Be Kind Rewind

In this video, I discuss how 1946's A Stolen Life, starring Bette Davis, utilized the doppelgänger motif to highlight societal values of the time.

In 1947, Olivia de Havilland conquered the studio system and bested her rival, Joan Fontaine, by winning her first Oscar. In this video, I tell you how that happened.

Three iconic feminist characters competed for the 1992 Best Actress Oscar: Clarice Starling, Thelma, and Louise. In this video, I talk about why Jodie Foster won for The Silence Of The Lambs and how the critical reception of Thelma and Louise may have affected Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon's shot at the prize.

In this episode, I explore Sally Field's journey from Flying Nun to Oscar Winner, the stigma against tv that made her win unlikely, and the bold storyline of Norma Rae.

In this episode, I talk about the cultural impact of Mrs. Miniver, Hollywood's response to WWII, and how Greer Garson owned the 1940s.

In 1973, Liza won her Oscar for portraying Sally Bowles. While she had history on her side (in addition to her great performance), the other nominees had history working against them.

Learn how a brush with death may have won Elizabeth Taylor her first Oscar in 1961!

In 1938, Luise Rainer became the first actor to ever win consecutive Academy Awards. In this episode I explain how she benefited from the studio system, how freelancing disadvantaged her opponents, and how white privilege influenced the casting of The Good Earth.

In 1988, Cher won the Best Actress Oscar for Moonstruck over Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, and Sally Kirkland, cementing her place as one of the greatest pop culture icons of all time. In this video, I discuss her professional journey and how it ultimately culminated in an Oscar.

In 1955 Grace Kelly surprised everyone by winning the Best Actress Oscar over Judy Garland. In this video, I contrast Judy and Grace’s reputations to show why this upset occurred.

In 1936, Bette won her first Best Actress Oscar for "Dangerous." Except the award wasn't REALLY for "Dangerous." In this video, I tell you why!

In 1979 Jane Fonda won the Best Actress Oscar after a few years away from Hollywood. In this video I talk about how she rehabilitated her image after the Hanoi Jane incident and how Coming Home is an extension of her activism.

I took a look at each version of A Star Is Born and what they say about our cultural and cinematic history.

In 1969, Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn received the exact same number of votes for Best Actress. In this video, I give you some reasons why.

In 1946, Joan Crawford won an Oscar for Mildred Pierce after leaving her home of nearly 20 years, MGM. In this video I explain the evolution of her persona, her relationship to the studio system, and why her Oscar is a great comeback story.

Julie Andrews originated the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on Broadway, but wasn't cast in the film adaptation. Audrey Hepburn, who ended up playing Eliza, caused a scandal when it was revealed that she didn't sing her own songs. In this video, I walk you through this whole situation and explain how it resulted in Julie's Oscar.