The Envelope

Ladies & Gentlemen. Welcome to “The Envelope” Podcast.  For the last time.Here on The Envelope, we have discussed & reviewed every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History.  We began with the very first Best Picture Winner “Wings” and over the past 93 episodes (plus a few Special Episodes), we have watched, analyzed and debated every Best Picture Winner in order, all the way up to the latest winner “Nomadland.”  What an amazing way to view the progression of film through the decades. We genuinely hope you enjoyed following along with us! Our podcasts will remain on iTunes and our website for future enjoyment. So please catch up on any episodes you might have missed! This week we're bringing you our FINAL EPISODE where we rank our Top Ten Favorite Academy Award Best Picture Winners.

On this episode, we discuss the ninety-third Best Picture Winner: “NOMADLAND”"Nomadland" is based on the 2017 nonfiction book "Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century" by Jessica Bruder. The film follows Fern, a woman in her sixties who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. The film is a poetic character study on the forgotten and downtrodden that captures the restlessness left in the wake of the Great Recession. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film stars Frances McDormand as Fern and David Strathairn as Dave.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the ninety-second Best Picture Winner: “PARASITE”"Parasite" is a South Korean black comedy thriller that follows a poor family who scheme to become employed by a wealthy family and infiltrate their household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. Greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, the film stars Kang-ho Song as Ki Taek, Sun-kyun Lee as Dong Ik, Yeo-jeong Cho as Yeon Kyo, Woo-sik Choi as Ki Woo and So-dam Park as Ki Jung.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the ninety-first Best Picture Winner: “GREEN BOOK”"Green Book" is a biographical comedy-drama written by Peter Farrelly, Brian Hayes Currie and Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga's son, Nick Vallelonga, based on interviews with his father and Shirley, as well as letters his father wrote to his mother. Dr. Don Shirley is a world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film stars Viggo Mortensen as Tony Lip, Mahershala Ali as Dr. Donald Shirley, Linda Cardellini as Dolores and Sebastian Maniscalco as Johnny Venere.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the ninetieth Best Picture Winner: “THE SHAPE OF WATER”"The Shape of Water" is a romantic fantasy film that follows Elisa, a mute, isolated woman who works as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory in 1962 Baltimore. Her life changes forever when she discovers the lab's classified secret: a mysterious, scaled creature from South America that lives in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with her new friend, she soon learns that its fate and very survival lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist.  Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film stars Sally Hawkins as Elisa Esposito, Michael Shannon as Richard Strickland, Richard Jenkins as Giles, Octavia Spencer as Zelda Fuller, Michael Stuhlbarg as Dr. Robert Hoffstetler and Doug Jones as Amphibian Man.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-ninth Best Picture Winner: “MOONLIGHT”"Moonlight" is a coming-of-age drama based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue." The film presents three stages in the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami. The film explores the difficulties he faces with his sexuality and identity, including the physical and emotional abuse he endures growing up.  His epic journey to manhood is also guided by the kindness, support and love of the community that helps raise him.  Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film stars Mahershala Ali as Juan, Janelle Monáe as Teresa, Naomie Harris as Paula, Alex R. Hibbert as Little (Chiron in the first segment), Ashton Sanders as Chiron (in the second segment), and Trevante Rhodes as Black (Chiron in the third segment).Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-eighth Best Picture Winner: “SPOTLIGHT”"Spotlight" follows The Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team, the oldest continuously operating newspaper investigative journalist unit in the United States, and its investigation into cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse in the Boston area by numerous Roman Catholic priests. In 2001, editor Marty Baron of The Boston Globe assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. Led by editor Walter "Robby" Robinson, reporters Michael Rezendes, Matt Carroll and Sacha Pfeiffer interview victims and try to unseal sensitive documents. The reporters make it their mission to provide proof of a cover-up of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church. Directed by Tom McCarthy, the film stars Michael Keaton as Walter 'Robby' Robinson, Mark Ruffalo as Mike Rezendes, Rachel McAdams as Sacha Pfeiffer, Liev Schreiber as Marty Baron, John Slattery as Ben Bradlee Jr., Stanley Tucci as Mitchell Garabedian and Billy Crudup as Eric Macleish.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-seventh Best Picture Winner: “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”"Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” follows former cinema superhero Riggan Thomson as he mounts an ambitious Broadway production that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. It's risky, but he hopes that his creative gamble will prove that he's a real artist and not just a washed-up movie star. As opening night approaches, a castmate is injured, forcing Riggan to hire an actor who is guaranteed to shake things up. Meanwhile, Riggan must deal with his girlfriend, daughter and ex-wife. Directed Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the film stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, Emma Stone as Sam, Zach Galifianakis as Jake, Naomi Watts as Lesley and Edward Norton as Mike.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-sixth Best Picture Winner: “12 YEARS A SLAVE.”"12 Years a Slave" is a biographical period-drama adaptation of the 1853 slave memoir "Twelve Years a Slave" by Solomon Northup. In the years before the Civil War, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. Subjected to the cruelty of one malevolent owner, Edwin Epps, he also finds unexpected kindness from another, as he struggles continually to survive and maintain some of his dignity. Then in the 12th year of the disheartening ordeal, a chance meeting with an abolitionist from Canada changes Solomon's life forever.  Directed by Steve McQueen, the film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Michael Fassbender as Edwin Epps, Sarah Paulson as Mistress Epps, Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey, Paul Dano as Tibeats, Benedict Cumberbatch as Ford and Brad Pitt as Bass.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-fifth Best Picture Winner: “ARGO.”"Argo" is a historical drama thriller based on the 1999 book by U.S. Central Intelligence Agency operative Tony Mendez, titled "The Master of Disguise," and the 2007 Wired article by Joshuah Bearman, titled "The Great Escape: How the CIA Used a Fake Sci-Fi Flick to Rescue Americans from Tehran". The film deals with the "Canadian Caper", in which Mendez led the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran, under the guise of filming a science fiction film during the 1979–1981 Iran hostage crisis. On Nov. 4, 1979, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 66 American hostages. Amid the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge with the Canadian ambassador. Knowing that it's just a matter of time before the refugees are found and likely executed, the U.S. government calls on extractor Tony Mendez to rescue them. Mendez's plan is to pose as a Hollywood producer scouting locations in Iran and train the refugees to act as his "film" crew. Directed by Ben Affleck, the film stars Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez, Bryan Cranston as Jack O'Donnell, Alan Arkin as Lester Siegel, John Goodman as John Chambers, Victor Garber as Ken Taylor, Clea DuVall as Cora Lijek and Kyle Chandler as Hamilton JordanHere on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-fourth Best Picture Winner: “THE ARTIST.”"The Artist" is a French comedy-drama film in the style of a black-and-white silent film. The story takes place in Hollywood, between 1927 and 1932, and focuses on the relationship between a rising young actress and an older silent film star as silent cinema falls out of fashion and is replaced by the "talkies". Actor George Valentin is a bona fide matinee idol with many adoring fans. While working on his latest film, George finds himself falling in love with an ingenue named Peppy Miller and, what's more, it seems Peppy feels the same way. However, the growing popularity of sound in movies separates the potential lovers, as George's career begins to fade while Peppy's star rises.  Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, the film stars Jean Dujardin as George Valentin, Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller, John Goodman as Al Zimmer, James Cromwell as Clifton and Penelope Ann Miller as Doris.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-third Best Picture Winner: “THE KING'S SPEECH.”"The King's Speech" is a British historical drama that follows King George VI who, to cope with a stammer, sees Lionel Logue, an Australian speech and language therapist. The men become friends as they work together, and after his brother abdicates the throne, the new king relies on Logue to help him make his first wartime radio broadcast upon Britain's declaration of war on Germany in 1939.  Directed by Tom Hooper, the film stars Colin Firth as King George VI, Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue and Guy Pearce as King Edward VIII.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-second Best Picture Winner: “THE HURT LOCKER.”"The Hurt Locker" follows an Iraq War Explosive Ordnance Disposal team who are targeted by insurgents and shows their psychological reactions to the stress of combat.  Following the death of their well-respected Staff Sergeant, Sergeant JT Stanborn and Specialist Owen Eldridge find their Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit saddled with a very different team leader, Staff Sergeant William James.  James is an inveterate risk-taker who seems to thrive on war, but there's no denying his gift for defusing bombs. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film stars Jeremy Renner as Staff Sergeant William James, Anthony Mackie as Sergeant JT Sanborn, Ralph Fiennes as Contractor Team Leader, David Morse as Colonel Reed, Evangeline Lilly as Connie James and Guy Pearce as Sergeant Matt ThompsonHere on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eighty-first Best Picture Winner: “SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.”"Slumdog Millionaire" is a British drama film that is a loose adaptation of the novel "Q & A" written by Indian author Vikas Swarup.  The story follows 18-year-old Jamal Malik from the Juhu slums of Mumbai. As a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Jamal surprises everyone by being able to answer every question correctly. Accused of cheating, Jamal recounts his life story to the police, illustrating how he is able to answer each question correctly. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother, Salim, survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film stars Dev Patel as Jamal Malik, Freida Pinto as Latika, Anil Kapoor as Prem Kumar and Irrfan Khan as the Police Inspector.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the eightieth Best Picture Winner: “NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN.”"No Country for Old Men" is neo-Western crime thriller film based on Cormac McCarthy's 2005 novel of the same name. While out hunting, Llewelyn Moss finds the grisly aftermath of a drug deal. Though he knows better, he cannot resist the cash left behind and takes it with him. The hunter becomes the hunted when a merciless killer named Anton Chigurh picks up his trail. Also looking for Moss is Sheriff Bell, an aging lawman who reflects on a changing world as he tries to find and protect Moss. Directed by Ethan & Joel Coen, the film stars Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss, Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh, Tommy Lee Jones as Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, Kelly Macdonald as Carla Jean Moss, Woody Harrelson as Carson Wells, and Stephen Root as Man who hires Wells.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode. 

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-ninth Best Picture Winner: “THE DEPARTED.”"The Departed is a crime thriller remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" and is also loosely based on the real-life Boston Winter Hill Gang; the character Colin Sullivan is based on the corrupt FBI agent John Connolly, while the character Frank Costello is based on Irish-American gangster Whitey Bulger.  In the film, South Boston cop Billy Costigan goes under cover to infiltrate the organization of Irish Mob boss Francis "Frank" Costello. At the same time that Costigan is gaining the mobster's trust, Costello has planted career criminal Colin Sullivan as a mole within the Massachusetts State Police. When both sides realize the situation, Sullivan and Costigan each attempt to discover the other's identity before they are found out.  Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan, Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan, Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello, Mark Wahlberg as Dignam, Martin Sheen as Queenan, Ray Winstone as Mr. French, Vera Farmiga as Madolyn, Anthony Anderson as Brown, and Alec Baldwin as Ellerby.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-eighth Best Picture Winner: “CRASH.”"Crash" is a crime drama that interweaves several connected stories about race, class, family and gender in Los Angeles in the aftermath of 9/11. Characters include a district attorney and his casually prejudiced wife, dating police detectives Graham and Ria, a victimized Middle Eastern store owner, and a wealthy African-American couple humiliated by a racist traffic cop.  Directed by Paul Haggis, the ensemble cast stars Sandra Bullock as Jean, Brendan Fraser as D.A. Rick, Terrence Howard as Cameron, Thandie Newton as Christine, Matt Dillon as Officer Ryan, Ryan Phillippe as Officer Hanson, Don Cheadle as Detective Graham, Jennifer Esposito as Detective Ria, Michael Peña as Daniel, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges as Anthony, Tony Danza as Fred, Keith David as Lt. Dixon, Loretta Devine as Shaniqua, Daniel Dae Kim as Park, and Shaun Toub as Farhad.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the 93rd Academy Awards Ceremony and the Winners!

On this episode, we discuss the 2021 Oscar Nominations.We tell you who WILL win and who SHOULD win in every category at this year's Academy Awards!  

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-seventh Best Picture Winner: “MILLION DOLLAR BABY.”"Million Dollar Baby" is a sports drama film based on short stories by F.X. Toole, the pen name of fight manager and cutman Jerry Boyd. The film follows Frankie Dunn, a veteran Los Angeles boxing trainer who keeps almost everyone at arm's length, except his old friend and associate Eddie "Scrap Iron" Dupris. When underdog amateur boxer Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald arrives in Frankie's gym seeking his expertise, he is reluctant to train the young woman, a transplant from working-class Missouri. Eventually, he relents, and the two form a close bond that will irrevocably change them both.  Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film stars Clint Eastwood as Frankie Dunn, Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald, Morgan Freeman as Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris, Jay Baruchel as Danger Barch, Mike Colter as Big Willie Little, Anthony Mackie as Shawrelle Berry, and Michael Peña as Omar.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-sixth Best Picture Winner: “LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING.”"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" is an epic fantasy adventure film that is the culmination of nearly 10 years' work and the conclusion to Peter Jackson's epic trilogy based on the timeless J.R.R. Tolkien classic. Continuing the plot of the previous two films: "Fellowship of the Ring" & "The Two Towers," Frodo, Sam and Gollum are making their final way toward Mount Doom in Mordor in order to destroy the One Ring, unaware of Gollum's true intentions.  Meanwhile, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and the rest are joining forces together against Sauron and his legions in Minas Tirith. The film presents the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil fighting for control of the future of Middle-earth. Directed by Peter Jackson, the ensemble cast stars Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, Elijah Wood as Frodo, Sean Astin as Sam, Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Dominic Monaghan as Merry, Billy Boyd as Pippin, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, John Rhys-Davies as Gimli, Andy Serkis as Gollum / Smeagol, Liv Tyler as Arwen, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Ian Holm as Bilbo, Karl Urban as Eomer, Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Sean Bean as Boromir, and so many more.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-fifth Best Picture Winner: “CHICAGO.”"Chicago" is an American musical black comedy crime film based on the 1975 stage musical of the same name. It explores the themes of celebrity, scandal, and corruption in Chicago during the Jazz Age. The film centers on Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who find themselves in jail together awaiting trial in 1920s Chicago. Roxie, a housewife, and Velma, a vaudevillian, fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows. Directed by Rob Marshall, the film stars Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, Richard Gere as Billy Flynn, Queen Latifah as Matron Mama Morton, John C. Reilly as Amos Hart, Dominic West as Fred Casely, Lucy Liu as Kitty Baxter, and Taye Diggs as Bandleader.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-fourth Best Picture Winner: “A Beautiful Mind.”"A Beautiful Mind" is a biographical drama based on the life of the American mathematician John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics and Abel Prize winner. The story begins in Nash's days as a graduate student at Princeton University. Early in the film, Nash begins to develop paranoid schizophrenia and endures delusional episodes while watching the burden his condition brings on his wife Alicia and friends.  Directed by Ron Howard, the film stars Russell Crowe as John Nash, Ed Harris as Parcher, Jennifer Connelly as Alicia Nash, Christopher Plummer as Dr. Rosen, Paul Bettany as Charles, Josh Lucas as Hansen, and Judd Hirsch as Helinger.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-third Best Picture Winner: “GLADIATOR.”"Gladiator" is an epic historical drama inspired by Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 book "Those About to Die" (formerly titled "The Way of the Gladiator"). The film follows Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and rises through the ranks of the arena to avenge the murders of his family and his emperor.  Directed by Ridley Scott, the film stars Russell Crowe as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Oliver Reed as Proximo, Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius, and Djimon Hounsou as Juba.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-second Best Picture Winner: “AMERICAN BEAUTY.”"American Beauty" is a dark satire of American middle-class notions of beauty and personal satisfaction. The film follows Lester Burnham, an advertising executive who has a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend.  As he experiences a new awakening of the senses, his wife and daughter also undergo changes that seriously affect their family. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, Annette Bening as Carolyn Burnham, Thora Birch as Jane Burnham, Wes Bentley as Ricky Fitts, Mena Suvari as Angela Hayes, Peter Gallagher as Buddy Kane, Allison Janney as Barbara Fitts, Chris Cooper as Colonel Fitts and Scott Bakula as Jim Olmeyer.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventy-first Best Picture Winner: “SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE.”"Shakespeare in Love" follows a fictional relationship between William Shakespeare and a young woman who poses as a man in order to star in one of the writer's plays, "Romeo & Juliet."  Several characters in the film are based on historical figures, and many of the characters, lines, and plot devices allude to Shakespeare's plays.  Suffering from writer's block, Shakespeare is in need of a new muse, which he soon finds in the form of a beautiful female aristocrat, Viola De Lesseps. But her daring determination to act in his play puts their already forbidden relationship on even more dangerous ground.  Directed by John Madden, the film stars Joseph Fiennes as Will Shakespeare, Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola De Lesseps, Geoffrey Rush as Philip Henslowe, Tom Wilkinson as Hugh Fennyman, Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth, Imelda Staunton as The Nurse, Colin Firth as Lord Wessex, Jim Carter as Ralph Bashford and Ben Affleck as Ned Alleyn.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the seventieth Best Picture Winner: “TITANIC.”"Titanic" is an epic romance set against a fictionalized account of the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic. Incorporating both historical and fictionalized aspects, the film follows the forbidden romance between Rose and Jack, members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage.  Directed by James Cameron, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson, Kate Winslet as Rose Dewitt Bukater,  Billy Zane as Cal Hockley, Kathy Bates as Molly Brown, Frances Fisher as Ruth Dewitt Bukater, Gloria Stuart as Old Rose, Bill Paxton as Brock Lovett, David Warner as Spicer Lovejoy, and Victor Garber as Thomas Andrews.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-ninth Best Picture Winner: “THE ENGLISH PATIENT.”"The English Patient" uses the sweeping expanses of the Sahara as the setting for a passionate love affair in this adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's novel of the same name. A man burned beyond recognition, Laszlo de Almasy, tells his story to a young nurse caring for him in a series of flashbacks, revealing his true identity and the love affair he was involved in before the war. In the process, the nurse learns to heal her own scars as she helps the dying man. Directed by Anthony Minghella, the film stars Ralph Fiennes as Count László de Almásy, Juliette Binoche as Hana, Willem Dafoe as David Caravaggio, Kristin Scott Thomas as Katharine Clifton, Naveen Andrews as Kip, and Colin Firth as Geoffrey Clifton.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-eighth Best Picture Winner: “BRAVEHEART.”"Braveheart" is an epic historical fiction war film that follows William Wallace, a late-13th-century medieval Scottish patriot who is spurred into revolt against the cruel English ruler Edward the Longshanks, who wishes to inherit the crown of Scotland for himself.  When he was a young boy, William Wallace's father and brother, along with many others, lost their lives trying to free Scotland. When the love of his life is slaughtered, William Wallace begins his long quest to make Scotland free once and for all, along with the assistance of Robert the Bruce. Directed by Mel Gibson, the film stars Mel Gibson as William Wallace, Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle, Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce, Patrick McGoohan as Longshanks - King Edward I, Brian Cox as Argyle Wallace, Catherine McCormack as Murron and Brendan Gleeson as Hamish.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-seventh Best Picture Winner: “FORREST GUMP.”"Forrest Gump" is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom.  The story depicts several decades in the life of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century United States. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, Sally Field as Mrs. Gump, Robin Wright as Jenny Curran, Mykelti Williamson as Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue, Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan Taylor and Haley Joel Osment as Forrest Gump, Jr.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-sixth Best Picture Winner: “SCHINDLER'S LIST.”"Schindler's List" is based on the 1982 non-fiction novel "Schindler's Ark" by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film follows businessman Oskar Schindler who arrives in Krakow, Poland in 1939 ready to make his fortune from World War II, which has just started. After joining the Nazi party primarily for political expediency, he staffs his factory with Jewish workers for similarly pragmatic reasons. When the SS begins exterminating Jews in the Krakow ghetto, Schindler arranges to have his workers protected to keep his factory in operation, but soon realizes that in so doing, he is also saving innocent lives.  Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film stars Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler, Ben Kingsley as Itzhak Stern, Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth, Caroline Goodall as Emilie Schindler, and Jonathan Sagall as Poldek Pfefferberg.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-fifth Best Picture Winner: “UNFORGIVEN.”Disgusted by Sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett's decree that several horses make up for a cowhand slashing a prostitutes's face, Big Whiskey prostitutes, led by the fierce Strawberry Alice, take justice into their own hands and put a $1,000 bounty on the lives of the perpetrators. Notorious outlaw-turned-hog farmer William Munny is sought out by neophyte gunslinger "the Schofield Kid" to go with him to Big Whiskey and collect the bounty. While Munny insists, "I ain't like that no more," he needs the bounty money for his children, and the two men convince Munny's clean-living comrade Ned Logan to join them in righting the wrong done by Sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett.  Directed by Clint Eastwood, “Unforgiven” stars Clint Eastwood as Bill Munny, Gene Hackman as Little Bill Daggett, Morgan Freeman as Ned Logan, Jaimz Woolvett as The 'Schofield Kid', Frances Fisher as Strawberry Alice, and Richard Harris as English Bob.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-fourth Best Picture Winner: “SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.”"The Silence of the Lambs" follows Clarice Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy whose shrewd analyses of serial killers lands her a special assignment: the FBI is investigating a vicious murderer nicknamed Buffalo Bill, who kills young women and then removes the skin from their bodies. F.B.I. Special Agent Jack Crawford tasks Clarice with interviewing Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into this case and that Starling may be just the bait to draw him out.  Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford, Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, and Ted Levine as Jame Gumb (aka Buffalo Bill).Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-third Best Picture Winner: “DANCES WITH WOLVES.”"Dances With Wolves" follows Civil War soldier Lieutenant John Dunbar who develops a relationship with a local Sioux tribe. Attracted by the simplicity of their lifestyle, he chooses to leave his former life behind to join them. However, it's not long before tragedy strikes when Union soldiers arrive with their eyes on the Sioux tribe's land.  Directed by Kevin Costner, the film stars Kevin Costner as Lieutenant Dunbar, Mary McDonnell as Stands With A Fist, Graham Greene as Kicking Bird, Rodney A. Grant as Wind In His Hair, and Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman as Ten BearsHere on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-second Best Picture Winner: “DRIVING MISS DAISY.”"Driving Miss Daisy" follows Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish widow living in Atlanta, who is determined to maintain her independence. However, when she crashes her car, her son, Boolie, arranges for her to have a chauffeur, an African-American driver named Hoke Colburn. Daisy and Hoke's relationship gets off to a rocky start, but they gradually form a close friendship over the years, one that transcends racial prejudices and social conventions. Directed by Bruce Beresford, the film stars Jessica Tandy as Daisy Werthan, Morgan Freeman as Hoke Colburn, Dan Aykroyd as Boolie Werthan and Patti LuPone as Florine Werthan.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the sixty-first Best Picture Winner: “RAIN MAN.”"Rain Man" follows car dealer Charlie Babbitt, who, after learning that his estranged father has died, returns home to Cincinnati where he discovers that he has an autistic older brother named Raymond and that his father's $3 million fortune is being left to the mental institution in which Raymond lives. Motivated by his father's money, Charlie checks Raymond out of the facility in order to return with him to Los Angeles. The brothers' cross-country trip ends up changing both their lives.  Directed by Barry Levinson, the film stars Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt, Dustin Hoffman as Raymond Babbitt, Valeria Golino as Susanna, and Bonnie Hunt as Sally Dibbs.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode. 

On this episode, we discuss the sixtieth Best Picture Winner: “THE LAST EMPEROR.”"The Last Emperor" is the sweeping account of the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, and his tumultuous reign. After being captured by the Red Army as a war criminal in 1950, Pu Yi recalls his childhood from prison. He remembers his lavish youth in the Forbidden City, where he was afforded every luxury but unfortunately sheltered from the outside world and complex political situation surrounding him. As revolution sweeps through China, the world Pu Yi knew is dramatically upended. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film stars John Lone as Pu Yi (as an adult), Joan Chen as Wan Jung, Victor Wong as Chen Pao Shen, and Peter O'Toole as Reginald 'R. J.' Johnston.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-ninth Best Picture Winner: “PLATOON.” "Platoon" follows Chris Taylor who leaves his university studies to enlist in combat duty in Vietnam in 1967. Once he's on the ground in the middle of battle, his idealism fades. Infighting in his unit between Staff Sergeant Barnes, who believes nearby villagers are harboring Viet Cong soldiers, and Sergeant Elias, who has a more sympathetic view of the locals, ends up pitting the soldiers against each other as well as against the enemy. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film stars Charlie Sheen as Chris Taylor, Tom Berenger as Staff Sgt. Barnes, Willem Dafoe as Sgt. Elias, Keith David as King, Forest Whitaker as Big Harold, Kevin Dillon as Bunny, John C. McGinley as Sgt. O'Neill, Johnny Depp as Lerner, and Tony Todd as Warren. Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode. 

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-eighth Best Picture Winner: “OUT OF AFRICA.”"Out of Africa" is based loosely on the autobiographical book "Out of Africa" written by Isak Dinesen (the pseudonym of Danish author Karen Blixen), which was published in 1937, with additional material from Dinesen's book "Shadows on the Grass" and other sources. The story covers the following:  Initially set on being a dairy farmer, the aristocratic Karen Blixen travels to Africa to join her husband, Bror, who instead spends their money on a coffee plantation. After discovering Bror is unfaithful, Karen develops feelings for hunter Denys, but realizes he prefers a simplistic lifestyle compared to her upper class background. The two continue on until a series of events force Karen to choose between her love and personal growth. Directed by Sydney Pollack, the film stars Meryl Streep as Karen, Robert Redford as Denys, and Klaus Maria Brandauer as Bror.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-seventh Best Picture Winner: “AMADEUS.”"Amadeus" follows Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri. Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.  Directed by Milos Forman, the film stars F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri, Tom Hulce as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Elizabeth Berridge as Constanze Mozart, Roy Dotrice as Leopold Mozart, and Jeffrey Jones as Emperor Joseph II.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-sixth Best Picture Winner: “TERMS OF ENDEARMENT.”"Terms of Endearment" follows widow Aurora Greenway and her daughter, Emma, who have a strong bond until Emma marries teacher Flap Horton against her mother's wishes. When the marriage grows sour due to Flap's cheating, Emma eventually splits from him, returning to her mother, who is involved with former astronaut Garrett Breedlove. Shortly after, Emma learns that she has terminal cancer. In the hospital, supported by Aurora, she tries to make peace with Flap and her children. Directed by James L. Brooks, the film stars Shirley MacLaine as Aurora Greenway, Debra Winger as Emma Horton, Jack Nicholson as Garrett Breedlove, Danny DeVito as Vernon Dahlart, Jeff Daniels as Flap Horton, John Lithgow as Sam Burns, and Lisa Hart Carroll as Patsy Clark.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-fifth Best Picture Winner: “GANDHI.”"Gandhi" is the biographical drama that presents the major events in the life of Mohandas Gandhi, the beloved Indian leader who stood against British rule over his country. Dedicated to the concept of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi is initially dismissed by English officials, including the influential Lord Irwin, but eventually he and his cause become internationally renowned, and his gatherings of passive protest move India towards independence. Directed by Richard Attenborough, the film stars Ben Kingsley as Mohandas Gandhi, Rohini Hattangadi as Kasturba Gandhi, Roshan Seth as Pandit Nehru, Candice Bergen as Margaret Bourke-White, John Gielgud as Lord Irwin, and Martin Sheen as Walker.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode. 

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-fourth Best Picture Winner: “CHARIOTS OF FIRE.”"Chariots of Fire" takes place in the class-obsessed and religiously divided United Kingdom of the early 1920s, where two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell, a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart Sybil in his single-minded quest. Directed by Hugh Hudson, the film stars Ian Charleson as Eric Liddell, Ben Cross as Harold Abrahams, Alice Krige as Sybil Gordon, and Ian Holm as Sam Mussabini.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-third Best Picture Winner: “ORDINARY PEOPLE.”"Ordinary People" follows alienated teenager Conrad Jarrett who is tormented by guilt following the death of his older brother, Buck, in a sailing accident, so he attempts suicide. Returning home following an extended stay in a psychiatric hospital, Conrad tries to deal with his mental anguish and also reconnect with his mother, Beth, who has grown cold and angry, and his emotionally wounded father, Calvin, with the help of his psychiatrist, Dr. Berger. Directed by Robert Redford, the film stars Timothy Hutton as Conrad, Judd Hirsch as Dr. Berger, Donald Sutherland as Calvin, and Mary Tyler Moore as Beth.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-second Best Picture Winner: “KRAMER VS KRAMER.”"Kramer vs Kramer" follows Manhattan advertising executive Ted Kramer who lands the biggest account of his career, and on the same day, learns that his wife, Joanna, is leaving him and their young son, Billy. Forced to raise his son alone, Ted loses his job but gains a stronger relationship with his child with the help of another single parent, Margaret. When Joanna returns to claim custody of Billy, the ensuing court battle takes a toll on everyone concerned. Directed by Robert Benton, the film stars Dustin Hoffman as Ted Kramer, Meryl Streep as Joanna Kramer, Jane Alexander as Margaret Phelps and Justin Henry as Billy Kramer.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. You can reach anyone here at TheEnvelopePodcast.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the fifty-first Best Picture Winner: “THE DEER HUNTER.”"The Deer Hunter" takes place in 1968, and follows Michael, Nick and Steven, lifelong friends from a working-class Pennsylvania steel town as they prepare to ship out overseas following Steven's elaborate wedding and one final group hunting trip. In Vietnam, their dreams of military honor are quickly shattered by the inhumanities of war; even those who survive are haunted by the experience, as is Nick's hometown sweetheart, Linda. Directed Michael Cimino, the film stars Robert De Niro as Michael, Christopher Walken as Nick, John Savage as Steven, John Cazale as Stan and Meryl Streep as Linda.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. We are a Cinema Squad Production, presented on the Cinema Squad Podcast Channel. You can reach anyone here at TheCinemaSquad.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

Here on The Envelope Podcast, we usually discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History.  However, this week we're bringing you a special episode where we will be ranking our Top Ten Favorite Films of the first 50 Best Picture Winners.

On this episode, we discuss the fiftieth Best Picture Winner: “ANNIE HALL.”"Annie Hall" follows comedian Alvy Singer as he examines the rise and fall of his relationship with struggling nightclub singer Annie Hall. Speaking directly to the audience in front of a bare background, Singer reflects briefly on his childhood and his early adult years before settling in to tell the story of how he and Annie met, fell in love, and struggled with the obstacles of modern romance, mixing surreal fantasy sequences with small moments of emotional drama. Directed by Woody Allen the film stars Woody Allen as Alvy Singer, Diane Keaton as Annie Hall, Tony Roberts as Rob, Carol Kane as Allison, Paul Simon as Tony Lacey, Shelley Duvall as Pam, and Christopher Walken as Duane Hall.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. We are a Cinema Squad Production, presented on the Cinema Squad Podcast Channel. You can reach anyone here at TheCinemaSquad.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the forty-ninth Best Picture Winner: “ROCKY.”"Rocky" follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from working-class Philadelphia, who is arbitrarily chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, when the undefeated fighter's scheduled opponent is injured. While training with feisty former bantamweight contender Mickey Goldmill, Rocky tentatively begins a relationship with Adrian, the wallflower sister of his meat-packer pal Paulie. Directed by John G. Avildsen, the film stars Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, Talia Shire as Adrian, Burt Young as Paulie, Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, and Burgess Meredith as Mickey.Here on The Envelope, we discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. We are a Cinema Squad Production, presented on the Cinema Squad Podcast Channel. You can reach anyone here at TheCinemaSquad.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.

On this episode, we discuss the 92nd Academy Awards Ceremony and the Winners!

Here on The Envelope, we usually discuss & review every Best Picture Winner in the Academy Awards History. However, this week we are bringing you a SPECIAL EPISODE where we discuss the 2020 Oscar Nominations and give our predictions to prepare for the big night.We are a Cinema Squad Production, presented on the Cinema Squad Podcast Channel. You can reach anyone here at TheCinemaSquad.com – Just go there to email us, check our bios, and keep up with the latest episode.