‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Burns Bright Before Flaming Out. Plus: Best Picture Power Rankings and the Oscar Short Lists! - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2025-12-19

Duration: 1 hr 23 min

Guests: Amanda Dobbins

Summary

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins discuss significant changes in the Oscars broadcast, review the new 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' movie, and update their audience on the Oscar shortlists and Best Picture power rankings.

What Happened

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins open the episode by discussing the Academy Awards' decision to move their telecast to YouTube starting in 2029. This shift aims to make the Oscars more accessible globally, but some fear it might lessen the event's prestige by moving away from traditional television broadcasts.

The hosts react to the trailer for Steven Spielberg's upcoming film 'Disclosure Day', starring Josh O'Connor and Emily Blunt. Spielberg's film is noted for its exceptional sound design and practical effects, though there are criticisms regarding its CGI elements.

The conversation turns to James Cameron's much-anticipated film 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. While praised for its stunning action sequences, including a memorable one with jellyfish dragons, the film is criticized for its excessive length and repetitive elements that echo its predecessors.

The plot of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' follows Jake and Natiri as they mourn a loss and encounter the Mangwan clan, a new Na'Vi tribe. The movie features returning stars such as Sam Worthington and Sigourney Weaver, but some viewers feel the film fails to deliver on the promise suggested by its title.

Sean and Amanda explore the autobiographical elements in Cameron's latest installment, suggesting it reflects his personal experiences as both a filmmaker and parent. Despite making $2.34 billion previously, the new film is projected to gross around $1.6 billion, indicating a potential decline in audience reception.

The episode also covers the Oscars shortlist announcement, which includes 12 categories. Noteworthy mentions include 'Sinners' and 'Wicked for Good' with eight shortlistings each and the newly added Best Casting category.

Finally, the hosts present their Best Picture power rankings for 2025. They highlight notable films like 'The Secret Agent' and 'Train Dreams', while noting that 'Sinners' is gaining unexpected traction in the awards race.

Key Insights