In this episode we look at the 2025 Oscars that just went by but decided to delve deeper into the Oscars history, structure and its real purpose.  We will look at some of the most controversial Oscar campaigns, the forces behind them, if the Oscars favorite indie movies are really indie and if this whole thing is just an out of touch popularity contest.  Also at the end, we hear what Ricky Gervais has to say about the Oscar nominees.    History: The House That Mr. Mayer Built: Inside the Union-Busting Birth of the Academy Awards Corruption The Oscars Are Corrupted and Dirty and Driven by Publicists, But Dammit We Still Need Them The bitter truth about Hollywood’s Oscar obsession Most corrupt Oscar campaign Number of television viewers of the Academy Awards ceremonies from 2000 to 2025 Why THIS Is The Worst Best Picture Winner In Oscar History Oscar voter admits meeting Robert Downey Jr ‘tipped the scales’ for his vote Oscar voters speak: 2025 - Brutally Honest Oscar Ballot No. 1: ‘Conclave’ for Best Picture, ‘Emilia Pérez’ Star Lost His Vote with Tweets 2024 - Brutally Honest Oscar Ballot No. 1: ‘Zone of Interest’ Is Best Picture, but Nolan Is Best Director Indie Cinema Don’t be fooled by all the ‘indie’ nominations – Oscars are still dominated by the big players - 2015 Article 2025 Oscars  Emilia Perez Nomination Explained “Emilia Pérez” is Not Good Trans Representation REVIEW: ‘Emilia Pérez’ Hates México