Alfonso Cuarón & Laura Cantrell

Studio 360 | Feb 18, 2014

Who is Oscar? (Hint: his real name isn’t Oscar.) This week, we reveal the man who inspired the Academy Awards’ iconic gold statue. Kurt Andersen talks with filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, who explains why the astounding special effects in his movie Gravity (up for 10 Oscars) take second place to Sandra Bullock’s performance as an untethered astronaut. The director of the disturbing and singular documentary The Act of Killing takes us into the minds of Indonesian paramilitaries. Plus, Laura Cantrell performs the songs of country legend Kitty Wells live in the studio.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

In wake of Legionnaires' outbreaks, a debate over NYC's water and industry influence

An advocacy group backed by cooling tower companies wants the city to filter all the city’s drinking water. Some experts say it would be a waste of money.
Gothamist |

An American Journalist Imprisoned as a Spy in Russia

Evan Gershkovich, a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal who was convicted on false charges of espionage, talks about his time in a Russian prison.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Trump's Guide to Stealing an Election

The attempts, successful and not, to turn election conspiracies into policy.
On the Media |

30 Issues in 30 Days: Pres. Trump in the New York Governor's Race

The Brian Lehrer Show |
YOU ARE ONLINE