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.

TV & Film
176
Ethan Hawke/Joshua Caleb Johnson (“The Good Lor...
“The Good Lord Bird” stars Ethan Hawke (also an executive producer) and Joshua Caleb Johnson about their Showtime limited series, showcasing the story of abolitionist John Brown and the unique relationship between their characters. Later on, we chat with Phil Rosenthal about his Netflix food travel series “Somebody Feed Phil” and how much it meant to viewers during the recent COVID-19 lockdown.
62 min
177
Jurnee Smollett (“Lovecraft Country”) and Derek...
Jurnee Smollett, the star of HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” on immersing herself into the history of Jim Crow-era america, and how “Lovecraft Country” uses horror as a lens to depict the real-life horror of that time for Black Americans. Later on, we speak with “In & Of Itself” star Derek DelGaudio about turning his awe-inspiring and mysterious stage show into a TV special, directed by Frank Oz. But first, on the Variety Awards Circuit roundtable, we get into the Emmy comedy race.
93 min
178
BONUS: The Cast of “Girls5eva” and Chelsea Hand...
“Girls5eva” stars Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philipps and Paula Pell about their new peacock comedy, including the show’s catchy tunes, its choreography, and how it was a challenge to shoot during the pandemic but a joy to watch. Later on, we chat with Chelsea Handler about her HBO Max standup special “Evolution.”
64 min
179
Anthony Mackie (“Falcon and the Winter Soldier”...
All-Marvel episode! “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” star Anthony Mackie discusses the Marvel universe and his journey to becoming the new Captain America. Also, “WandaVision” head writer Jac Schaeffer and star Paul Bettany talk about pulling off an homage to classic TV sitcoms in one of the most ambitious shows to come along in years. But first, on the Variety Awards Circuit roundtable, we discuss the surprisingly sparse Emmy drama race.
81 min
180
Billy Porter (“Pose”) and Martin Freeman/Daisy ...
Billy Porter discusses the emotional finale to FX's “Pose,” and what the show has meant to him, its viewers and to the communities in which it provided a voice. We also chat with “Breeders” stars Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard about how their show may be the most realistic portrayal of parenthood on TV ever. But first, on the Variety Awards Circuit roundtable, we discuss the increasingly unpredictable limited and anthology series race.
76 min
181
Rob McElhenney (“Mythic Quest”) and Katey Sagal...
“Mythic Quest” star and executive producer Rob McElhenney discusses Season 2 of the Apple TV Plus comedy and some of the unique choices and experiments it makes with its storytelling. Later on, we chat with TV icon Katey Sagal about her recurring role on “The Conners,” as well as her recent but, alas, short-lived ABC drama “Rebel.”
52 min
182
Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and Kirb...
“The Handmaid’s Tale’ star and executive producer Elisabeth Moss discusses some of the big developments on this season of Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and what it was like to direct those pivotal episodes. Later on, we chat with “Allen v. Farrow” filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering about the unexpected focus on that series. But first, on the Variety Awards Circuit roundtable, we discuss the rise of genre programming at the Emmys.
74 min
183
James Corden (“The Late Late Show with James Co...
“The Late Late Show” host James Corden discusses the unusual year of hosting his show from his garage, and then in a studio with no audience — and the freedom that came with breaking traditional talk show rules. Also, “The Kominsky Method’s” Kathleen Turner on joining the show in Season 3 and reuniting with co-star Michael Douglas. And on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we wrap up the traditional TV season.
85 min
184
Phoebe Dynevor (“Bridgerton”) and John Wilson (...
“Bridgerton” star Phoebe Dynevor discusses the global phenomenon surrounding her Netflix show, and what to expect in Season 2. Also, HBO’s “How To With John Wilson” filmmaker and narrator John Wilson explains the quirks that make his series a critical hit. And the Awards Circuit Roundtable breaks down the greenlights, renewals and cancellations coming out of the network upfronts.
74 min
185
Cristin Milioti (“Made For Love”) and Catherine...
Cristin Milioti discusses how she prepared to play a woman who escapes a toxic marriage to a tech billionaire, who has implanted a futuristic monitoring device in her brain, in HBO Max’s “Made for Love.” Also, Catherine Zeta-Jones on appearing as a special guest star on Fox’s (now-canceled) “Prodigal Son.” And the Awards Circuit Roundtable dissects the HFPA/Golden Globes implosion.
97 min
186
John Boyega (“Small Axe”) and Ziwe Fumudoh (“Zi...
John Boyega, star of the “Small Axe” installment “Red, White and Blue,” discusses what brought him to the Steve McQueen anthology series, and his own awakening in speaking out against systemic racism and police brutality. Also in this episode, comedian Ziwe Fumudoh on her new late night series “Ziwe,” and the Awards Circuit Roundtable kicks off its Emmy season chat.
77 min
187
Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable Mega Edition
Awards Circuit Podcast's Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider give one last look at the highs, lows, surprises and more from the 93rd Oscars, including that controversial telecast, "Nomadland's" big wins and the shocking...
44 min
188
Steven Yeun and Yuh-Jung Youn (“Minari”)
Oscar-nominated "Minari" stars Steven Yeun and Yuh-Jung Youn talk to Variety's Jazz Tangcay about their film and its realistic and authentic portrayal of a Korean American immigrant family. But first, on the Awards Circuit roundtable, we go through...
65 min
189
Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) and Ra...
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" star Viola Davis discuss working on another August Wilson play following her Oscar-winning role in "Fences." She also talks race and representation issues that still plague Hollywood. Also, Oscar nominee Ramin Bahrani, who...
92 min
190
BONUS EPISODE: Glenn Close (“Hillbilly Elegy”)
Oscar nominee Glenn Close ("Hillbilly Elegy") joins a bonus episode of Variety's Awards Circuit podcast and details her worst experience on an audition, as well as how the awards campaign trail has changed so much over the years. 
34 min
191
Amanda Seyfried (“Mank”) and Thomas Vinterberg ...
Oscar-nominated "Mank" star Amanda Seyfried talks about working with David Fincher, and how she’s pursuing a role in the film adaptation of "Wicked." Also "Another Round" director Thomas Vinterberg on his surprise Academy Award nomination for best...
86 min
192
Margot Robbie, Josey McNamara, Emerald Fennell ...
95 min
193
Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holida...
"The United States vs. Billie Holiday" star Andra Day on the lengths she went to play the iconic singer. Also: "Judas and the Black Messiah" Oscar-nominated writers The Lucas Brothers on expanding beyond comedy. And the Awards Circuit roundtable gets...
76 min
194
Aaron Sorkin (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”) and...
Aaron Sorkin discusses "The Trial of Chicago 7," which just received six Oscar nominations, as well as why he chose to take on directing the film himself, working with his tremendous cast and being his own toughest critic. Additionally, we speak to...
85 min
195
Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) and Alan S. Kim ("Min...
Daveed Diggs discusses the lasting impact of "Hamilton," which is in the awards hunt this year for the filmed version of the musical. We also discuss Diggs' busy roster, which includes Showtime’s "The Good Lord Bird" and TNT's "Snowpiercer."...
82 min
196
Tom Quinn (Neon co-founder)
Neon co-founder Tom Quinn discusses the Oscars and the overall landscape for the film distributor in 2021 in this bonus edition of the Awards Circuit Podcast.
28 min
197
Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat”/’Chicago 7”) and Kem...
Golden Globe winner Sacha Baron Cohen talks about making "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" and why he wanted to get it to audiences before the 2020 election; and his insecurities in playing Abbie Hoffman in "The Trial of the Chicago 7." Also: we speak to...
69 min
198
Jane Fonda and Norman Lear
For a special Golden Globes edition, we speak to Jane Fonda, this year’s recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and Norman Lear, this year’s Carol Burnett Award honoree. The two Hollywood legends talk about their careers, their accolades and how...
46 min
199
Shaka King (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and ...
Directors Shaka King, from Warner Bros.' "Judas and the Black Messiah," and George C. Wolfe of Netflix's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," both discuss their features, bringing the stories to the big screen and how they helmed their amazing casts. And on...
76 min
200
Darius Marder (“Sound of Metal”) and Florian Ze...
"Sound of Metal" director and co-writer Darius Marder shares his journey of writing the film, including his influences, and what the film symbolizes at this time in his life. Also, "The Father" director and co-writer Florian Zeller discusses adapting...
72 min