Awards Circuit | Variety
"Awards Circuit" is 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.
1
Ten Changes the TV Academy Should Make With Emm...
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.
49 min
2
Max is HBO Max Again; Other Upfront Headlines, ...
“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?
44 min
3
Trump’s Hollywood Tariffs, Emmy Talk Show Conun...
“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.
45 min
4
Questlove (“Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL...
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.
54 min
5
Conan O’Brien (“Conan O’Brien Must Go”)
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.
58 min
6
Bruce Springsteen and Thom Zimny (“Road Diary: ...
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.
52 min
7
Bonus Episode: SXSW Variety/YouTube Podcasting ...
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.
35 min
8
Oscars Full Recap: Mega Roundtable Edition
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.
40 min
9
Pre-Oscars Final Predictions: Mega Roundtable E...
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!
48 min
10
James Mangold (“A Complete Unknown”)
“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
38 min
11
Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”), Coralie Far...
“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.
97 min
12
Demi Moore (“The Substance”), Zoe Saldaña (“Emi...
“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.
124 min
13
Mikey Madison (“Anora”), Kris Bowers (“The Wild...
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.
103 min
14
Oscar Nominations: Mega Roundtable Edition
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?
77 min
15
L.A. Strong: Mega Roundtable Edition
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.
39 min
16
Sebastian Stan (“A Different Man,” “The Apprent...
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.
63 min
17
Ariana Grande (“Wicked”)
“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.
46 min
18
RaMell Ross (“Nickel Boys”); Jesse Eisenberg (“...
“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.”
77 min
19
Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”); Monica Barbaro (“A Co...
“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.”
78 min
20
Steve McQueen (“Blitz”); Robbie Williams (“Bett...
“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.
96 min
21
Denzel Washington (“Gladiator II”); Jharrel Jer...
“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.
95 min
22
Guy Pearce (“The Brutalist”); Ray Fisher (“The ...
“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.
95 min
23
Jennifer Lopez (“Unstoppable”)
“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.
66 min
24
Clarence Maclin (“Sing Sing”); Pharrell William...
“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.
81 min
25
Pamela Anderson (“The Last Showgirl”); Hans Zim...
“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.
92 min