Richard Brody Presents the 2026 Brody Awards

The podcast episode centers on the "Brody Awards," an alternative to the Oscars, where film critics Alexandra Schwartz and Richard Brody discuss and award films they believe deserve recognition. Richard Brody highlights the Academy's increasing diversity and awareness due to initiatives like "Oscar So White." They introduce a new category, casting, which Brody suggests recognizes the importance of ensemble casts. The critics then present their nominations and winners for Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Actress (Tessa Thompson), and Best Director (Kelly Reichardt). "Sinners" wins Best Picture, praised for its imaginative blend of historical drama and vampire metaphor, critiquing cultural appropriation. The discussion also touches on the impact of streaming services like YouTube on the Oscars and the increasing creative freedom given to directors in Hollywood.