Welcome to the first official episode of the What Are You Watching New Hollywood Film Project, where we examine films of the New Hollywood era, with a primary focus on 1970s classics.

In this episode, Alex and Nick break down Bob Rafelson’s “Five Easy Pieces.” The guys discuss Rafelson’s career, BBS Productions, a struggling B-movie actor/writer/director named Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, The Monkees, chicken salad sandwiches, and one of the best endings in all of cinema.

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Alex and Nick list their favorite films from the great movie year 1997. Topics include Matt and Ben writing their Oscar ticket, the six pack of Cusack, the genius of “L.A. Confidential,” Pam Grier not being nominated (!), and how a little movie called “Titanic” dominated pop culture for more than a year.

Would you like to know more?

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Alex has spent the past month watching every film the dearly departed Gene Hackman was in. In this solo episode, Alex looks back at Hackman’s career and highlights the dozens of legendary characters he played.

Rest in peace, Gene. We love you, we miss you.

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The guys review a film Alex has been obsessed with for decades, and Nick just watched for the first time. William Friedkin’s “The French Connection” won Best Picture and helped kickstart American ‘70s cinema. Stray topics include the film’s influence on the art form, picking your feet in Poughkeepsie, Friedkin’s career, the dearly departed Gene Hackman, the most infamous car chase in cinema history, and much more.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman. We love you, we miss you.

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March 2 was the greatest day of all. Alex, Nick, and friend-of-the-pod Dan excitedly react to the 97th Academy Awards, which have become Alex’s favorite Oscar show ever. Sean Baker makes history, Mikey Madison soars, Brody rambles, Culkin gets sincere, and Alex and Nick absolutely lose their minds when “Anora” takes five.

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Many categories heading into the 97th Academy Awards are wide open. As Alex and Nick break down the narratives of every race, topics include “Anora’s” overall chances, potential mini-waves from “Conclave” and/or “Wicked,” Demi vs. Mikey, Timmy vs. Brody, "Flow" vs. "The Wild Robot," important nominated documentaries, why acting sweeps happen, and so much more.

Tune in to Instagram Live at WAYW_Podcast the day of the awards for our final Oscar picks. Sunday March 2, 2025, 2:30p.m. PST.

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Alex and Nick list their favorite films of 2024, a low-key good year for movies if you look in the right places. The guys then review some Oscar-nominated films and break down the wild controversy surrounding “Emilia Perez,” before ending with a speechless WAYW segment.

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No Denzel, no Nicole, no “Challengers”?! Are Culkin and Saldaña committing category fraud? Does anyone even like “Emilia Pérez”?
Alex and Nick present a special live episode of their reactions to the 2025 Oscar nominations.
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