The Oscars Project: Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

In this episode of Film Chewing, we return to our Oscars project to break down the 1989 Best Picture winner, Driving Miss Daisy—a film often praised for its performances and emotional core, but one that raises some interesting questions when viewed through a modern lens.

We kick things off by zooming out: does Driving Miss Daisy actually represent the culture of the 1980s, or is it more reflective of the politics and retrospection of earlier decades? From there, the conversation dives into the film itself—its quiet, character-driven storytelling, its exploration of race, aging, dignity, and control, and whether its approach feels meaningful or overly safe.

We unpack the evolving relationship between Daisy and Hoke, debate whether the film earns its emotional payoff, and question if its subtlety works in its favor—or holds it back. Along the way, we compare it to other films of the era (including those that didn’t win), and ask the big question: why did this win Best Picture over some seriously strong competition?

Is Driving Miss Daisy a timeless story of friendship… or a “safe” version of a much more complex reality?

All that and more as we close out the 1980s and prepare to head into the 1990s.

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Co-Hosts and friends:

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