Worthy

Annie Hall and the 50th Academy Awards

It's the 50th Academy Awards and the 50th episode of Worthy's journey through all the Best Picture winners!
Ben and Jon start off the podcast with their own awards, The Worthies, for the best of the Best Picture winners from the 41st to the 50th Academy Awards. The Worthy Boys then dive into the 1977 Best Picture winner, Annie Hall from Woody Allen.
Is Annie Hall worthy of the Best Picture award of 1977? Tell us how we’re wrong at worthysubmissions@gmail.com.

Summer 2024 Top 10 Review

A merc with a mouth, talking emotions, and animated villains ruled the summer box office, but was it enough to keep the industry afloat? Hollywood’s strikes and corporate battles continued to reshape the landscape as their ripple effects disrupted the release schedule, with projects delayed as the industry recovered from months of halted production. Amid a wave of delayed releases and schedule reshuffling, did the summer box office live up to expectations?

Rocky and the 49th Academy Awards

The Worthy Boys are getting taped up to fight as we’re celebrating the Best Picture of 1976, Rocky! 
This film is not just a sports drama but a narrative triumph, brilliantly capturing the underdog spirit of its time. Led by Sylvester Stallone's breakout performance and John G. Avildsen's masterful direction, Rocky stands as a cinematic 70’s  milestone. It's an inspiring story that resonates with audiences even today, demonstrating the power of perseverance and hope.
Stallone, in a role that has since become legendary, guides us through Rocky Balboa's journey from obscurity to the boxing ring, backed by Bill Conti’ soundtrack that underscores the film's emotional depth. This film not only ingrains itself in the hearts of viewers but also marks a pivotal moment for the Academy.
In the gritty streets of Philadelphia, Rocky masterfully weaves a tale of resilience that challenges the odds and urges us to dream, to fight, and ultimately, to triumph. The film's impact was undeniable, winning three major categories: Best Picture, Director, and Editing, a rare and commendable achievement in Academy Awards history.
Sylvester Stallone, who also wrote the screenplay, received nominations for both Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, showcasing his multifaceted talent. His role in bringing Rocky to life exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit against the greatest of odds.
Is Rocky worthy of the Best Picture of 1976? Tell us how we’re wrong at worthysubmissions@gmail.com.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and the 48th Academy Awards

The Worthy Boys are being institutionalized in honor of  "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," the groundbreaking Best Picture of 1975! 🏆
This film is not just a cinematic masterpiece but a narrative marvel, brilliantly capturing the spirit of its era. The movie, led by outstanding performances and Miloš Forman's masterful direction, stands as a landmark in film history. It's a profound story that resonates with audiences even today, demonstrating the power of cinema to challenge and inspire. 
Jack Nicholson, in a role that has since become iconic, navigates us through the tumultuous waters of individuality against institutionalization, backed by a soundtrack that echoes the depth of the human condition. This film not only cements itself in the psyche of its viewers but also marks a pivotal moment for the Academy..
Within the walls of a mental institution, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" masterfully weaves a tale that pierces through the facade of conformity, urging us to question, to feel, and ultimately, to rise. 
The film made a significant impact by sweeping the five major categories (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay), a rare feat in Academy Awards history. 
This is Zaentz’s 1st of 3 Academy Award wins for Best Picture. He would go on to win Best Picture for Amadeus (1984) and The English Patient (1996). Zaentz’s 3 wins for Best Picture are tied for the most ever by an individual with Sam Spiegel.
This is Douglas’ 1st and only Academy Award as a producer. He would go on to win for Best Actor for Wall Street (1987).
In late 1971, Douglas received from his father, Kirk Douglas, the rights to the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which had been purchased by Bryna Productions in February 1962. Michael Douglas was 28 at the time he received the rights and 32 when he won Best Picture
Is "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" Worthy of the  Best Picture of 1975? Tell us how we’re wrong at worthysubmissions@gmail.com

96th Academy Awards Reactions

Oscar season is officially over as the 96th Academy Awards wrapped up the best films of 2023! Oppenheimer took home the Best Picture award with a total of 7 Academy Awards. In this episode of Worthy, Ben and Jon breakdown the ceremony and their thoughts on how the Oscars panned out. Ben and Jon also highlight key moments at the ceremony and where Ryan Gosling's "I'm Just Ken" ranks among Oscar moments.
Why are Ben and Jon wrong on their Oscar takes? Let them know at worthysubmissions@gmail.com

96th Academy Awards Nominations Reaction

The 96th Academy Awards nominations were announced on January 24! Ben and Jon breakdown the surprises and snubs as well as giving their thoughts on every category.
Do we think Oppenheimer will sweep? Does Margot Robbie deserve to be a Best Actress nominee? Tune in and listen for our answers and more!

The Godfather Part II and the 47th Academy Awards

The Worthy Boys are stepping back into tuxedos to celebrate a legendary sequel that redefined the art of cinematic storytelling in 1974: "The Godfather Part II"! 🎥✨ 
Join us as we explore the world of this timeless masterpiece, which not only upheld the grandeur of its predecessor but also showcased the enduring power of sequels.
Starring the legendary duo, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, this 70s classic promises to transport you into the high-stakes world of organized crime and family loyalty. With its stellar cast, intricate plot developments, and a soundtrack that resonates in your soul, "The Godfather Part II" has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Set against the backdrop of the Mafia underworld, this film not only captures the essence of the era but also keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last scene unfolds. Grab your popcorn and prepare to join our conversation about the 47th Academy Awards and the memorable moments from Hollywood's history!
Is "The Godfather Part II" Worthy of its Best Picture award of 1974? Tell us how we’re wrong at worthysubmissions@gmail.com

Top 10 Movies of 2023

Welcome to the end of 2023! Join us, as we come together to revisit the cinematic wonders of the year, celebrating the extraordinary work of filmmakers from around the globe. In this episode, we dive deep into the burning question: Did Oppenheimer and Past Lives surpass Barbie, or did Barbie steal the spotlight as the year's cinematic masterpiece?
But that's not all! We'll discuss our biggest surprises and disappointments of the year, sharing our thoughts on the films that exceeded expectations and those that fell short. We'll also reflect on the movies that evoked the most laughter and tears, creating memorable moments throughout 2023.
And the grand finale of this episode? Worthy's top 10 movies of 2023, featuring Oppenheimer, Past Lives, and Barbie! Curious to know which other films made the cut? You won't want to miss it.
We want to hear from you too! Share your favorite films from 2023 with us on our Instagram @worthypodcast or via email at worthysubmissions@gmail.com.

The Sting and the 46th Academy Awards

The Worthy Boys are turning back the clock to become confidence men as we’re celebrating 1973’s "The Sting" – a timeless masterpiece that combines wit, charm, and irresistible twists! 
This 70s gem, starring the dynamic duo Paul Newman and Robert Redford, takes you on a thrilling ride through the world of high-stakes cons and clever schemes. With its wacky cast of characters, dazzling plot twists, and a soundtrack that'll have you humming along, "The Sting" is a cinematic experience that had a bigger effect on cinema than you might think. 
Set in the Prohibition era, this film not only captures the essence of the period but also leaves you guessing until the very last card is played. Grab your popcorn and get ready for our conversation about the 46th Academy Awards and the Oscar’s first streaker! If you haven't seen "The Sting" yet, it's time to add it to your watchlist! 🍿👀
Is The Sting worthy of the Best Picture award of 1973? Tell us how we’re wrong at worthysubmissions@gmail.com

Summer 2023 Top 10 Review

Join the Worthy Boys and a special guest to review the best films of Summer 2023 along with the biggest stories of the summer – plus what to look forward to in the fall and winter! 
The Atomic Bomb, Spidermen, and millennial pink rule the summer box office but is this enough to keep theaters afloat another year? Strikes and greedy CEOs fuel the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood and the motion picture business as the writing and actors strike pushes past three months with no end in sight. With pushbacks and indefinite delays on the horizon, did the summer box office make up for what looks to be a lackluster fall movie season?