Bruce Vilanch unveils behind-the-scenes Oscars secrets in new podcast

Dive into Oscars history with Bruce Vilanch

Oscar enthusiasts, your moment has arrived! Bruce Vilanch, the legendary head writer for the Academy Awards, is ready to lift the curtain on his 14-year tenure in the new podcast, “The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?” Joining forces with co-host Adam “Tex” Davis, Vilanch will guide listeners through some of the Academy’s most controversial and unforgettable moments. Starting November 11th, this podcast promises a blend of humor, insight, and untold stories from Hollywood’s glittering night.

Unpacking nearly a century of Oscars moments

Vilanch’s podcast doesn’t just dwell on the glitz and glamor; it delves deep into the controversies that have defined nearly a century of Oscar history. Each episode offers a backstage pass to episodes that unfolded behind the scenes, revealing what really went down from the perspective of a top scribe. With a teaser trailer already out, the anticipation is building.

Reflecting on the Oscars’ place in American pop culture, Vilanch humorously remarked, “If you don’t count sore feet, relatives or politics, the Oscars are the most complained-about thing in America.” He adds, “Some of these complaints are as old as the awards themselves, which means people have been bitching for a hundred years. Here is a place where you can relive all of your favorite moments of righteous indignation and find out what really caused them.”

Revealing untold stories from backstage

Vilanch promises that his podcast will be filled with a plethora of backstage stories and revelations. “I wrote at least a quarter of those shows and know everybody, living and dead, who wrote the rest,” he shares. For fans who have longed for answers to why some of their favorite moments never received the recognition they deserved, this podcast is the answer. Whether it’s reflecting on Chill Wills’ snub for the 1960’s The Alamo or other infamous overlooked performances, no stone will be left unturned.

Here are some of the burning questions Vilanch and Davis will tackle:

Why do awards for best picture often go to one movie when there’s a much better option right there?
What explains why many actors have never won Oscars for their best roles?
Why do beloved movies that perform well at the box office often get snubbed, while obscure films rake in the nominations and awards?

Delving into Oscars’ most explosive scandals

No Oscars conversation would be complete without touching on the scandals that have set tongues wagging. From Billy Crystal’s controversial blackface performance as Sammy Davis Jr. in 2012 to Angelina Jolie’s surprising confessions about her brother in 2000, and Seth MacFarlane’s risqué “We Saw Your Boobs” song in 2014, Vilanch was there, witnessing it all firsthand. Although he wasn’t present for Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock in 2022, you can bet he has some strong opinions on it.

The podcast promises to dissect these incidents with Vilanch’s trademark wit and insider knowledge, providing listeners with a fresh and engaging perspective on moments they thought they knew inside out.

How to tune in to ‘The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?’

Ready to join the discussion and uncover the truth behind the Oscars’ most talked-about moments? “The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?” will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. Whether you’re a longtime Oscars aficionado or a casual viewer curious about the show’s inner workings, this podcast is perfect for you.

With its mix of humor, historical insight, and exclusive stories, “The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?” is set to become a must-listen for anyone passionate about film and fascinated by the intricacies of Hollywood’s biggest night.

Feel free to share this exciting news on social media and invite fellow film lovers to join the conversation. Stay connected to discover more fascinating stories from the world of cinema and beyond!