Richard Crouse

On this episode of Entertainment Is Broken, the podcast I do with Sarah Hanlon, we break down the newly announced Oscar nominations, including surprise snubs, unexpected front-runners, and why horror films are finally getting serious Academy attention.

The episode opens with a sharp review of Mercy, a futuristic thriller built around an AI judge, total surveillance, and a ticking clock. Is it anti-AI, pro-AI, or just a confusing sci-fi experiment? Richard explains why it may be the ultimate hate watch… and a “seatbelt movie” in the worst way.

From there, they dig into this year’s major Best Picture contenders, including Sinners, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, Frankenstein, and One Battle After Another. The conversation covers Oscar predictions, blockbuster fatigue, genre bias, and what actually makes a great film.

Also discussed:

• Oscar snubs (Wicked, Ariana Grande, and more)
• Blockbusters vs critical darlings
• The rise of “smart horror”
• Casting as the Academy’s newest awards category
• Why modern movies are too long…and why 90 minutes still matters

Smart, opinionated, and funny, this episode is for anyone who loves movies, film criticism, Oscar season, and debating why some films deserve awards…and others deserve mercy.

Listen HERE! Watch it on YouTube HERE!