The Oscar Project Podcast

Jonathan Ytreberg
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Film History
  • Updated Semiweekly

A discussion of all the films nominated for Oscars, starting in 1929, plus interviews with filmmakers and authors writing about the film industry.

  1. 4.54-Trader Horn with Rob Thomas

    6d ago

    4.54-Trader Horn with Rob Thomas

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Trader Horn. I'm joined by Rob Thomas from the Not That Rob Thomas newsletter and we talk about how the film is at times an adventure story and at others a nature documentary, the sometimes surprising amount of violence on display in the film , and the most obnoxious pith helmet this side of the Sahara. You can watch Trader Horn online or purchase a copy for yourself and be sure to check out Rob's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: City Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinWhite Shadows in the South Seas directed by W. S. Van DykeThe Thin Man directed by W. S. Van DykeThe Great Gatsby (1949) directed by Elliott NugentForbidden Planet (1956) directed by Fred M. WilcoxHallelujah! directed by King VidorMr. Smith Goes to Washington directed by Frank CapraMission: Impossible directed by Brian De PalmaThe Bridge of San Luis Rey (lost film) directed by Charles BrabinTrader Horn (1973) directed by Lewis J. RachmilTrader Hornee directed by Jonathan LucasTrader Horn: The Journey Back directed by Clyde LucasSpace Balls directed by Mel BrooksCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesEast Lynne directed by Frank LloydThe Front Page directed by Lewis MilestoneSkippy directed by Norman TaurogOther referenced topics: Trader Horn (book) by Alfred Aloysius "Trader" Horn and Ethelreda LewisDoom Patrol (comic)Doom Patrol (series)The Cisco Kid (series)New York Times reviewTime Magazine reviewVariety reviewRip Jagger on Rip Jagger’s DojoSupport the show

    44 min
  2. 4.53-Filmmaker Interview with Misha Calvert

    Jun 23

    4.53-Filmmaker Interview with Misha Calvert

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Misha Calvert, director of the short film “Fault,” an exploration of buried trauma that threatens the career of a star tennis player on the eve of the U.S. Open. Listen to hear about the story that was adapted from the personal story of the film's star, the potential alternate setting for the film that still comes through in the final product, and how they found the fantastic home that the film uses as its main setting. Books mentioned in this episode include: The Prophet by Kahlil GibranFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Fault” directed by Misha CalvertRaiders of the Lost Ark directed by Steven SpielbergJurassic Park directed by Steven SpielbergWillow directed by Ron HowardThe Passion of Joan of Arc directed by Carl Th. DreyerThe NeverEnding Story directed by Wolfgang Petersen"Pink Flags" directed by Misha Calvert (forthcoming)"The F*ckboy Diaries" directed by Misha Calvert (forthcoming)Follow Misha on Instagram @mishacalvert and follow the film @faultfilmofficial. Support the show

    12 min
  3. 4.52-Little Caesar with Charlotte Simmons

    Jun 19

    4.52-Little Caesar with Charlotte Simmons

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Little Caesar. I'm joined by Charlotte Simmons from The Treatment newsletter and we talk about the array of differences between the novel and the film, the film's place as a foundation for many of the mob movies that have followed, and  You can watch Little Caesar online for or purchase a copy for yourself and be sure to check out Charlotte's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Wizard of Oz directed by Victor FlemingQuo Vadis directed by Mervyn LeRoyFrankenstein directed by James WhaleStreet of Chance directed by John Cromwell42nd Street directed by Lloyd BaconThe Irishman directed by Martin ScorseseOther referenced topics: Ragtime (novel) by E. L. DoctorowLittle Caesar (novel) by W. R. BurnettLaw & Order (series)Erik Lundegaard writing on eriklundegaard.comNew York Times reviewVariety reviewRichard Brody writing in The New YorkerSupport the show

    42 min
  4. 4.51-Filmmaker Interview with Guy Trevellyan

    Jun 16

    4.51-Filmmaker Interview with Guy Trevellyan

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Guy Trevellyan, director of the short film “Plastic Surgery,” a unique take on the body horror genre mixed with awareness of a crisis with global impact. Listen to hear about how he re-wrote a character based on his lead actress being six months pregnant, getting connected with one of the actors from the Narnia films, and the importance of sound and practical visual effects in pulling off the film. Books mentioned in this episode include: Midnight Library by Matt HaigProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirTaste: My Life Through Food by Stanley TucciThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen ChboskyFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Plastic Surgery” directed by Guy TrevellyanThe Chronicles of Narniamother! directed by Darren AronofskyThe Nun II directed by Michael ChavesThe Substance directed by Coralie FargeatMaster and Commander: The Far Side of the World directed by Peter WeirThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King directed by Peter JacksonSeven directed by David FincherPrisoners directed by Denis VilleneuveGladiator directed by Ridley ScottPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl directed by Gore VerbinskiFollow Guy on Instagram @GuyTrev and follow the film @plasticsurgery_film. You can also follow his company @niceguy_pictures. Support the show

    18 min
  5. 4.50-The Criminal Code with Murray Mintz

    Jun 12

    4.50-The Criminal Code with Murray Mintz

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film The Criminal Code. I'm joined by Murray Mintz from the CineVibeZ Fanzine newsletter and we talk about what it means to stick to the criminal code, an excellent supporting performance from a pre-Frankenstein Boris Karloff, and a new understanding of the term yammering. You can watch The Criminal Code online for yourself and be sure to check out Murray's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: The Right to Love directed by Richard Wallace (potentially lost)Stand and Deliver directed by Ramón MenéndezFive Star Final directed by Mervyn LeRoyThe Godfather directed by Francis Ford CoppolaThe Dawn Patrol directed by Howard HawksScarface directed by Howard HawksThe Big Sleep directed by Howard HawksRio Bravo directed by Howard HawksFrankenstein directed by James WhaleHow the Grinch Stole Christmas! directed by Chuck JonesFrankenstein directed by Guillermo del ToroThe Big House directed by George HillCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesOther referenced topics: Five Star Final (play)The Criminal Code by Martin FlavinMorduant Hall's review in the New York TimesVariety reviewDennis Schwartz on dennisschwartzreviews.comPhotoplay Magazine reviewSupport the show

    41 min
  6. 4.49-Filmmaker Interview with Wesley Wang

    Jun 9

    4.49-Filmmaker Interview with Wesley Wang

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Wesley Wang, director of the short film “Violet and Marlowe Rob a Bank,” a frenetic animated short set to a new song "Feel It All Again" by adore. Listen to hear about the collaboration between Wesley and adore with their unreleased music, some of the films that informed the creation of these characters, and his plans for the future of his company in the new age of digital media. Books mentioned in this episode include: The Trial by Franz KafkaThe Metamorphosis by Franz KafkaFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Violet and Marlowe Rob a Bank” directed by Wesley Wang"nothing, except everything." directed by Wesley WangBonnie and Clyde directed by Arthur PennThe Matrix directed by Lilly Wachowski and Lana WachowskiJohn Wick directed by Chad Stahelski and David LeitchFantastic Mr. Fox directed by Wes AndersonWallace & Gromit directed by Nick ParkBackrooms directed by Kane ParsonsIron Lung directed by MarkiplierBrazil directed by Terry GilliamMulholland Drive directed by David LynchCity Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinThe Master directed by Paul Thomas AndersonThere Will Be Blood directed by Paul Thomas AndersonNo Country for Old Men directed by Joel Coen and Ethan CoenOther media mentioned in this episode: "did i tell u that i miss u" by adore"Feel It All Again" by adoreFollow Wesley on Instagram @wesleywanggg and subscribe to his YouTube channel @wesleywangfilm. You can also follow the film on Instagram @violetnmarlowe. Support the show

    10 min
  7. 4.48-The Royal Family of Broadway with Rebecca Deniston

    Jun 5

    4.48-The Royal Family of Broadway with Rebecca Deniston

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1930 film The Royal Family of Broadway and I'm joined by Rebecca Deniston who writes the Taking Up More Room newsletter, and we talk about the distinct lack of story evident in the film, the complete ostentatiousness of every frame of the film, and how much influence the poor transfer of this film made on our opinion of it overall. You can watch The Royal Family of Broadway on YouTube and be sure to check out Rebecca's newsletter and her website takinguproom.com. Other films mentioned in this episode include: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! directed by Chuck JonesLaughter directed by Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneGone With the Wind directed by Victor FlemingThe Wizard of Oz directed by Victor FlemingThe Women directed by George CukorMy Fair Lady directed by George CukorCitizen Kane directed by Orson WellesCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesYou Can't Take It With You directed by C.C. Coleman and Frank CapraThe Broadway Melody directed by Harry Beaumont (previous episode on The Broadway Melody with Kevin Pettit)Stage Door Canteen directed by Frank BorzageOther referenced topics: The New Yorkers (musical)The Barrymore Family on WikipediaEmanuel Levy writing on emanuellevy.comSupport the show

    31 min
  8. 4.47-Filmmaker Interview with Javier Cano Larumbe

    Jun 2

    4.47-Filmmaker Interview with Javier Cano Larumbe

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Javier Cano Larumbe, director of the short film "Void," a horror take on the effects of a pending divorce on the world of a young child. Listen to hear about the films that inspired this story, the process of casting the boy to play the lead actor in his film, and how he was able to turn the location of the home into a character of its own in the film. Books mentioned in this episode include: Reflections: On Cinematography by Sir Roger DeakinsFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: "Void" directed by Javier Cano LarumbeThe Sixth Sense directed by M. Night ShyamalanPoltergeist directed by Tobe HooperJaws directed by Steven SpielbergThe 400 Blows directed by François TruffautRear Window directed by Alfred HitchcockE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial directed by Steven SpielbergBatman directed by Tim BurtonThe Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin KershnerFollow the Javier on Instagram @jcanolarumbe. Support the show

    23 min
See All (246)

Trailer

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A discussion of all the films nominated for Oscars, starting in 1929, plus interviews with filmmakers and authors writing about the film industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Ytreberg
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    246
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Oscar Project
  • Show Website
    The Oscar Project Podcast