1984 – Who's Amadeus And Why Aren't People Talking About Him?

In this episode, we revisit the movies of 1984 that were nominated for best picture at the 57th Annual Academy Awards. The night’s top honor went to Amadeus, Milos Forman’s opulent and audacious portrait of Mozart’s genius and Salieri’s envy. It dominated the ceremony with eight Oscars—but was it truly the year’s best film?

The competition was fierce, with The Killing Fields, a harrowing depiction of survival during Cambodia’s genocide; A Passage to India, David Lean’s sweeping return to epic filmmaking; Places in the Heart, a tender Depression-era drama about resilience; and A Soldier’s Story, an incisive murder mystery exploring race and identity within the U.S. military during World War II. Each contender brought something powerful—social urgency, cultural commentary, emotional depth, and incredible artistry—making this a year worth debating.

Tune in for lively discussion and our ultimate verdict on whether Oscar gold went to the right movie—or if history deserves a rewrite.

Best Picture Nominees

Amadeus - winner
The Killing Fields
A Passage to India
Places in the Heart
A Soldier's Story