Variety Awards Circuit

"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.

TV & Film
101
Mandy Moore (“This Is Us”)
“This Is Us” star Mandy Moore is finally processing the fact that it’s all over for “This Is Us,” the hit NBC drama that ended its run this week after six seasons and more than a hundred episodes. On this bonus edition, Moore gets emotional as she discusses what happened in the series finale.
20 min
102
Jabari Banks (“Bel-Air”) and David Hyde Pierce ...
“Bel-Air” star Jabari Banks talks about his big break, and how his own story seems to mirror that of the show’s main character, Will. After that, we chat with “Julia” star David Hyde Pierce about his HBO Max show, which chronicles the rise of TV chef Julia Child, what brought him back to TV and of course, the legacy of “Frasier.”
49 min
103
Jared Leto (“WeCrashed”)
“WeCrashed” star Jared Leto discusses playing real-life WeWork founder Adam Neumann in the Apple TV+ series. He talks about the instant chemistry he had with co-star Anne Hathaway, and how he’s known for transforming for his roles, such as his recent, unrecognizable turn in “House of Gucci.” Taking on Neumann, he says, was no exception.
34 min
104
Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Patrick Somervil...
“Station Eleven” stars Mackenzie Davis and Himesh Patel, as well as creator and executive producer Patrick Somerville, about this very special series, and how they launched a show about a pandemic in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the lead actress categories in this year’s Emmy awards.
74 min
105
Dominque Fishback (“The Last Days of Ptolmey Gr...
“The Last Days of Ptolmey Grey” star Dominique Fishback discusses working with Samuel L. Jackson, as well as her take on the character, playing young roles and how she’s enjoying her success. Also on this episode, Bobby Moynihan talks about his recently canceled comedy “Mr. Mayor,” as well as his busy voice acting career.
51 min
106
Anthony Carrigan (“Barry”) and Awards Circuit R...
“Barry” fan favorite Anthony Carrigan joins us to discuss playing NoHo Hank, his character’s new love interest, and the show’s balance of staying funny while also getting darker. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses supporting actress categories, in honor of this week’s Variety Power of Women event in New York.
63 min
107
Sienna Miller (“Anatomy of a Scandal”)
“Anatomy of a Scandal” star Sienna Miller talks about the Netflix series, how it depicts the privilege of the rich and powerful, working on a David E. Kelley show and why she keeps picking projects that relate to her personally, having been embroiled in the UK press phone hacking scandal.
27 min
108
Tony Dalton (“Better Call Saul”) and Awards Cir...
“Better Call Saul” baddie Tony Dalton talks about the flair he brings to playing the charming but deadly Lalo Salamanca on the show, and also doing something different on “Hawkeye.” But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the return to Emmy season and the ridiculous number of TV premieres this spring.
63 min
109
Tom Hiddleston (“Loki” and “The Essex Serpent”)
Tom Hiddleston has the unique privilege of starring in two recent Emmy contenders: First up was “Loki,” the smash marvel property that continued the adventures of Marvel’s most popular villain (or a variant thereof) that hit Disney+ in June. Next month, Apple TV+’s “The Essex Serpent” premieres. Hiddleston talks about both shows, having a milestone birthday during the pandemic and more. He also takes a quiz to guess between the characters of Shakespeare and Marvel.
46 min
110
Awards Circuit Roundtable Mega Edition: Oscars ...
In one of the most stunning moments in Oscars history, Will Smith hopped on stage to smack Chris Rock and all hell broke loose. The Awards Circuit Roundtable dissects that moment, and also looks at this year’s big winners — including “CODA” and Apple TV Plus.
52 min
111
Oscars Producer Will Packer and Awards Circuit ...
Will Packer teases what he has in store as producer of this year’s Oscars ceremony, and addresses the controversial decision to pre-tape eight categories during the hour before the broadcast. Also on this episode, the Awards Circuit roundtable gives its final predictions for this year’s Academy Awards.
98 min
112
Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”) and Awards Circuit Ro...
Double Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve discusses his passion for creating the world of "Dune" and that best director snub. He teases what to expect with "Dune Part Two," including working with Zendaya. Also on this episode, the Awards Circuit roundtable discusses the latest buzz on the final march to the Oscars.
57 min
113
Siân Heder (“CODA”)
“CODA” writer/director Siân Heder just won a BAFTA Award for her film, the latest in a string of kudos for the Apple Original release. Oscar nominated for adapted screenplay, Heder talks about the film’s critical raves as well as its impact and history-making awards on the road to the Academy Awards.
33 min
114
Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”)/Guillermo...
Directors Jane Campion of the Oscar-nominated “The Power of the Dog” and Guillermo del Toro of Oscar-nominated “Nightmare Alley” swap stories about filmmaking in the streaming age. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the rise of “CODA” and more as we head into another awards-filled weekend with the BAFTA, DGA and Critics’ Choice ceremonies.
56 min
115
Ciarán Hinds (“Belfast”)
Irish veteran actor Ciarán Hinds had never been nominated for an Oscar until this year, despite outstanding performances in films like “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” (2011). Hinds is here to discuss his role as Pop in “Belfast” and his own Oscar nomination, what he remembers from growing up during the time period featured in the film, and much more.
31 min
116
“Encanto” Composer Germaine Franco and Awards C...
Oscar nominated composer Germaine Franco discusses “Encanto,” working with Lin-Manuel Miranda and what has moved her the most about the soundtrack’s viral hit. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable meets in person for the first time and recaps the SAG Awards — including how it has or hasn’t brought clarity to the Oscar race.
58 min
117
Aunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”)
Oscar-nominated “King Richard” star Aunjunue Ellis discusses her role as Oracene “Brandy” Williams in the film, as well as her experience working with Will Smith, and what she has coming up next.
44 min
118
Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) and A...
Kodi Smit-McPhee discusses his role as Peter Gordon in Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" and his reaction to be nominated for his first Academy Award. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable talks about the controversy surrounding the decision to pre-tape some Oscar awards and edit them into the ceremony. And we give our final SAG Awards picks.
69 min
119
Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”)
Three-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain discusses how she wanted to portray televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” plus how Oscar campaigns have changed in the post-Harvey Weinstein era and what’s next on her busy acting plate.
35 min
120
Sandra Oh (“The Chair”/”Killing Eve”) and Award...
SAG Awards nominee Sandra Oh talks about her Netflix series “The Chair” and some of the sticky topics it brings up, and also previews the final season of “Killing Eve.” But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we break down the big Oscars host announcement.
63 min
121
Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Encanto”)
Lin-Manuel Miranda on his Oscar nomination for the “Encanto” song “Dos Oruguitas” (and why it’s not for “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”). Also, more on what he plans to do in 2022 after a busy 2021, and expectations for the upcoming live-action “The Little Mermaid” and the original songs he wrote for it.
33 min
122
Amy Sherman-Palladino/Daniel Palladino (“The Ma...
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” exec producers Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino on what to expect as Midge and company finally return to our TV screens, and how they wanted to make sure Season 4 was worth the wait — even as COVID contingencies made it a challenge to produce. But first, the Awards Circuit roundtable dissects this year’s Oscars nominations.
66 min
123
Phil Lord and Chris Miller (“The Mitchells vs. ...
“The Mitchells vs. the Machines” producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller discuss returning to the Oscars with another nomination and how they continue to redefine the animation medium. Plus, they discuss “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” the sequel to their Academy Award-winning “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”
52 min
124
Cole Hauser (“Yellowstone”) and Awards Circuit ...
“Yellowstone” star Cole Hauser discusses how his series has turned into a megahit, and now an awards contender, after four seasons. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable shares burning questions on what to look out for as the Oscar nominations finally take place.
53 min
125
Margaret Qualley ("Maid")
SAG Awards nominee Margaret Qualley discusses making the Netflix limited series "Maid," which features her in almost every scene, as well as her bond with her young co-star, and getting to work with her mother, Andie MacDowell, who also plays her mom in the series.
32 min