize the earlier start time of the Oscars telecast this year, encouraging listeners to tune in for their live reactions after the event. The duo shares their thoughts on the recent precursor awards, noting significant wins that may influence Oscar predictions. They discuss the WGA Awards and the American Society of Cinematographers Awards, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s awards season and their ongoing uncertainty about the outcomes.

The conversation then shifts to Pixar's new film, Hoppers, which performed impressively at the box office with an $81 million worldwide opening. Sean points out that this marks the biggest opening for an original Pixar film since Coco in 2017, suggesting a potential shift in audience preferences away from franchise films. Amanda agrees, noting the appeal of Hoppers’ simplicity and its animal-centric marketing, which resonated particularly well with younger audiences. They reflect on Pixar's recent struggles and how Hoppers might represent a return to form for the studio, hinting at a broader trend of audiences embracing fresh, original content in cinema.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What were the key takeaways from the WGA Awards?

Sean and Amanda note that the WGA Awards split between adapted and original screenplay categories, resulting in no clear frontrunner emerging for the Oscars. The uncertainty around these outcomes reflects the tight race in this year's award season, with both of them agreeing that they have learned little about the state of the race.

How did the American Society of Cinematographers Awards impact Oscar predictions?

Michael Bauman's win for cinematography at the ASC Awards is significant, as it gives him the trifecta of cinematography precursors. Sean and Amanda believe this win indicates a strong chance for Bauman at the Oscars, suggesting that this year may be more predictable than previously thought.

What is the significance of Hoppers' box office performance?

Hoppers' $81 million opening is noted as the largest for an original Pixar movie since Coco. Sean highlights this success as indicative of a possible shift in audience preferences, moving away from established franchises towards original storytelling, which is particularly appealing to younger viewers.

What marketing strategies contributed to Hoppers' success?

Amanda points out that the marketing campaign’s focus on an animal at the center of the film was effective, especially for children. This simplicity in the promotional material resonated with families, leading to a strong turnout at the box office.

What were Sean and Amanda's predictions for the Oscars?

While Sean and Amanda have been contemplating their Oscar predictions, they express uncertainty leading up to the awards. They plan to share their finalized predictions later in the week, indicating a dynamic and evolving landscape in the awards race.