Next Best Picture Podcast

For Episode 441, on Mother's Day and the night of our departure to Cannes, I am joined by Dan Bayer & Giovanni Lago as we deliver our final preview of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and which films we're most excited to see, which is also the theme of this week's poll as we ask, "Which Films From The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Excited To See?" We also reveal the winner of last week's poll asking, "Which 2025 Summer Movie Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "Highest 2 Lowest," "Honey Don't," "The Long Walk," and "The Conjuring: Last Rites," answer your fan-submitted questions and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode. We will see you all next week on the Croisette. Au revoir! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeU

For this week's main podcast review, Cody Dericks, Ema Sasic, Josh Parham, Katie Johnson, and Dan Bayer are reviewing and discussing "Clown In A Cornfield," based on the 2020 novel of the same name, directed and co-written by Eli Craig and starring Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac, Kevin Durand & Will Sasso. The slasher film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival to positive reviews and is being released by RLJE Films and Shudder. What did we think of the adaptation, the kills, the story, and its comedy? Please tune in as we touch upon these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://

Over the past several decades, Jia Zhangke has emerged as China's foremost cinematic chronicler, capturing the nation's rapid 21st-century transformation and its impact on everyday lives with a uniquely expressive, ethnographic lens. His first fiction film in six years, "Caught by the Tides" (which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews), is the purest distillation of his work, a grand, impressionistic mosaic blending two decades of footage, behind-the-scenes reels, and fictionalized elements to reflect on cultural and emotional shifts. Though narratively abstract and best appreciated by those familiar with his oeuvre, the film's patient, almost hypnotic structure, culminating in a poignant love story centered on longtime collaborator Zhao Tao, offers a moving, cosmic meditation on time, place, and the digital age's effect on human experience. Zhangke was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us over Zoom about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to bel

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with the first animated Best Picture nominee since 1991's "Beauty And The Beast," Disney Pixar's "Up," starring Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai & Bob Peterson. Hot off the heels of "Wall-E"the year prior, Pete Docter's film about an elderly man who gets reconnected with life in the aftermath of his wife's passing continued Pixar's hot streak with critics, audiences, and the Academy. Did this one float to the top of our favorite Pixar films? Please join Alyssa Christian, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, Cody Dericks, guest Nick Spake and me as we discuss our thoughts on the story, characters, animation, score, iconic opening montage, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.co

"Clown In A Cornfield" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its adaptation of the 2020 novel by Adam Cesare, the performances from the cast, and the bloody fun direction from filmmaker Eli Craig. Craig and stars Katie Douglas and Kevin Durand were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will open in theaters on May 9th from RLJE Films and Shudder. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn mo

Few shows face the criticism from all sides that “The Oscars” do. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan know that better than most. They’ve produced the last two Academy Awards, facing the challenge head-on and boosting ratings along the way. The Academy and ABC have taken notice, quickly announcing Kapoor and Mullan as the producers of next year’s Oscars, along with returning host Conan O’Brien. In an exclusive conversation with Daniel Howat from Next Best Picture, Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan discuss their approach to producing “The Oscars,” honoring the crafts behind the films, and the challenge of the time crunch. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPic

"Adolescence" is quite possibly the buzziest and best show of 2025. A cultural phenomenon all over the world, particularly within the UK (it was the first streaming show to place at the top of the Barb Audiences weekly television ratings), the series has received universal critical acclaim for its directing, writing, one-take cinematography, and performances. Director Philip Barantini was kind enough to spend some time speaking with Daniel Howat about his work on all four episodes of the series while star Erin Doherty spoke with Nadia Dalimonte about her haunting work in Episode 3, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Netflix. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHi

"Mid-Century Modern" is a new American comedy television series created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan that stars Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Linda Lavin, and Nathan Lee Graham. It tells the story of three gay best friends of a certain age, after an unexpected death, who move in together in Palm Springs, California. Living with the wealthiest friend's mother, they navigate their golden years as a chosen family, supporting each other through life's challenges. It has received positive reviews, and the first ten episodes are now available to stream. Nathan Lee Graham was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Hulu and Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The nominations for the 78th annual Tony Awards were announced earlier this week and were led by "Buena Vista Social Club," "Death Becomes Her," and "Maybe Happy Ending," with ten nominations each. "Dead Outlaw," "The Hills of California," "John Proctor Is the Villain" and "Sunset Boulevard" followed with seven nominations each. What did Cody Dericks, Lauren LaMagna & Dan Bayer think of this year's nominees? Which nominations surprised them, made them happy, and left them feeling the most disappointed? Please tune in below to listen to their thoughts and find out. NBT will return with a winner predictions episode shortly before the 2025 Tony Awards on June 8th. Thank you for all of your support. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-

For Episode 440, I am joined by Josh Parham, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer & Giovanni Lago as we preview the 2025 Summer Movie Season with the films we're most excited to see. This is also the theme of this week's poll as we ask, "Which 2025 Summer Movie Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" and we reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of "Thunderbolts*" asking, "What Is Your Favorite Movie About A Ragtag Group Of Misfits?" We also give our reactions to the trailers for "The Smashing Machine," "Weapons," "Sorry, Baby," "Now You See Me: Now You Don't," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW

For this week's main podcast review, Lauren LaMagna, Cody Dericks, Tom O'Brien, and I are reviewing and discussing the latest film from Marvel Studios, "Thunderbolts*," starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen & Julia Louis-Dreyfus. At a time when the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) needs a shot in the arm, this ragtag group of antiheroes has come together under the direction of "Beef" filmmaker Jake Schreier to deliver one of the franchise's freshest films in years as it tackles themes of loneliness, depression, and camaraderie. What did we think of the story, performances, action, humor, score, and how it sets up the future of the MCU? Please tune in as we touch upon these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id108767838

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The Next Best Series Podcast is back to discuss the latest television shows, including the season finale of "The White Lotus," and the returns of "The Last Of Us," "Andor," and reigning Outstanding Comedy Series champion "Hacks." We also go over the second annual Gotham TV Award nominations, the trailers for "Wednesday" Season Two, "Duster," "Sirens," and "The Better Sister." Please tune in as Megan Lachinski, Daniel Howat, and Giovanni Lago join me to discuss these topics and shows such as "Dying For Sex," "Paradise," "Say Nothing," "Your Friends & Neighbors," "The Rehearsal," "The Four Seasons" and more! Please tune in as we examine which ones might receive Emmy nominations and more as Emmy season continues! We'll be back with another new episode later this month. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy it! Check

"The Surfer" had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Midnight section, where it received positive reviews for its style, placing you in the psychological headspace of Nicolas Cage's character as he revisits his childhood beach to surf with his son. Humiliated by locals, he becomes entangled in an escalating conflict that pushes him to his limits. Director Lorcan Finnegan was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $

"Another Simple Favor" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its sharp writing, juicy performances, and delicious costume design. Continuing the story from 2018's "A Simple Favor," director Paul Feig and stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Andrew Rannells, and Henry Golding, all returned, along with new faces and a new setting in Capri Italy for the Amazon Prime Video release. The result is a bigger movie in nearly every regard, with plenty of twists and turns in Stephanie and Emily's relationship. Feig was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpY

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture Our 2009 retrospective continues with the breakout English Sundance hit of the year, "An Education," starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Rosamund Pike, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams, and Emma Thompson. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, the film was acclaimed by critics, audiences, and the Academy and singlehandedly shot Carey Mulligan to stardom. How does it hold up 16 years later? What do we think of it? Please join Ema Sasic, Alyssa Christian, Josh Parham, Dan Bayer, and me as we discuss our thoughts on the performances from the ensemble, the writing, the ending, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review! Thank you! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts

"Out Of My Mind" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances, portrayal of cerebral palsy, writing, and direction. Based on Sharon M. Draper's 2010 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of Melody Brooks, a nonverbal young girl with cerebral palsy who has a sharp mind and a photographic memory. The movie follows her journey as she navigates sixth grade and fights to be heard and understood. She eventually receives a speech-generating device to express her thoughts and feelings. Actors Phoebe-Rae Taylor, Luke Kirby, and Director Ambert Sealey were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id10876

"Severance" is one of the most beloved and popular series in the world right now. After waiting for the second season for nearly three years, it was finally released to positive reviews and an enthusiastic response from fans earlier this year. One of the brightest spots of this season was the character of Gemma Scout/Ms. Casey, played by Dichen Lachman. Lachman was given a showcase in "Chikhai Bardo," episode seven of the second season, as Gemma and Mark's backstory was fleshed out, allowing Lachman to delve deeper into the character. Lachman was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about her work on the show, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is now available to stream in full on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - http

"Thunderbolts*" marks a potentially major turning point within the MCU as it brings a group of anti-heroes together to face a new threat and forces them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. The marketing has been called out for its A24 style, with particular early positive reactions directed towards the cast and director Jake Schreier's more grounded approach to the filmmaking. Schreier and the film's Oscar-nominated composers, Ryan Lott, Rafiq Bhatia, and Ian Chang (otherwise known as "Son Lux"), were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is opening in theaters on May 2nd from Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIz

For Episode 439, I am joined by Katie Johnson, Lauren LaMagna, and Will Mavity to discuss the announcement of the new rules for the Academy Awards and the additions to the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. We also reveal the winner of last week's poll for the release of "The Accountant 2" asking, "Which Is Your Favorite Ben Affleck performance?" and ask this week's poll question for the release of "Thunderbolts*" asking "What Is Your Favorite Movie About A Ragtag Group Of Misfits?" We also react to the trailers for "Predator: Badlands," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Heads Of State," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, supporting, and subscribing. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you all next week. Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.

For this week's main podcast review, Joselyn Safadi, Giovanni Lago, Megan Lachinski, Will Mavity, and I are reviewing and discussing the latest film from Gavin O'Connor, "The Accountant 2," starring Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniella Pineda & J. K. Simmons. It's been nine years since the release of "The Accountant," and the film has garnered quite a following since then. Now, the creative forces behind that film are finally back to give us a more entertaining sequel that leans on the brother relationship between Chris and Braxton, allowing Affleck and Bernthal to charm audiences and simultaneously kick human traffickers' asses. What did we think of the story, performances, humor, and action? Please tune in as we touch upon these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - h