Our Arts Editor Nina Nannar has covered countless Oscars ceremonies – and has been on the frontline of its most shocking moments and biggest controversies.
Before she set off to LA for the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, she sat down with Tom Bradby to reflect on the various cultural earthquakes that have rippled out from Hollywood – and how they have played out behind-the-scenes at the Oscars.
She relives the ultimate ‘where were you when’ moment – the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap incident – and how the world’s media reacted. And she reveals what Will Smith was really like in-person when she spent time with him.
Nina and Tom also talk about covering the historic changes brought about by the #OscarsSoWhite controversy – and discusses where the industry stands now when it comes to diversity. With Michael B Jordan’s Sinners – which features a majority black cast – looking to sweep up a big haul, is it a sign that Hollywood has changed?
She also reveals what it takes to ask a superstar an interview question that goes truly viral – something she’s well-versed in after a famous interview with Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.
She asked the pair who got paid more for the 2017 film The Post – a question she acknowledges was risky, but proved worth it for their reaction.
This episode contains some mildly offensive language.
You can also listen to episodes of Reporting History on all podcast platforms.
0:00 Intro
1:15 Will Smith Slap
6:00 ‘Oscars So White’
13:26 Harvey Weinstein Fallout
17:38 Viral Tom Hanks Question
20:52 Reporting on Superstars
22:18 Catching Colin Firth
24:55 Hanging out with Helen Mirren
27:25 Worst Celebs to Interview
28:37 Nicest Celebs to Interview
30:24 Do The Oscars Matter?
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