The Envelope

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Welcome to The Envelope: Your ultimate guide to award season. Every Wednesday, join Los Angeles Times television and film reporters Yvonne Villarreal and Mark Olsen to hear interviews with award season's top contenders, from the Golden Globes to the Oscars to the Emmys. Actors, directors and showrunners share insights into their roles, along with behind-the-scenes stories you’ll want to hear.

Los Angeles Times


    • May 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 228 EPISODES

    3.5 from 318 ratings Listeners of The Envelope that love the show mention: hosts, good, like, great.


    Ivy Insights

    The Envelope podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of film and pop culture. Hosted by Yvonne Villarreal, this podcast stands out from the clutter with its engaging conversations and insightful analysis. Villarreal's ability to connect with the stars and bring out their true personalities is truly commendable and makes for an exceptional listening experience. The podcast has a great vibe that keeps you hooked from start to finish, making it one of the best in its genre.

    One of the best aspects of The Envelope podcast is the way in which Yvonne Villarreal interacts with her guests. Her ability to conduct interviews that are both informative and entertaining is truly impressive. She asks thought-provoking questions that delve deep into the minds of the stars, allowing listeners to gain a better understanding of their experiences and perspectives. This level of authenticity creates a unique atmosphere that sets this podcast apart.

    Furthermore, the hosts of The Envelope are not only incredible interviewers but also knowledgeable experts in their field. Their well-researched insights add depth to each episode, ensuring listeners come away with a better understanding of what is happening in the film industry today. The mix of pop culture discussion and "deep cuts" provides a well-balanced listening experience that caters to both casual moviegoers and avid cinephiles.

    However, it should be noted that personal preferences regarding voices can vary among listeners. While some may find Villarreal's voice charming and engaging, others may not resonate with it as much. In the world of podcasts and radio, the sound of those speaking plays a significant role in keeping listeners engaged. Therefore, it's worth considering if you enjoy the host's voice before committing to this particular podcast.

    In conclusion, The Envelope podcast stands out as an exceptional addition to the world of film-related podcasts. With Yvonne Villarreal at its helm, this show offers engaging conversations, thoughtful insights, and a well-balanced presentation. While personal preferences regarding voices may affect some listeners' enjoyment, the overall quality of this podcast makes it a favorite among many film enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for in-depth analysis or just a fun conversation with your favorite stars, The Envelope has got you covered.



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    Latest episodes from The Envelope

    Monsters' stars react to Menendez resentencing, Diego Luna on 10 years of Andor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 68:18


    On this episode of The Envelope, Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez open up about playing the Menendez brothers and 'Andor's' Diego Luna reflects on 10 years as a 'Star Wars' revolutionary.  

    How theater and fashion brought 'Sing Sing's' Colman Domingo out of his shell

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 35:58


    In the Oscar-season finale of The Envelope video podcast, we sit down with Colman Domingo, lead actor nominee for 'Sing Sing.'  

    Coralie Fargeat on nudity in 'The Substance' and Brady Corbet on 'The Brutalist's' 'runaway train'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 65:22


    In the latest episode of "The Envelope" video podcast, director Coralie Fargeat explains how she prepared star Demi Moore to film "The Substance" and "The Brutalist" filmmaker Brady Corbet discusses his desire to make films that viewers can never quite pin down.  

    RaMell Ross on 'Nickel Boys'; Arianne Phillips talks dressing Chalamet as Dylan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 64:26


    In our first episode back after the Oscar nominations, we chat with 'Nickel Boys' filmmaker RaMell Ross and costume designer Arianne Phillips of 'A Complete Unknown.'

    Pamela Anderson on tackling 'The Last Showgirl'; John Magaro delves into process of 'September 5'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 65:34


    In this episode of The Envelope, 'The Last Showgirl' star Pamela Anderson reflects on her life in the spotlight and John Magaro delves into the making 'September 5.' 

    How the Washingtons collaborated on ‘Piano Lesson'; Justin Kuritzkes on his breakout year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 69:48


    This week, Malcolm and John David Washington talk about collaborating on a new August Wilson adaptation and screenwriter Justin Kurtizkes discusses his breakout year. 

    Ryan Destiny on 'Fire Inside'; Sean Baker and Mikey Madison break down 'Anora' ending

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 59:34


    In the latest episode of The Envelope video podcast, Ryan Destiny describes the challenges of making boxing movie "The Fire Inside" and Sean Baker and Mikey Madison explain how they fine-tuned the action, comedy and drama of "Anora."  

    Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome on 'Unstoppable,' Mohammad Rasoulof on 'Sacred Fig'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 86:18


    In this week's episode of The Envelope, the pair discusses their inspirational new film, plus filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof recounts the harrowing experience making 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig.'  

    Cynthia Erivo on preparing for 'Wicked,' Saoirse Ronan talks 'The Outrun' and 'Blitz'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 72:09


    In the season premiere of The Envelope, 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo on becoming Elphaba and Saoirse Ronan on her pair of awards contenders 'The Outrun' and 'Blitz.'

    Why Nava Mau 'needed' 'Baby Reindeer' and how Hiroyuki Sanada shaped 'Shōgun' from the start

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 57:05


    In this week's episode of The Envelope video podcast, "Baby Reindeer" breakout Nava Mau opens up about drawing courage from Netflix's viral hit and "Shōgun's" Hiroyuki Sanada describes how becoming a producer remade him as an actor. 

    Tyler James Williams on frustrating 'Abbott' fans, 'Hacks' star Paul W. Downs on the comedy 'crisis'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 61:12


    In this week's episode of The Envelope video podcast, Tyler James Williams reveals that the team behind "Abbott Elementary" actually loves frustrating viewers, and "Hacks" star Paul W. Downs weighs in on the debate over which shows in the Emmy race deserve to be described as a comedy.  

    Naomi Watts on the new ‘Feud' and Issa López on ‘True Detective' discourse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 59:01


    This week, we sit down with Naomi Watts to discuss 'Feud: Capote vs. the Swans' and talk to showrunner Issa López about 'True Detective: Night Country.'

    Cynthia Nixon on pulling double duty for HBO, Max and Lulu Wang on her leap to TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 56:06


    This week, Cynthia Nixon stops by to discuss her roles in 'And Just Like That ...' and 'The Gilded Age,' then Lulu Wang joins us to talk about making the leap to TV with 'Expats.'  

    Aja Naomi King on "Lessons in Chemistry" and the "Elsbeth" team on expanding "Good Wife" universe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 60:43


    In this week's episode of The Envelope video podcast, "Lessons in Chemistry" star Aja Naomi King opens up about overcoming her fears about launching a career as an actor and Michelle King and Jonathan Tolins take us inside their popular new procedural, "Elsbeth." 

    Maya Erskine talks "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" secrets and Viet Thanh Nguyen on adapting "The Sympathizer"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 60:29


    In the Emmy-season premiere of The Envelope video podcast, we sit down with Maya Erskine, star of Amazon Prime Video's acclaimed reimagination of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," and Viet Thanh Nguyen and Don McKellar, who brought Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Sympathizer" to life on HBO. 

    Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell talk 'Barbie,' songwriting and imposter syndrome

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 20:58


    Oscar-nominated songwriters Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell sat with Mark Olsen to talk about 'What Was I Made For?' from 'Barbie' and how they approach writing songs.

    America Ferrara on the life-changing 'Barbie' and Nadia Stacey on the 'no wigs' rule for 'Poor Things'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 35:35


    The Oscar-nominated America Ferrara talks to Yvonne Villarreal about how "Barbie" has changed her life and what it's like experiencing all the accolades at this stage of her career. And Mark Olsen sits down with Nadia Stacey, Oscar-nominated for hair and makeup for "Poor Things," to talk about working with Emma Stone for a third time.

    Diane Warren on 'The Fire Inside' and Rodrigo Prieto talks 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and 'Barbie'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 49:21


    Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto talks about working with Martin Scorsese on "Killers of the Flower Moon" and  going from that project right to "Barbie." Songwriter Diane Warren chats about her Oscar-nominated song "The Fire Inside" and what it means to her to receive a 15th nomination. Finally, writer-director Justine Triet discusses her film "Anatomy of a Fall."

    Ava DuVernay's ‘Origin' story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 65:08


    The writer/director talks to Shawn Finnie about the making of her epic film. Also, Yvonne Villarreal gets intimate with 'The Holdovers' Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

    Greta Lee explains how "Past Lives" could change her future

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 53:04


    The actress discusses her leap to a leading role with Mark Olsen: Also, costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck talks to Shawn Finnie about her long "Color Purple" journey.

    An inside look at the 'Spider-Verse' and the truth about 'American Fiction'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2023 61:15


    Director Kemp Powers and actor Jeffrey Wright talk superheroes and satire with our Envelope hosts Shawn Finnie and Yvonne Villarreal.

    The State of the Oscar Race

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 34:37


    A new season of the Envelope kicks off at the cusp of awards season, as hosts Mark Olson, Yvonne Villarreal and Shawn Finnie reveal their favorite 2023 actors, writers, directors and films.

    Mark Mylod

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 31:04


    ‘Succession,' which earned a whopping 27 Emmy nominations for its final season, has captivated audiences with its complex, uber-wealthy characters. For director Mark Mylod, telling stories about family and social class is a reccuring theme — His credits include ‘Shameless' and ‘The Menu' — with surprisingly personal roots.In this episode of The Envelope podcast, Mylod opens up about his fascination with this topic, takes us behind the scenes of the pivotal ‘Connor's Wedding' episode, and shares how he pushed through his comfort zone to take on more creative risks.

    Lisa Vanderpump & Alex Baskin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 33:10


    Bravo producer Alex Baskin and star-turned-producer Lisa Vanderpump. They candidly delve into the juicy details behind the show's scandals, a forthcoming spinoff featuring familiar personas and their perspective on the burgeoning calls for reality show residuals. Plus, their response to awards recognition — and whether any “Housewives” counterparts had anything to say. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

    AI, self-tapes and weekends: The stakes of the Hollywood strikes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 33:05


    As today's screenwriters and actors grapple with financial challenges in a rapidly changing showbiz landscape, combined strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA have brought Hollywood to a standstill. Productions are stalled, press tours canceled, and the 2023 Emmys postponed. The economic impact is expected to far surpass that of the last writers' strike, which cost the L.A. economy more than 2 billion dollars. On this episode of “The Envelope,” hosts Yvonne Villarreal and Mark Olsen discuss the issues underlying this historic strike, pay disparities in streaming, and concerns over the rise of AI with L.A. Times film reporter Josh Rottenberg and actor Sarah Ramos — a member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

    Melanie Lynskey (rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 49:33


    On the occasion of scoring double Emmy nominations this year for her performances in "Yellowjackets" and "The Last of Us," Mark and Yvonne revisit a favorite conversation with Melanie Lynskey. Since her 1994 debut in “Heavenly Creatures,” Melanie Lynskey has been acting steadily while “flying comfortably right under the radar.” Now, for her electric role on “Yellowjackets,” Lynskey has earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a drama series — and a whole new level of fame. In this episode of “The Envelope” podcast, she dishes on feeling more empowered and less underestimated as of late, arriving at a place of self-love after struggling with an eating disorder, and why roles of women who take up a lot of space appeal to her. Oh, and there's also a delightful story about a Nick Cave concert, a charming Drew Barrymore impression, and a brief visit from a very special guest. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Jessica Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 37:52


    Jessica Williams is no stranger to tackling complicated issues with humor. From being the youngest and first Black woman correspondent on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” to now starring opposite Jason Segel and Harrison Ford on the AppleTV+ show “Shrinking,” Williams uses her improv skills and authenticity not only to entertain but also to hit on deep truths. “Grief settles in and it just changes you,” she says. “It doesn't leave. It just makes a home in your body.”In this episode of “The Envelope,” Williams reflects on how personal experiences, including her years of therapy and the death of her partner, have shaped her performance. She also gets into her view of the “Black lady therapist” trope, the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling and transgender rights, and what she learned while making the “Fantastic Beasts” films. Plus, Williams offers tips on “decolonizing” your garden. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Christina Applegate & Linda Cardellini

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 35:56


    It's rare to find a televised female friendship that can deal with dead husbands, car crashes and other wild plot twists the way Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini's “Dead to Me” characters do. Through years of filming the tragicomedy, the two actors learned to deeply trust each other. When Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis while filming the last season, their bond only intensified.In this episode of “The Envelope,” Applegate and Cardellini laugh, sob, describe why they love each other and ponder the possibility of working together again. They also discuss the importance of flawed-mom characters and recall how they were allowed to improvise lines until things got way too weird.To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Christina Ricci

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 36:24


    Christina Ricci wouldn't want to know Misty Quigley in real life, but she has a protective soft spot for her “Yellowjackets” character. In this episode of “The Envelope,” Ricci delves into why she enjoys playing the impulsive outcast and what she values about the series' unconventional exploration of trauma.Ricci also reflects on her enduring connection to Wednesday Addams, recalls the two auditions that changed her life even though she didn't land either part, and talks about how her acting career began as an escape from her unhappy childhood. Plus, if you want reading recommendations? She's got you covered.  To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    James Marsden

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 31:40


    The premise of “Jury Duty” — placing a non-actor in the middle of an entirely staged trial — could have easily led the show to mean-spirited-prank territory. Instead, the cast manages to land laughs while making the person who thinks it's all real, Ronald Gladden, into a hero. For James Marsden, who plays a Hollywood jerk version of himself on the show, that was the most important thing. “I'll make an ass of myself and have fun doing it, but I never want him to be the butt of the joke,” he shares.In this episode of “The Envelope” podcast, Marsden discusses how the cast and crew managed to pull it all off, why the role interested him, and how — despite his very believable performance on ”Jury Duty” — he strives to keep his ego from ruining his reputation in real life. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com. 

    Introducing 'Foretold'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 8:34


    "Foretold" is the newest podcast from the L.A. Times, and we're sharing a preview of the first episode with you here today. In the fall of 2019, reporter Faith E. Pinho received a tip from a woman named Paulina Stevens. Paulina claimed she had grown up in an insular Romani community in California, where she was raised to be a wife, mother and fortuneteller — until she decided to break away. That first call unraveled a story spanning multiple continents, hundreds of years, and complex metaphysical realities.  Follow "Foretold" to hear new episodes every Tuesday.

    Michelle Yeoh

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 35:26


    Academy Award nominee Michelle Yeoh has been a worldwide movie star for decades, known for action-packed roles in films such as “Supercop” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and as a Bond girl in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” But it's her leading role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” that Yeoh says finally let her show what she's capable of.In this episode of “The Envelope,” Yeoh discusses her first impressions of “Everything Everywhere's” genre-bending script and bold gags. She reflects on her dangerous early-career stunts and how she was treated when she arrived in Hollywood (she makes a gloriously unimpressed sound while recalling that people were “quite stunned” when they realized she could speak English). Yeoh also goes deep on tokenism, aging and why she's been praying every night to win an Oscar.  To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Todd Field

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 31:31


    Writer-director Todd Field made two acclaimed films in the early 2000s and then disappeared from the big screen for 16 years. “Tár,” about the scandalous downfall of a classical music conductor, marks his return. The movie burst forth in dramatic fashion: Its screenplay took him only three months to write.In this episode of “The Envelope,” Field breaks down how a Górecki composition inspired the internal rhythm of lead character Lydia Tár and discusses what it was like collaborating with star Cate Blanchett, who “always wants to do things that are dangerous.” He also explains why he's delighted by reactions to his film — even those that are ferociously dismissive. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Darren Aronofsky

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 37:36


    Darren Aronofsky is known for directing dark, provocative, divisive films such as “Requiem for a Dream” and “Black Swan,” but in “The Whale,” he sees hope, “human connection and a belief in the human spirit.”In this episode of “The Envelope,” Aronofsky reflects on how “The Whale” interacts with obesity and fatphobia, discusses exploring humanity through science, and describes why the “Brenaissance” — star Brendan Fraser's triumphant return to acting — caught him by surprise.  To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Keke Palmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 31:40


    At 29 years old, “Nope” star Keke Palmer has already racked up two decades in show business. She's an actor, singer, TV host and meme queen – and she has big plans for more. If her public persona is like Mickey Mouse, she says, then “I'm Walt Disney.” In this episode of “The Envelope,” Palmer shares what it was like to work with Jordan Peele on his blockbuster sci-fi thriller, how she felt about being her family's breadwinner during her childhood and how she navigates the exploitation baked into Hollywood. Also, Whoopi Goldberg, if you're listening: She wants to talk to you about “Sister Act 3.” To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Baz Luhrmann

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 35:31


    Few icons are as globally memorialized as Elvis Presley, but for “Elvis" filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, the biopic felt like "a blank sheet to explore” American history, commercialization and the true origin of rock 'n' roll: Black music. In this episode of “The Envelope,” Luhrmann shares his unique take on Presley's tragic story, how Austin Butler was able to “meld his soul with Elvis' soul” and how a pair of socks connected a young Baz to the King. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Rhea Seehorn

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 47:27


    Fresh off the “Better Call Saul” series finale, Rhea Seehorn joins us to delve into the show's last twists and turns and to give insight into her Emmy-nominated portrayal of ethically flexible attorney Kim Wexler.If Kim and Bob Odenkirk's Jimmy McGill character were to get a do-over, how far back in time would they have to travel to put themselves on track for a happily-ever-after? Probably all the way back to the beginning of the series, when they worked together in the mailroom, Seehorn muses. “They would go out with each other, fall in love and then get really, really great therapists.”In this episode of “The Envelope,” she also discusses her efforts to balance gratitude with confidence in her skills, how her father's alcoholism shaped her as an actor and the scariest day on the “Better Call Saul” set: when Odenkirk suffered a heart attack right in front of her. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Colman Domingo

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 48:35


    Around 2015, actor-writer-director Colman Domingo was planning to quit it all and find a new career. But instead of giving up, he revamped his approach — and found new happiness.In this episode of “The Envelope,” the Emmy nominee discusses modeling his “Euphoria” character, Ali, after someone dear to his heart as he reflects on the nature of redemption and forgiveness. “Everyone has faults,” he says. “Everyone is suffering and struggling. But everyone, when they have accountability, there … should be inroads for them to come back into good grace.” He also dishes on why he calls himself a nerd, the adorable way he first met Zendaya, and why being “a shapeshifter” means his real-life looks take people by surprise. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Melanie Lynskey

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 52:51


    Since her 1994 debut in “Heavenly Creatures,” Melanie Lynskey has been acting steadily while “flying comfortably right under the radar.” Now, for her electric role on “Yellowjackets,” Lynskey has earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a drama series — and a whole new level of fame. In this episode of “The Envelope” podcast, she dishes on how this year has helped her feel more empowered and less underestimated, arriving at a place of self-love after struggling with an eating disorder, and why roles of women who take up a lot of space appeal to her. Oh, and there's also a delightful story about a Nick Cave concert, a charming Drew Barrymore impression and a brief visit from a very special guest. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Bill Hader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 37:33


    Bill Hader and his dark comedy “Barry” have again raked in a slew of Emmy nominations. In this episode of “The Envelope” podcast, Hader dishes on what it's like to simultaneously star in, write for, direct and executive produce a high-profile TV series of his own creation. (While doing some high-emotion acting, he recalls, “I kind of induced a panic attack — which I do not recommend if you're also directing.”) He also delves into how he transitioned from performing on “Saturday Night Live” to what he calls “real acting,” how it feels to shut down a freeway and why he laughs at the darkest moments. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

    Gillian Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 29:39


    Gillian Anderson, who plays Eleanor Roosevelt on the Showtime series “The First Lady,” Joanna on “The Great” and Dr. Jean Milburn on “Sex Education,” really vibes with female characters who forge their own paths – and there's good reason for that: Even when she was a small child, “telling Gillian what she could and couldn't do” was impossible, she recalls her mother saying. In this episode of “The Envelope,” Anderson dishes on the importance of Roosevelt's loving relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok, why “Sex Education” initially didn't click with her, and the long legacy of “The X-Files.” To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com. 

    Simone Ashley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 54:04


    Simone Ashley has always been a fan of the romance genre, but before being cast as Kate Sharma in “Bridgerton,” playing the lead in a period drama seemed improbable to her. “I never imagined that a woman who looked like me could be a part of one,” she says. In this episode of "The Envelope" podcast, Ashley discusses embracing the political aspects of her career, how acting on “Sex Education” prepared her for "Bridgerton" and how her upbringing taught her to dream big. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

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