The Next Best Picture Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 494 - Tribeca Festival Preview, Indie Horror Box Office Success, "In The Hand Of Dante" & "I Am Frankelda" Trailers May 31, 2026

Show notes

For Episode 494, I am joined by Sara Clements, Larry Fried, Will Mavity, and Tom O'Brien, as we deliver our preview for the 2026 Tribeca Festival. We also touch on the recent box-office successes of "Backrooms" and "Obsession," and what they mean for Hollywood moving forward. For this week’s poll question, for the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival, we’re asking everyone: “Which Films From The 2026 Tribeca Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To?” and reveal the winner of last week’s poll question tied to the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, "Which Of The 2026 Cannes Film Festival Award Winners Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "In The Hand Of Dante," "I Am Frankelda," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, subscribing, and supporting us. Enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Backrooms" May 30, 2026

Show notes

For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Katie Johnson, Sara Clements, Alyssa Christian, and Brendan Hodges join me to review and discuss "Backrooms" starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett & Lukita Maxwell. Directed and co-scored by Kane Parsons (in his feature-length directorial debut at the young age of 20 years old) and written by Will Soodik, this A24 horror film is based on Parsons's web series of the same name, inspired by the "Backrooms" creepypasta. It has developed a massive following online, which we're seeing reflected in its overperforming box office, and has generated a ton of interest and conversation surrounding horror films in Hollywood today, the pipeline from YouTube creators to filmmakers, liminal horror spaces, Renate Reinsve's dominance over 2026, and more! What did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss all of these points and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interviews With The "The Pitt" Star Sepideh Moafi & Cinematographer Johanna Coelho May 30, 2026

Show notes

"The Pitt" is an American medical drama television series created by R. Scott Gemmill and executive-produced by John Wells and Noah Wyle. It stars Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Sepideh Moafi. Each season of the series follows emergency department staff as they work through the challenges of a single 12-hour shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, while navigating staff shortages, underfunding, and their own personal crises. Each episode, set in real time, covers approximately one hour of the work shift. The series has received critical acclaim for its performances, writing, direction, format, and realism. The medical community has also praised the series for its accuracy, realistic representation of healthcare workers, and portrayal of the stressors medical staff face in a post-pandemic world. The series has received several accolades, with the first season winning five awards at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, namely Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Casting, and acting wins for Wyle, LaNasa, and recurring guest star Shawn Hatosy. Additionally, it was listed among the 10 best television programs of 2025 by the American Film Institute and won Best Television Series – Drama at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. Ema Sasic spoke with Sepideh Moafi, and Daniel Howat spoke with series cinematographer Johanna Coelho. Both were kind enough to spend some time talking with them about their work and experiences making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the series, which is up for your consideration for this year's Emmy Awards and is now available to stream on HBO Max. Thank you, and enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview With The "Power Ballad" Filmmaker John Carney May 29, 2026

Show notes

"Power Ballad" is a 2026 musical comedy-drama film directed and co-written by John Carney, starring Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Havana Rose Liu, and Jack Reynor. The film tells the story of Rick Power (Rudd), a wedding singer, who meets washed-up former boy band singer Danny Wilson (Jonas) at a wedding one night and bonds over a jam session. After the jam session, Danny steals one of Rick's songs, and it becomes a number-one hit. This brings Danny back into the spotlight, leading Rick to seek revenge and recognition. The film had its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival and has received positive reviews for its two performances, Carney's direction, and, of course, the music. Carney was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Lionsgate and will expand to more theaters on June 5th. Thank you, and enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Revolutionary Road" May 29, 2026

Show notes

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL REVIEW. Please check out the full podcast review on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture

Our 2008 retrospective continues with "Revolutionary Road," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour, and Kathy Bates. Directed by Winslet's real-life husband at the time, Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, and adapted by Justin Haythe from the award-winning novel by Richard Yates, this was considered a huge Oscar contender on paper before its release around Christmas time in 2008. Once it was released, it received mixed but still positive reviews, with most of the praise going to the acting of Winslet, DiCaprio, and Shannon, and eventually scored three Oscar nominations. Winslet, though, despite winning the Golden Globe and receiving BAFTA and SAG nominations, was Oscar-nominated for her other 2008 contender, "The Reader." How has the period domestic drama held up all these years later? Please tune in as Lauren LaMagna, Dan Bayer, Amy Kim, and I talk about the Mendes's direction, the story's themes, Roger Deakins's cinematography, Thomas Newman's score, the performance, its awards season run, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Please check out our past reviews for "Frost/Nixon," "Doubt," and "Changeling." We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy our review!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview With "Abbott Elementary" Star Tyler James Williams May 28, 2026

Show notes

"Abbott Elementary" is an American mockumentary sitcom television series created by Quinta Brunson for ABC. It stars Brunson as Janine Teagues, a perpetually optimistic second-grade teacher at the underfunded Abbott Elementary, a fictional, predominantly black public school in West Philadelphia. The ensemble cast includes Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Tyler James Williams plays Gregory Eddie, at first a substitute for a recently fired first-grade teacher and later a full-time teacher, who quickly harbors a crush on Janine. He has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on the show. Williams was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the fifth season of the show, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which airs on ABC and is available to stream now on Hulu and Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview With "Pluribus" Star Karolina Wydra May 27, 2026

Show notes

"Pluribus" is an American post-apocalyptic science fiction television series created by Vince Gilligan for Apple TV. Set and filmed primarily in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the series follows novelist Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), who finds herself isolated after an alien virus transforms the rest of humanity into a peaceful, content hive mind that nevertheless seeks to assimilate her and other immune individuals. The series has received acclaim from critics, with praise for Gilligan's writing and direction, Seehorn's performance, and the show's originality, tone, and stylistic influences. It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and two Critics' Choice Awards, with Seehorn winning Best Actress in a Drama Series in both ceremonies. Karolina Wydra was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about her work and experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Apple TV. Thank you, and enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Early Behind The Scenes Look At Pixar's "Toy Story 5" May 26, 2026

Show notes

Pixar invited Next Best Picture to Disneyland for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at “Toy Story 5” ahead of its June 19th release. During our visit, we had the opportunity to spend time with the filmmakers behind the highly anticipated next chapter in one of Pixar’s most beloved franchises. Joining us for these interviews are director Andrew Stanton, co-director Kenna Harris, producer Lindsey Collins, production designer Bob Pauley, and visual effects supervisor Thomas Jordan as they discuss returning to the world of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang while crafting a brand-new adventure for audiences old and new. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on June 19th from Disney Pixar. Thank you, and enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview With "Margo's Got Money Troubles" Stars Michelle Pfeiffer & Greg Kinnear May 25, 2026

Show notes

"Margo's Got Money Troubles" is an American comedy-drama television series created by David E. Kelley, based on the 2024 novel by Rufi Thorpe. It stars Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Greg Kinnear, Thaddea Graham, Michael Angarano, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman. It tells the story of Margo Millet (Elle Fanning), the daughter of a Hooters waitress, Shyanne (Michelle Pfeiffer), and a former professional wrestler, Jinx (Nick Offerman). After becoming pregnant by her English professor (Michael Angarano), Margo turns to OnlyFans to support herself, with the help of her estranged father, who tries to share his wisdom gleaned from his wrestling days. The series received positive reviews from critics and has been renewed for a second season. Michelle Pfeiffer and Greg Kinnear were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream on Apple TV. Thank you, and enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 493 - Final 2026 Cannes Film Festival Recap, Award Winners, "Fjord," "La Bola Negra," "Hope," "Minotaur," "The Man I Love," "Coward" & "Victorian Psycho" May 24, 2026

Show notes

Bonjour NBP Film Community! For Episode 493, I am joined by Cody Dericks, Nadia Dalimonte, Dan Bayer, and Aaron Isenstein, as we are back home from the 79th Cannes Film Festival, ready to deliver Part 2 of our experience, including this year's award winners. We're going to touch on films from the festival including "Fjord," "La Bola Negra," "Hope," "Minotaur," "The Man I Love," "Coward," "Moulin," "The Unknown," "Her Private Hell," "Bitter Christmas," "Iron Boy," "The Dreamed Adventure," "I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning," "A Man Of His Time," "Everytime," "The Samurai And The Prisoner," "The End Of It," "Ben'imana" "Another Day," "Victorian Psycho," "Diamond," and more! For this week’s poll question, to tie into the festival's award winners, we’re asking everyone: “Which Of The 2026 Cannes Film Festival Award Winners Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing?” and reveal the winner of last week’s poll question, "Which Films From The 2026 Cannes Film Festival Are You Most Looking Forward To?" We also share our reactions to the trailers for "Victorian Psycho," “The Rivals Of Amziah King,” "Wildwood," "Couture," answer your fan-submitted questions, and more! Thank you all for listening, subscribing, and supporting us. Enjoy!

Check out more on NextBestPicture.com

Please subscribe on...

Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw

And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPictureand listen to this podcast ad-free

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Next Best Picture Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected