The Oscar Hangover Mailbag. Plus: 'Dune: Part Three' Is Coming! - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2026-03-17

Duration: 1 hr 50 min

What Happened

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins begin by analyzing the recent Oscars, noting that 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' were highly successful and widely viewed films. They reflect on how these films, which grossed over $200 million and $400 million respectively, had a significant cultural impact and were strong contenders for Best Picture.

The episode continues with a discussion about 'Dune: Part Three,' which is set to release on December 18, 2026, the same day as 'Avengers Doomsday.' Fennessey and Dobbins speculate on the potential box office clash and note that 'Dune Part 3' will have exclusive rights to IMAX screens on its opening weekend, a factor that might influence its success.

Fennessey and Dobbins express optimism about the current state of cinema, highlighting the return of original storytelling and the rise of genre films at the Oscars. They discuss the success of films like 'Sinners' and 'Weapons,' which made a mark at the Oscars and suggest that the Academy is becoming more receptive to genre films.

The hosts critique the Oscars telecast, particularly the aggressive playing off of winners during their speeches. They suggest that the transition to YouTube in 2029 could allow for more flexibility and experimentation in the format, potentially leading to longer speeches and more creative ways to engage audiences.

Conan O'Brien's performance as Oscars host is reviewed positively, and Fennessey and Dobbins express their desire to see him return. They also discuss other potential hosts, including Kumail Nanjiani, who recently demonstrated his hosting capabilities at the DGAs.

The episode touches on the historical context of the Oscars, with Fennessey and Dobbins reflecting on how rare it is for their favorite film to win Best Picture. They note that 'One Battle After Another' is one of the few instances where their favorite film of the year coincided with the Academy's choice.

Fennessey and Dobbins explore the potential future of the Oscars, considering the impact of streaming platforms and the role of the Academy in supporting movie theaters. They suggest that the Oscars could implement requirements for films to have theatrical runs to qualify for Best Picture, thereby supporting cinemas.

Finally, the hosts discuss the careers of various actors and filmmakers, contemplating who might join the ranks of Oscar winners in the future. They highlight Emma Stone as a strong contender for future recognition and speculate on the impact of filmmakers like Ryan Coogler and Denis Villeneuve in shaping the future of cinema.

Key Insights