2013 was a great year for movies, and that's reflected in the impressive array of titles nominated for Academy Awards. These five goos are the real historical figures depicted in some of the nominated films. If you can guess all five, try your hand at Predict the Oscars to win a prize.



Solomon Northup

publication date: Friday, January 31, 2014

category: Humanitarianism

clue: His last name was where he spent a long time wanting to go.

explanation: Northup's years trying to get back "up north" to New York after being kidnapped and sold into slavery inspired the film 12 Years a Slave. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Justin Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Aaron Shurtleff


Philomena Lee

publication date: Thursday, January 30, 2014

category: Injustice

clue: Ireland could never give this mother back what it took from her.

explanation: Lee's search for the son that she was forced to give up for adoption inspired the film Philomena. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Aaron Shurtleff


Angelo Errichetti

publication date: Wednesday, January 29, 2014

category: Government

clue: Camden was better off without this corrupt politician.

explanation: Errichetti's acceptance of bribes was exposed by the ABSCAM investigation, inspiring the film American Hustle. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Aaron Shurtleff


Jordan Belfort

publication date: Tuesday, January 28, 2014

category: Crime

clue: His taxonomical classification is Wallstis lupus.

explanation: Belfort's scams selling worthless stock, and the excesses of his hard-partying lifestyle, inspired the film The Wolf of Wall Street. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Aaron Shurtleff


Ron Woodroof

publication date: Monday, January 27, 2014

category: Medicine

clue: Drug dealers aren't supposed to use their own supply, but maybe things are different in Dallas.

explanation: Woodroof's success with unapproved AIDS medication led him to sell the drugs to other patients, inspiring the film Dallas Buyers Club. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Aaron Shurtleff


Other Themes in Winter 2014

Do Overs

We all make mistakes, but now you get to fix them. These ten goos were all incorrect guesses made for other previous goos, giving you a chance to guess right what was once guessed wrong. Go »

Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd

The biggest superstars in Southern rock are undeniably Jacksonville-based Lynyrd Skynyrd, whose hits electrified the nation in the 1970s. These five goos are inspired by five of their most famous songs. Go »

The Goo Game That Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain

Do you get a thrill from climbing to a higher altitude? These five topographically-named goos, arranged in order of elevation, will have a special appeal to lovers of mountains and hills. Go »

The Game Masters

These ten famous people, all significant figures in their fields, would be instant experts if they applied their skills to ordinary games. The first week features five celebrities who would dominate at classic board games, and the second week switches to classic video games. Go »

Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock has directed and produced some of the most indelible films in cinematic history. His legacy is honored this week with five goos inspired by five of his movies. Go »

A Few Sandwiches Short of a Picnic

This is not a good theme to play when you're hungry. Here are five goos who share their names with five kinds of sandwiches. Perhaps one of them will give you a good idea for lunch. Go »

Bad News Brothers

Being elected President of the United States is an honor, but having one of these screw-ups for a sibling is not. In recognition of Presidents Day, here are five goos who embarrassed their brothers in the White House, in reverse presidential order. Go »

Winter 2014 Tournament

This winter has been an especially harsh one, and we'll all be glad to see spring weather. But there's still a few weeks left, and they bring another goo tournament. Face off against a series of opponents, trying to solve each daily goo the fastest. Only one player will survive to become the king or queen of winter. Go »

Winter 2014 Bonus Goos

These six bonus goos should be a piece of cake after an especially challenging winter tournament. Enjoy the relative cakewalk, and join us for the 60th season of Celebrity Goo Game on March 3rd. Go »