"Variety Awards Circuit" podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider (who produces), is your one-stop listen for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each week "Awards Circuit" features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives; discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines; and much, much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts. New episodes post every Thursday.
Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay, Michael Schneider
“Somebody Somewhere” star Bridget Everett on what she might do next, how the folks in her hometown reacted to being put in the spotlight, and how her show really resonated with audiences as something truly special. Also on this episode, we talk to Paul Giamatti about his standout episode of this season's “Black Mirror.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As “Hacks” completes its Season 4 and preps for a newly renewed Season 5, Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter talk about the show, the unique relationship between their characters and more. Also on this episode, the Awards Circuit Roundtable looks at the new “Harry Potter” series castings, the latest from the FYC events around town and the comedy series Emmys race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ike Barinholtz talks about his turn as Sal Saperstein on Apple TV+'s “The Studio,” as well as loosely turning the story of Jeanie Buss and the Lakers into Netflix's “Running Point.” On the Roundtable, we look at ten changes that the TV Academy should consider making with its Emmy categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“The Day of the Jackal” star Eddie Redmayne on what drew him to that Peacock series. Also, the Roundtable is coming from New York, as Mike and Clayton recount the week's worth of TV upfront presentations – including Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to reinstate the “HBO Max” name to Max, and also what was Lady Gaga doing at the YouTube upfront event? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“The Daily Show” exec producer/star Ronny Chieng on what it's like on the set in this current administration. Also, how he's working on a live follow-up to his “Love to Hate It” special, plus what it means to become a citizen in 2025. Meanwhile, the Roundtable dissects Trump's new Hollywood tariffs plan, and looks at the confusing Emmy variety talk and sketch categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Roots member Questlove, who has become a prolific documentarian in his spare time, talks about co-directing “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” among his other projects. Also: The Roundtable discusses Oscar rules changes, and the Emmy category for outstanding drama actress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Conan O'Brien on his new season of Max's “Conan O'Brien Must Go,” as well as his decision to return to host the Oscars again next year, and what to expect in his upcoming dramatic role in the film “If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.” Also, the Roundtable looks at the Emmy lead actor categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bruce Springsteen and director Thom Zimny on their Hulu/Disney+ doc “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.” Also, the Roundtable sets the stage for a unpredictable Emmy season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Variety Podcasting Brunch at SXSW featured Sean Evans, host of “Hot Ones”; Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the hosts of “Good Mythical Morning“; and Marques Brownlee, host of “Waveform Podcast” in a panel discussion about how they are trailblazing storytelling and fan engagement across popular talk shows and podcasts. Sponsored by YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable looks at all the surprises, streaks and snubs from the 97th Oscars — including that major “Anora” sweep and Conan O'Brien's successful hosting turn. Let's look back one more time at what the Academy got right and how it was so tough to predict this year's outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable gives its final predictions for the 2025 Oscars. Is it “Anora” or “Conclave” in a battle for best picture, or will there be more surprises? Listen and then fill out your office pool ballot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“A Complete Unknown” director James Mangold reflects on his creative process, the deep collaboration with Timothée Chalamet and co-star Monica Barbaro, his early struggles within his Hollywood career, and why he had no interest in commissioning an original Bob Dylan song for the film Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I'm Still Here” star Fernanda Torres talks about her Oscar nomination, Golden Globe win and being the pride of Brazil. Also, “The Substance” director Coralie Fargeat on her unique film. But first, the Roundtable looks at last weekend's awards shows — and how “Anora” has become the Oscar frontrunner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“The Substance” star Demi Moore on finally getting her first Oscar nomination, while “Emilia Pérez” star Zoe Saldaña addresses the controversy currently surrounding her film and its star. Meanwhile, the Roundtable discusses what has happened with “Emilia Pérez” and the actions of star Karla Sofia Gascón. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oscar nominee Mikey Madison discusses her film “Anora,” while Oscar nominated composer Kris Bowers talks about “The Wild Robot.” Also, the Roundtable looks at the wide-open best picture and director race – with the DGA and PGA awards ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable discusses the 2025 Oscars nominations: The snubs, the surprises, the odds and much more. “Emilia Perez” was the most-nominated film this year, with 13 noms, followed by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” with 10 each. Who's the front runner? Are more surprises to come? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable discusses the week in Los Angeles as fires hit Pacific Palisades and Altadena, among other areas, We look at how this has impacted the city and the workers who make up the entertainment industry. And we look at what this means for awards season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Golden Globes winner Sebastian Stan (“A Different Man,” “The Apprentice”) talks about his two awards-contending films. Also in this episode, the Awards Circuit Roundtable recounts the wins and surprises at this year's Golden Globes awards. THIS EPISODE OF THE AWARDS CIRCUIT PODCAST WAS TAPED PRIOR TO THE DEVASTATING FIRES IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA. OUR HEART GOES OUT TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE DISASTER. FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO HELP, GO TO CALFUND.ORG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Wicked” star Ariana Grande talks about that film, the deeply personal journey of becoming Glinda, the emotional toll of “Wicked,” her plans for a deluxe version of her album, and her thoughts on what the future of movie musicals should look like. THIS EPISODE OF THE AWARDS CIRCUIT PODCAST WAS TAPED PRIOR TO THE DEVASTATING FIRES IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA. OUR HEART GOES OUT TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE DISASTER. FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO HELP, GO TO CALFUND.ORG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Nickel Boys” director RaMell Ross about cutting through in Hollywood with a unique, daring story; and Jesse Eisenberg talks about directing and starring in “A Real Pain.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo on the strong reaction to the musical film, and what to expect in Part 2. Also, Monica Barbaro on playing Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Blitz” director Steve McQueen on casting Saoirse Ronan in his film and why he believes cinema is the best medium in the world. Also, Robbie Williams on being portrayed as a monkey in “Better Man.” And the Roundtable looks at this year's Oscars shortlists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Gladiator II” star Denzel Washington on reuniting with director Ridley Scott, his next Spike Lee film and more. Also, Jharrel Jerome on working with Jennifer Lopez in “Unstoppable,” and the Roundtable looks at the Golden Globe Awards nominations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“The Brutalist” star Guy Pearce on his recent renaissance, and why there hasn't been a sequel to “LA Confidential.” Also: “The Piano Lesson” star Ray Fisher on the industry and his place in it. Plus, the Roundtable looks at the Independent Spirit Awards nominations and National Board of Review's 2024 honorees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Unstoppable” star Jennifer Lopez talks about her new film and reflects on her decades-long career — including the challenges of being a Latina actress in Hollywood, and her belief in the power of art to inspire and unite. Also on this episode, the Roundtable makes some Thanksgiving TV and movie suggestions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Sing Sing” co-writer and star Clarence Maclin discusses the film and working with Colman Domingo, and Pharrell Williams on how his biopic turned into an animated Lego movie. Also, the Roundtable dissects the news that Conan O'Brien will host the next Oscars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“The Last Showgirl” star Pamela Anderson on her role in the film, and how she's still a pop culture icon; and “Dune: Part Two” composer Hans Zimmer on why his score should still be eligible for an Oscar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Dune: Part Two” filmmaker Denis Villeneuve talks about the success of his film and what to expect in the third chapter. Also, “The Piano Lesson” star Danielle Deadwyler on working with Malcolm and John David Washington, and what's next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Actor, writer, and producer Ryan Reynolds discusses the success of his Marvel superhero movie “Deadpool & Wolverine,” in addition to what's next for him, and whether or not he's open to hosting the Oscars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Conclave” star Isabella Rossellini on her iconic career, her latest role, and the intricate dance between artistic expression and the commercial pressures that define the film industry. Also, “Thelma” star June Squibb on potentially making history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Blitz” and “The Outrun” star Saoirse Ronan discusses why it's so important to vote, while “September 5” star John Magaro maps out his busy schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable gives its final recap on the big wins and even bigger surprises at the 76th Emmys, including the “Shogun” sweep and the “Hacks” comedy series shocker. Here's our last take on quite an incredible Emmy season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable previews the 76th Emmys, and gives their final predictions for who will win and who might be snubbed on Sunday. Hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy, the 76th Emmys air live, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT on ABC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The executive producers behind “Hacks” talk about the reaction to Season 3, and tease how Season 4 is all about mounting a talk show for Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans” star Diane Lane discusses the FX limited series, as well as the Emmy trail and what's making her a bit more optimistic these days. On the Roundtable, the group goes through all the major Emmy series categories to give their predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Abbott Elementary" star, writer and exec producer Quinta Brunson talks about Season 3 and that finale kiss between Janine and Gregory, as helmed by the show's Emmy nominated director Randall Einhorn. Later, Christine Baranski discusses her Emmy nom for "The Gilded Age," as well as whether she'll ever revisit her 'The Good Wife'/'The Good Fight' character, and the possibility of reuniting with the cast of "Mamma Mia." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Married couple Kaitlin Olson (Emmy nominated in guest comedy actress for "Hacks") and Rob McElhenney (Emmy nominated in unstructured reality as an EP on "Welcome to Wrexham”) talk about Olson's new show “High Potential,” as well as the upcoming season of "Sunny," how McElhenney was left on the cutting room floor of his "Wrexham" partner Ryan Reynolds' little film "Deadpool & Wolverine," and of course, their Emmy noms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV icon Carol Burnett discusses her Emmy nomination for Apple TV+'s “Palm Royale,” and also shares stories from “The Carol Burnett Show” and her recent appearance on “Better Call Saul.” Also, on the Roundtable, we go through the drama series acting categories, and discuss the Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Shogun” star Hiroyuki Sanada talks about the journey to getting the FX drama made, and the show's whopping 25 Emmy nominations. Also, on the Roundtable, we go through the limited and anthology series acting categories, and discover it's more competitive than you might think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emmy-nominated “The Crown” creator Peter Morgan on how Elizabeth's death in 2022 changed the final season of the Netflix series, getting the three Queens back for the series finale, what he didn't include in the show — and why he's taking a break from the Royal Family for now. Also, the Roundtable previews this weekend's San Diego Comic-Con. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Variety's Awards Circuit roundtable dissects the 2024 Emmy nominations, including the big hauls for “Shogun” and “The Bear,” as well as surprise favorite picks like “Reservation Dogs.” Yes, those are all FX shows, and what a year that programmer had. From snubs to surprises and more, here's our first look at how the Emmy competition is shaping up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Parish” star and executive producer Giancarlo Esposito talks about how personal the series is for him, and how his grown children have responded to his brutal honesty in recent interviews. He also talks about his always busy schedule and what's next, including Francis Ford Coppola's “Megalopolis.” Also on this episode, Brit Marling discusses “A Murder at the End of the World.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Only Murders in the Building” star Selena Gomez talks about Season 3 of her hit Hulu series, as well as her recent Cannes best actress prize for “Emilia Perez.” Also, “The Sympathizer” star Hoa Xuande on landing his role opposite Sandra Oh and Robert Downey Jr., and the Roundtable dissects the Emmy limited, comedy and drama series categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's “Day Eating with Seth!” For the 10th anniversary of “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” we have a Chicago food feast – while Seth counts down his top 10 most important pizza thoughts. Thanks to Gino's East in Sherman Oaks for supplying the eats, as we dive deep into Seth Meyers' culinary lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Jim Henson Idea Man” director Ron Howard shares what he learned about the Muppets creator, and what it personally meant to him. Also, the filmmaker behind “How To with John Wilson” talks about ending his docuseries after three seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Under the Bridge” star Riley Keough discusses how she chooses projects, as well as her aspirations for directing. Also on this episode of the podcast, the Roundtable discusses the top contenders in the limited series/anthology/TV movie lead and supporting acting categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Baby Reindeer” star Jessica Gunning on how she landed the role, how it has turned into a major hit and what that has meant for her career. Also on this episode, "Silo" star Rebecca Ferguson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“The Gilded Age” star Morgan Spector discusses the difficulty of making his character still likeable while doing some despicable things. Also, “After Midnight” host Taylor Tomlinson talks about balancing her TV schedule with touring her stand-up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Everybody's In L.A.” host John Mulaney discusses his perspectives on Los Angeles' identity, his creative processes, whether he's on Season 3 of “The Bear” and if he'd be willing to host the Oscars. Also, the Roundtable dissects the comedy acting Emmy categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I'm a Virgo” star Jharrel Jerome discusses his initial reaction to his most unusual character, a 13-foot teenager, on the Amazon Prime Video series. Also, “Fargo” exec producer Noah Hawley talks about his show's critically acclaimed Season 5, what's next for him with “Alien” and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Hacks” stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder discuss the huge twist at the end of the Max series' Season 3 finale, and how that sets up a new dynamic between their characters heading into Season 4. Also on this episode, the Awards Circuit Roundtable looks at the contenders in this year's drama acting categories, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices