By Matt Neglia 

It's Halloween! And we are here with another Patreon Throwback review on the Next Best Picture Podcast! We had the NBP Community vote on a "horror masterpiece" to be reviewed on the show. The winner was Stanley Kubrick's 1980 classic "The Shining," which also functions as a perfect lead in to our upcoming review of "Doctor Sleep." For this review I am joined by Josh Parham, Casey Lee Clark, Dan Bayer, and guest Matty Zaradich from FriGay The 13th Horror Podcast. We talk about the production, the theories, the characters, the performances, the craft, the flaws, the legacy and more in this all encompassing review! Be sure to listen and have a Happy Halloween!
​
This is a preview of the podcast, the full version of which is only available to those who subscribe to us on Patreon. For the small price of $1 a month, you can receive this review along with other exclusive podcast content, so be sure to subscribe here.
​
Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here.

By Nicole Ackman ​​​

I recently had the opportunity to go to my first film festival as a member of the press, and it was practically here in my own backyard. I left New York City and moved home to my native Raleigh, North Carolina and was thrilled to get the chance to attend Film Fest 919 in Chapel Hill, only a short drive away. The festival took place at Silverspot Cinema from October 9-13. While at the festival, I got to meet some amazing people (from my In Their Own League co-contributor, Paola Harvey, to screenwriter Anthony McCarten) and see ten great films.

By Matt Neglia 

The nominations for the 2019 British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) have been announced with Armando Iannucci's "The Personal History Of David Copperfield" leading the nominations. The awards will be handed out to the winners on December 1st 2019.

Click below to see the nominees.

By Dan Bayer 

The Next Best Theatre team is back during this spooky time called Halloween to bring you a review of one of the darkest musicals ever made: Steven Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street." What does myself, Nicole Ackman, Michael Schwartz & Casey Lee Clark all think of the show and the popular film adaptation by director Tim Burton? Tune in as we give you our thoughts on our favorite moments, songs and more!

This is a preview of the podcast, the full version of which is only available to those who subscribe to us on Patreon. For the small price of $1 a month, you can receive this review along with other exclusive podcast content, so be sure to subscribe here.

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Theatre Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Josh Parham 
​
The first part of my piece on the Chicago International Film Festival, that looks at the films submitted for the Best International Feature Oscar, was recently published here on Next Best Picture. The films examined are by no means the only films that this festival had to offer. A great, wide selection of films that speak to a plethora of different perspectives around the world were on display, and it's also a pleasure to catch many of these films with an eager crowd. Here are my thoughts on some of the other films I ended up seeing during my time at the festival.​

By Cody Dericks 

I'm a spooky guy. Anyone who knows me knows that this time of year is when I'm usually thriving the most. When there's an autumnal feeling in the air, I'm truly at my happiest, and my love of horror movies is a year-round obsession (I even host a podcast called Halloweeners: A Horror Movie Podcast, check us out!). But the funny thing is, not a lot of movies scare me anymore. It might be because I've seen so many of them or maybe it's just the person I've become, but I've found that even horror movies I enjoy a lot are more fun than truly frightening; however, there are a select number of films that truly terrified me, whether it was only from the first viewing as a child or something about the film that gets me every time. I now present to you a list of the movies that have scared me the most in my life. "Scariest" is not the same as "best" when it comes to horror movies, and some perennial favorites of mine are missing here while some movies that I think are just okay still manage to really affect me.

By Matt Neglia 

For this week's second podcast review, myself, Josh Parham, Lauren LaMagna & guest Wilson Morales (Editor at BlackFilm.com) review the Eddie Murphy comeback vehicle which recently took the Netflix world by storm: "Dolemite Is My Name." Exploring the history of comedian and filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore, the film has been compared to films such as "Ed Wood" and "The Disaster Artist," but we believe there's something more here. Take a listen as we explain it all in our review.

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Matt Neglia 

​​Over the past few years, I've devoted a lot of my time and energy to the Next Best Picture Podcast, to provide you with my explanations and thought process behind the Oscar race. One thing I want to try this year (if time allows), is to put that into writing as best as I possibly can for those who may not listen to the show (which you totally should by the way). So here we are, post-Gotham Nominations, less than a month away from Phase Two officially kicking off (the critics' awards) and I am here to survey the Oscar field.

By Josh Parham 
​
​Every year, all of us cinephiles take so much pleasure in the many film festivals that happen around this time. It’s the opportunity to see so many highly anticipated movies, or at the very least, hear the reactions to them. Especially as awards season approaches fast, it’s a great opportunity for high profile contenders to finally have real exposure in the race. Many festivals receive this attention, but the Chicago International Film Festival is always the pilgrimage I make.
 
The festival continues to have a diverse lineup of films in their programming, ranging from different backgrounds from around the world. Their selection offers films that highlight local talent, black perspectives, LGBTQ content, Latin American cinema and so much more. Something the festival is also abundant in is the array of submissions for the Best International Feature Oscar. Over a dozen such films were playing at the festival this year, and this is a brief rundown of a few titles that I saw that will no doubt be in that conversation.

By Matt Neglia 

For Episode 165, Michael Schwartz, Casey Lee Clark, Dan Bayer, Lauren LaMagna, Tom O'Brien & I discuss the nominations for the 2019 Gotham Awards, the IDA Nominations, the initial reactions to Greta Gerwig's "Little Women," the polls, the trailer for "Antlers" and we answer your fan questions as well.

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Matt Neglia 

For this week's main podcast review, myself, Bianca Garner & Dan Bayer review the second feature film from filmmaker Robert Eggers: "The Lighthouse" starring Robert Pattinson & Willem Dafoe. Due to the maddening nature of this movie, we felt it best to  discuss the movie with FULL SPOILERS, so if you haven't seen the film yet please do not listen, as this wholly unique and original film should be experienced unspoiled. For those who have already lost their minds watching the film...strap in. There's a lot to discuss.

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Matt Neglia 

The 29th annual Gotham Independent Film Awards have announced their full list of nominations for the 2019 film year representing the best in independent film. Tributes have already been announced for Ava DuVernay, Sam Rockwell, Glen Basner & Laura Dern. The Audience Award will be handed out in New York City on Monday, December 2nd at 8pm EST.

​Click below to see the full list of nominations.

By Matt Neglia 

For this week's third podcast review, myself, Nicole Ackman, Dan Bayer & Ryan C. Showers review the latest film from filmmaker Steven Soderbergh on Netflix "The Laundromat." Garnering a mixed reception since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, this entertaining but dizzying take on the Panama Papers scandal also divided the NBP team. What did we all think about the storytelling, the performances (especially from Meryl Streep) and more? Tune in below to find out.

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Matt Neglia 
​
The Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts (AACTA) have announced their nominations for their international awards representing the best in film for 2019. Winners will be announced December 2nd and 4th.

​Click below to see the nominees.

By Matt Neglia 

The International Documentary Association (IDA) has announced the 35th Annual IDA Documentary Awards Nominees. The 2019 Awards will be presented during a ceremony on Saturday, December 7th 2019. 

Click below to see the nominees.

By Matt Neglia 

For this week's second podcast review, myself, Nicole Ackman, Dan Bayer & Tom O'Brien review the latest film from Taika Waititi, "Jojo Rabbit." Receiving a mixed response since its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (where it won the audience award) the film has divided many over its content and balance of comedic and dramatic tones. What did we think of it though? Tune in below to find out.

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Danilo Castro 

In the world of acting, few things are more daunting than playing another actor. Not only are these actors real-life people, which brings into question things like appearance and vocal cadence, but they’re people who have an intimate connection with moviegoers. Taking on the role of an actor means taking on the expectations of their die-hard fans, as well as historians and those who knew them personally.

2019 has seen a wide array of actors do just that. Margot Robbie dazzled as Sharon Tate in “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood”, Renee Zellweger wowed us as Judy Garland in "Judy," while Eddie Murphy delighted as Rudy Ray Moore in “My Name Is Dolemite.” In honor of the latter, which hits Netflix on October 25th, we’ve decided to countdown the 10 Best Performances By Actors Playing Other Actors. We are sticking to theatrical releases only, so great performances given in TV films will not be counted.

By Lauren LaMagna 

Every awards season, one of two actors finds themselves in a unique situation where two or more of their films receive award season buzz. It is not uncommon, but it’s certainly a pleasant surprise. Throughout the years, respected actors have found themselves in this position like Kate Winslet in 2009 (for her works in “The Reader” & “Revolutionary Road”) and newcomers such as Jessica Chastain in 2011 ("Take Shelter," "The Tree Of Life" & "The Help"), Alicia Vikander in 2016 (“Ex Machina” & “The Danish Girl”). This year, one of the actors to find themselves in a strange yet exciting position is Scarlett Johansson, who is projected to earn her first Oscar nomination.

By Matt Neglia 

For Episode 164, Michael Schwartz, Nicole Ackman, Bianca Garner, & Lauren LaMagna  & I discuss different Best Picture winner possibilities with other Oscar wins, "The Batman" casting news, the ongoing war between the Hollywood old guard & Marvel, initial reactions to "Bombshell," the polls, and also answer your fan questions!

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Matt Neglia 

For this week's main podcast review, myself and guest Kolby Mac (from kolbytoldme.com) review the a sequel that has been a decade in the making: "Zombieland: Double Tap" starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone & Abigail Breslin​. Does it live up to the first film? Is it funny? Are the zombie kills fun? How is the cast, new and old? We answer all of this and more on our review. Enjoy!

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.

By Ryan C. Showers 

In the world of Oscar Buzz right now, there are two performances that are dominating the conversation: Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker” and Renée Zellweger in “Judy.” These performances are inextricably linked, despite out of the context of the world of awards season, they may appear to have nothing in common. They vary in ways, but they will likely proceed along the same trajectories for the next four months. It’s a very early, some may say irresponsible prediction that these are our Best Actor and Best Actress winning performances this year.

By Josh Williams 

​While I agree with a lot of people that "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie" was not entirely necessary, I was still thoroughly happy that it ended up being made. The film doesn't quite tell us anything new about the characters of the hit television show, but it does add some closure. "El Camino" also goes about hammering home a couple of key themes from the show throughout the movie that I think is done in a rather spectacular manner. Most of the key points are told through flashbacks which is always a risky road to take in a movie, especially a movie based around a television show that ended six years ago. So I'd like to break down some key moments from "El Camino" that make the film much more layered than it appears to be, exploring why using flashbacks as a form of plant and payoff and as a form of catharsis might be the best use of the tool in the film format.

By Matt Neglia 

For this month's Patreon Throwback review on the Next Best Picture Podcast, I am joined by Josh Parham and guest Brianna Zigler. To get ready for Taika Waititi's newest film "Jojo Rabbit," we are looking at his co-directed, co-written & co-starring (alongside Jemaine Clement) horror-comedy-mockumentary titled "What We Do In The Shadows." A surprise independent hit that launched the careers of its stars and made vampires cool again, it's the perfect movie to revisit for the month of Halloween and to just get some good laughs in from time to time. Take a listen to find out what we all think.
​
This is a preview of the podcast, the full version of which is only available to those who subscribe to us on Patreon. For the small price of $1 a month, you can receive this review along with other exclusive podcast content, so be sure to subscribe here.
​
Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Picture Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. ​​

By Bianca Garner ​

After catching Robert Eggers’ stunning film “The Lighthouse” at this year’s LFF, I felt compelled to draw up a list of this decade’s greatest films shot in black and white (which is also our poll this week on Next Best Picture). And, while technicolor has been around for a lot longer than you probably realize (the first technicolor film was released in 1935 in the form of historical costume drama “Becky Sharp”), filmmakers are still drawn back to the black and white film format.

There’s a power that black and white films seem to possess, a magical quality to them which I can quite put my finger on. And, despite growing up in a world of color, I find myself drawn to black and white films especially ‘modern’ films such as Ben Wheatley’s surreal and haunting civil war film “A Field in England” (2013) and Noah Baumbach’s quirky, indie delight “Frances Ha” (2013). So, here’s a list of my personal favorite black and white films from this decade.

There are a few films that didn’t quite make my top 10 that I wish to mention quickly: Miguel Gomes's “Tabu” (2012), Tim Burton's “Frankenweenie” (2012), François Ozon “Frantz” (2016), Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez’s “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” (2014). Heck, I couldn’t even picture Tom Six’s gross and frightfully disturbing film “The Human Centipede 2” (2011) working in color, and despite being one of the most horrific films ever made, David Meadows’ cinematography is worth mentioning as the film’s only redeeming quality.

By Matt Neglia 

For this extra podcast review, we are taking a look at a movie that we didn't necessarily know we needed until we saw it: "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie." Acting as an epilogue to the hit AMC show and reuniting series creator Vince Gilligan with star Aaron Paul and a few others, this surprise movie gave us the closure we wanted for one of television's most beloved shows and characters. Joining me for this special Patreon podcast review I have Jack Shipley, Josh Blumenkranz & Charles Bright.

This is a preview of the podcast, the full version of which is only available to those who subscribe to us on Patreon. For the small price of $1 a month, you can receive this review along with other exclusive podcast content, so be sure to subscribe here.

Thank you so much for listening. You can subscribe to the Next Best Series Podcast on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, Tunein, PlayerFM, Acast & Castbox or you can listen down below. Please take a moment to review us on Apple Podcasts here. And if you're feeling generous and you enjoy what you hear and want more, please help to support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month and you'll receive some exclusive podcast content.