Anora took home five Oscars — including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress — but after watching it a second time… I still don’t get it.

In this episode, I revisit one of last year’s most talked-about films and break down where it works, where it falls short, and why the Academy’s full endorsement of this film doesn’t sit right with me.

I get into:

• What critics loved — from its chaotic energy to Mikey Madison

• Where the film struggles — including uneven storytelling and shallow character development

• The fine line between portraying exploitation and participating in it

• And whether consultation with sex workers actually translates into authentic perspective on screen

Because when a film wins Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Female Actor in a Lead Role and Best Editing… that’s not just buzz — that’s a statement.

And I’m not sure it’s the right one.

🍴 Movies I Give a Fork About

Movies don’t get stars — they get forks.

Hosted by AJ Jones, this podcast cuts through hype, marketing, and awards buzz to answer one simple question:

Is this movie actually worth your time?

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

📸 Follow on Instagram: @moviesigiveaforkabout

🌐 Podcast site: giveaforkmovies.com

New episodes drop when a movie earns a fork.

In this episode of Movies I Give a Fork About, AJ breaks down the nominees for Best Picture at the 2026 Academy Awards.

From intimate character-driven dramas to ambitious large-scale filmmaking, this year’s lineup reflects the wide range of storytelling the Academy recognized over the past year.

AJ revisits each nominated film and shares quick thoughts on what makes them stand out — from standout performances and directing choices to the themes and storytelling that resonated most during awards season.

Then it comes down to the final predictions:

Which film will win, which film should win, and which nominee could pull off the upset when the Academy announces the winner.

It’s the final prediction before Oscar night.

🍴 Movies I Give a Fork About

Movies don’t get stars — they get forks.

Hosted by AJ Jones, this podcast cuts through hype, marketing, and awards buzz to answer one simple question:

Is this movie actually worth your time?

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

📸 Follow on Instagram: @moviesigiveaforkabout

🌐 Podcast site: giveaforkmovies.com

New episodes drop when a movie earns a fork.

In this episode of Movies I Give a Fork About, AJ examines the nominees for Best Director at the 2026 Academy Awards.

This category recognizes the filmmakers responsible for shaping the entire vision of a movie — guiding performances, controlling tone, and bringing the story to life through visual storytelling.

AJ looks at the distinctive styles of this year’s nominees — from sprawling political filmmaking to quiet emotional observation — while also addressing the continued representation challenges within the category itself.

Then it comes down to the predictions:

Who will win, who should win, and which filmmaker could pull off an upset on Oscar night.

🍴 Movies I Give a Fork About

Movies don’t get stars — they get forks.

Hosted by AJ Jones, this podcast cuts through hype, marketing, and awards buzz to answer one simple question:

Is this movie actually worth your time?

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

📸 Follow on Instagram: @moviesigiveaforkabout

🌐 Podcast site: giveaforkmovies.com

New episodes drop when a movie earns a fork.