The First Annual Blank Check Awards

**The First Annual Blank Check Awards** (also known as **The Blankies** - not to be confused with "blankies" who are fans of the podcast) is episode 44 and the first entry in the series of standalone Blankies episodes, where Griffin, David, and guest Joe Reid get to "pick the Oscars!" and reveal their picks for the best in film in 2015. Posted 21 Feb 2016.

## Summary

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> On this week’s special episode, Griffin and David joined by guest, Joe Reid (The Decider), present their personal nominations for the upcoming 88th Academy Awards. This roundtable discussion looks to all the major categories and offers engaging criticism, as well as, references deep cut cinema from 2015 you may have missed. With the “Blankies”, some winners are picked, Oscar snubs deservingly defended, but as always most of the personal grudges continue. Also, Griffin reads a listener submitted Star Wars/Blank Check crossover fan fiction titled: “Fisto and the Hoz” and Producer Ben offers up some of his own original categories. And fear not, for the twists will continue next week on Pod Night Shyamacast with episode five: *The Village*!
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Due to the sheer number of films and actors and directors mentioned and discussed, any summary of the episode is inadequate. Give it a listen, and check the lists below of regular honorees as well as the special awards and Ben's Awards.

### Milestones and Epehemera

* A scared bird: Rooney Mara
* Something Ben likes in his movies: a Touch of the Tucc
* Besides "Seinfeld," are about nothing: *Birdman*, and *The Revenant*
* Belongs in the new canon of holiday movies: *Iron Man 3*
* Several movies were nominated that were subjects of future episodes:
	+ *Bridge of Spies* as part of Pod Me If You Cast
	+ *Mad Max: Fury Road* as part of Mad Pod: Fury Cast
	+ *Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation* as part of the Special Features Mission: Impossible commentary series.
	+ *Tomorrowland* as part of The Podcastibles
	+ *Steve Jobs* as part of Trainspodcasting
* Nominee *Queen of Earth* was directed by friend of the pod Alex Ross Perry.

## Other Awards

* **Griffin's 2015 Putterers and Murmurers Award**: Ian McKellen - *Mr. Holmes*
* **2016 Punch In The Dick Award**: Alejandro Iñárritu, Colin Trevorrow (tie)

## Ben's Awards

*Editorial Note: As ever, we remind listeners that no typed-out description can ever do justice to Ben. Ever. Do yourself a favor and (re-)listen to the episodes!*

* **Best Location**:
	+ Steve Jobs (*really* used the space)
	+ Room
	+ The Hateful Eight
	+ The Martian (and so funny!)
	+ The Revenant

* **Sex-y/-ist**:
	+ Carol
	+ 50 Shades of Grey
	+ Jurassic World
	+ Entourage

* **Films That Should Be Remade With Babies, Animals, or Puppets**
	+ Spotlight - puppets
	+ Room - animals
	+ The Hateful Eight - fruit (??!)
	+ Steve Jobs or The Martian - babies

* **Honorable Mention (For Exposing To The World About The NFL Being An Evil Corporation)**: Concussion

* **Favorite Bit Title**: Ya Burnt

* **Ummm... No, Thank You**
	+ Black Mass - dude looks gross
	+ Crimson Peak - seems like a boring horror movie
	+ Trumbo - (venomously) don't want to watch a movie about a screenwriter
	+ The Intern - looks like garbage
	+ Everest - you get it right way that they're going to be trapped on this fucking mountain... it *is* big though, and would be cool if there were giants climbing it

## References

1. ↑ The First Annual Blank Check Awards on Audioboom.