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. 1d ago

    4.68-Filmmaker Interview with Deborah Lee Smith and Brian Leahy

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Deborah Lee Smith and Brian Leahy, producer, star, writer, and director of the short film "Glitterbomb," which follows a woman through a harrowing situation while she tries desperately to keep her composure on a virtual job interview. Listen to hear about Deborah's real life experience that inspired the film, the incredible achievement of an extremely small crew that worked on the film on a very tight timeline, and the logistics of shooting one of the best one-shots I've seen in a long time. Books mentioned in this episode include: Midnight Library by Matt HaigAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James ClearFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Glitterbomb” directed by Brian LeahyButterfly in the Sky directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb"5 Stages of Grief" directed by Foster Wilson"Made Public" directed by Foster WilsonSingin' In The Rain directed by Gene KellyNorth by Northwest directed by Alfred HitchcockMiss Congeniality directed by Donald PetrieEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by Michel GondryVanilla Sky directed by Cameron CroweLove Liza directed by Todd LouisoGhostbusters directed by Ivan ReitmanSideways directed by Alexander PayneMy Cousin Vinny directed by Jonathan LynnThe Big Lebowski directed by Ethan and Joel CoenLegally Blonde directed by Robert LuketicWait Until Dark directed by Terence YoungFriends (series)Breaking Bad (series)The Matrix directed by Lana and Lilly WachowskiSolar (podcast)Sell Your House directed by Eric Foss and Brandon PickeringYou can read more stories from people who have experienced a miscarriage at glitterbombfilm.com and share your own story. Follow the film on Instagram @glitterbombfilm and find Deborah @deborah_lsmith and Brian @brianpleahy. Also check out Deborah's podcast More Than You See. Support the show

    4.68-Filmmaker Interview with Deborah Lee Smith and Brian Leahy

  2. 5d ago

    4.67-The Public Enemy with Gareth Bradwick

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film The Public Enemy. I'm joined by Gareth Bradwick from the Popped newsletter and we talk about an unexpected level of crime and violence in the film, a wide array of stories surrounding a specific piece of fruit, and rain like we have never seen before on film. You can watch The Public Enemy on Hulu and be sure to check out Gareth's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Titanic directed by James CameronAll About Eve directed by Joseph L. MankiewiczThe Grapes of Wrath directed by John FordHow Green Was My Valley directed by John FordGoodfellas directed by Martin ScorseseCasino directed by Martin ScorseseThe Irishman directed by Martin ScorseseWings directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastA Star is Born directed by William A. WellmanHell's Angels directed by Howard HughesRed Headed Woman directed by Jack ConwayScarface directed by Howard HawksThe Blue Veil directed by Curtis BernhardtGrease directed by Randal KleiserLittle Caesar directed by Mervyn LeroySmart Money directed by Alfred E. GreenThe Doorway to Hell directed by Archie MayoThe Dawn Patrol directed by Howard HawksOther referenced topics: The Prophet by Kahlil GibranThe Sopranos (series)Variety reviewThe New York Times reviewRogerebert.com reviewSupport the show

    4.67-The Public Enemy with Gareth Bradwick

  3. Aug 11

    4.66-Filmmaker Interview with Kate Radcliffe and Sophie King

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Kate Radcliffe and Sophie King, writer and director of the short film "Still Life," which tells the story of a couple dealing with the loss of a baby and all the daily reminders they face of that loss. Listen to hear about the ability we have to find the humor in dark situations, exploring the effects of dealing with loss and trauma while the rest of the world goes on as if nothing has changed, and the process for getting a cast ready to play characters who have dealt with such a profound loss. Books mentioned in this episode include: Yesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeThe Housemaid by Frieda McFaddenFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Still Life” directed by Sophie KingRomeo + Juliet directed by Baz LuhrmannMoulin Rouge! directed by Baz LuhrmannThe Virgin Suicides directed by Sofia CoppolaThe Lord of the Rings directed by Peter JacksonThe English Patient directed by Anthony MinghellaHocus Pocus directed by Kenny OrtegaDonnie Darko directed by Richard KellyClueless directed by Amy HeckerlingAmerican Psycho directed by Mary HarronThe Dark Knight Rises directed by Christopher NolanNapoleon Dynamite directed by Jared HessAnora directed by Sean BakerFollow the film on Instagram @still_life_short and find Sophie @sophiekingcr and Kate @katemradcliffe. Support the show

    4.66-Filmmaker Interview with Kate Radcliffe and Sophie King

  4. Aug 7

    4.65-Skippy with Jonathan Hammond

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Skippy. I'm joined Jonathan Hammond, film director and previous guest on the podcast and we talk about the deep trauma that resulted from watching this film, some major issues with the film's production when you look at it from today's perspective, and a long-standing legal battle over a simply name. You can watch Skippy online and be sure to check out Jonathan's films at a festival near you and give him a follow on Instagram @jonohamm. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Ferris Bueller's Day Off directed by John HughesJohn Wick directed by Chad StahelskiThe Sixth Sense directed by M. Night ShyamalanE.T. The Extraterrestrial directed by Steven SpielbergA Free Soul directed by Clarence Leon BrownCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesSuperman directed by Richard DonnerLa La Land directed by Damian ChazelleBoys Town directed by Norman TaurogCity Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinSooky directed by Norman TaurogOur Gang (shorts series)Tom Sawyer directed by John CromwellHuckleberry Finn directed by Norman TaurogThe Kid directed by Charlie ChaplinSophie's Choice directed by Alan J. PakulaThe Little Rascals directed by Penelope SpheerisDennis the Menace directed by Nick CastleA Christmas Story directed by Bob ClarkEast Lynne directed by Frank LloydThe Front Page directed by Lewis MilestoneThe Criminal Code directed by Howard HawksOther referenced topics: Skippy (comic)Calvin and Hobbs (comic)Peanuts (comic)Dennis the Menace (comic)Skippy.comThe New York Times reviewThe New Masses reviewOscarchamps.com reviewSupport the show

    4.65-Skippy with Jonathan Hammond

  5. Aug 4

    4.64-Filmmaker Interview with Matt Kennard

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Matt Kennard, director of the short film "Before You Go," which tells the story of a young man who visits a loved one in the hospital to say his final goodbyes. Listen to hear about Matt's thoughts on what seems like a rise in films set in hospitals, how he found his incredible lead actor, and the role that sound plays throughout the film. Books mentioned in this episode include: A Christmas Carol by Charles DickensThe Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade by Andrew FeinsteinFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Before You Go” directed by Matt Kennard"Life Goes On" directed by Kat Butterfield and Daniel AudrittThe Gathering (series)"Hymn of Hate" directed by Matt KennardStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin KershnerApocalypse Now directed by Francis Ford CoppolaInside Out directed by Pete DocterStand By Me directed by Rob ReinerThe Thin Red Line directed by Terrence MalickIn Bruges directed by Martin McDonaghPetite Maman directed by Céline SciammaFerris Bueller's Day Off directed by John HughesThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri directed by Martin McDonaghHome Alone directed by Chris ColumbusThe Muppet Christmas Carol directed by Brian HensonFollow the film on Instagram @beforeyougofilm and Matt @kennardmatt. Support the show

    4.64-Filmmaker Interview with Matt Kennard

  6. Jul 31

    4.63-The Front Page with Matthew Carlson

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film The Front Page. I'm joined by Matthew Carlson from the What Am I Making newsletter and we talk about the level of effectiveness of the film's humor, how this film paved the way for many that came after it including at least one remake of the story, and the deep rooted misogyny of the story. You can watch The Front Page on YouTube, Tubi, or Amazon Prime and be sure to check out Matthew's newsletter and check out his summer music tour this July and August. Other films mentioned in this episode include: A League of Their Own directed by Penny Marshall12 Angry Men directed by Sidney LumetHis Girl Friday directed by Howard HawksThe Philadelphia Story directed by George CukorAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneOppenheimer directed by Christopher NolanThe Hangover directed by Todd PhillipsAce in the Hold directed by Billy WilderWhite Heat directed by Raoul WalshRain directed by Lewis MilestoneSadie Thompson directed by Raoul WalshOcean's Eleven directed by Lewis MilestoneMutiny on the Bounty (1962) directed by Lewis MilestoneMutiny on the Bounty (1962) directed by Frank LloydThe Spirit of St. Louis directed by Billy WilderGentlemen Prefer Blondes directed by Howard HawksThe Wizard of Oz directed by Victor FlemingThe Silence of the Lambs directed by Jonathan DemmeThe Front Page (1974) directed by Billy WilderSwitching Channels directed by Ted KotcheffWings directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastSunrise: A Song of Two Humans directed by F. W. Murnau7th Heaven directed by Frank BorzageMetropolis directed by Fritz LangNosferatu directed by F. W. MurnauDracula directed by Tod BrowningFrankenstein directed by James WhaleCity Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinOther referenced topics: The Front Page (play) by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthurDavid Nusair review on Reelfilm.comMad Men (series)Support the show

    4.63-The Front Page with Matthew Carlson

  7. Jul 28

    4.62-Filmmaker Interview with Johnny Russell

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Johnny Russell, director of the short film "A Scent." The film is based on a real person who claimed to have the ability to smell patients with a certain disease. Listen to hear about how Johnny came to telling this story in his film, the challenges of filming a drama set in a hospital on a short film budget and schedule, and finding the balance between melodrama and the quieter moments of reflection and discovery. Books mentioned in this episode include: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel KeyesAlchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense by Rory SutherlandThis is Why We Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life by Rahul JandialFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “A Scent” directed by Johnny RussellBilly Liar directed by John SchlesingerHot Fuzz directed by Edgar WrightA Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence directed by Roy AnderssonThe Phantom Thread directed by Paul Thomas AndersonCamping (series)Happy-Go-Lucky directed by Mike LeighFollow the film on Instagram @a_scent_film and Johnny @__johnny_russell__. Support the show

    4.62-Filmmaker Interview with Johnny Russell

  8. Jul 28

    4.61-East Lynne with Lewis Beer

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film East Lynne. I'm joined by Lewis Beer from the Slow Movie Pictures newsletter and we talk about some drastic changes the film made from the source material, the outstanding performances from the female actors in the film, and several innovative camera techniques used to show the world from Isabel's point of view throughout the film. You can watch East Lynne on YouTube and be sure to check out Lewis's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Vampyr directed by Carl Theodor DreyerDracula directed by Tod BrowningRebecca directed by Alfred HitchcockAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneThelma & Louise directed by Ridley ScottThe Divine Lady directed by Frank LloydWeary River directed by Frank LloydThe Big House directed by George HillCondemned directed by Wesley RugglesHoliday directed by Edward H. GriffithUnderworld directed by Josef von SternbergShanghai Express directed by Josef von SternbergThe Divorcee directed by Clarence BrownDynamite directed by Cecil B. DeMilleThe Public Enemy directed by William A. WellmanThe Letter directed by Jean De LimurThe Vagabond King directed by Ludwig BergerThe Bride of Frankenstein directed by James WhaleEast Lynne on the Western Front directed by George PearsonCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesThe Sound of Music directed by Robert WiseDouble Indemnity directed by Billy WilderSunset Boulevard directed by Billy WilderOther referenced topics: "Mudd's Women" (Star Trek episode)Star Trek (original series)Mister Ed (series)The Fugitive (series)East Lynne (novel) by Ellen WoodRebecca (novel) by Daphne du MaurierAnn Harding - Cinema's Gallant Lady by Scott O'BrienFrank Lloyd: Master of Screen Melodrama by Anthony Slide"Bradley King" by Brian Taves on Women Film Pioneers ProjectAnna Karenina (novel) by Leo TolstoyUlysses (novel) by James JoyceThe New York Times reviewVariety reviewZoe K. on Hollywood GenesLisa Marie Bowman on Through the Shattered LensA Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists from Bronte to Lessing by Elaine Showalter‘“Stepchildren of Nature”: East Lynne and the Spectre of Female Degeneracy, 1860-1861’ in Victorian Crime, Madness and Sensation by Andrew MaunderSupport the show

    4.61-East Lynne with Lewis Beer
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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
    260
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Oscar Project
  • Show Website
    The Oscar Project Podcast