“May December” star Natalie Portman discusses the film, the state of the industry and why she warns against child actors in Hollywood. Also on this episode, “Memory” star Peter Sarsgaard. And we share what we’re thankful for on the Roundtable.

“The Holdovers” star Da’Vine Joy Randolph discusses Alexander Payne’s new critically acclaimed film and her busy career. Also, prosthetics artist Kazu Hiro talks about transforming Bradley Cooper in “Maestro.” And on the Roundtable, we take a victory lap for solving the SAG-AFTRA strike and check in on the latest movies hitting the circuit.

“American Fiction” writer and director Cord Jefferson discusses how the film — his first — came together so quickly. Also, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, the SAG-AFTRA strike is over, and we discuss what it means for Awards Season moving forward.

"Barbie" writer/director Greta Gerwig breaks down countless moments from the film, as well as what a “Barbie” sequel could look like and where she is in her upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia” for Netflix. But first, we remember the life and career of the late Matthew Perry on a special edition of the Roundtable.

“Past Lives” writer and director Celine Song shares her experience with making her love story; later, “Past Lives” star Greta Lee also discusses what is arguably one of the best performances on film in 2023.

The Variety Awards Circuit Podcast is back for fall! Michael Schneider, Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley and Jazz Tangcay discuss the state of the Hollywood strikes (including the big gains for the WGA), plus “Barbenheimer” and some of the early Oscar frontrunners.

The Variety Awards Circuit Podcast’s Michael Schneider, Clayton Davis, Emily Longeretta and Jazz Tangcay give their picks on who will win the Emmys, who should win the Emmys… and whether the Emmys will actually take place on January 15 as currently scheduled! A final look at this year’s Emmy race before it takes a hiatus.

Emmy-nominated Padma Lakshmi, the outgoing host of Bravo's “Top Chef” and exec producer/host of Hulu's “Taste the Nation,” talks about her nominations, why she’s leaving 'Top Chef' and more. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, Cody Heller, the showrunner behind the Emmy-nominated breakout Amazon Freevee hit "Jury Duty," shares more stories behind the production and brainstorms what might come next.

Emmy nominee Kathryn Hahn talks about excelling at playing women without boundaries, and the origins story behind her Hulu series “Tiny Beautiful Things.” Later, we catch up with producer and 12-time Emmy winner Ben Winston, who’s still adjusting to life after producing 'The Late Late Show with James Corden,' while also enjoying his latest Emmy nominations, including for the Disney+ special “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.”

Emmy-nominated "Succession" director/exec producer Mark Mylod talks about the end of the hit HBO series, the episode “Connor’s Wedding,” his idea for a spin-off, and also the impact of his recent film "The Menu." But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, Paris Barclay, the Emmy-nominated director and executive producer of "Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" sits down with us to talk about the Emmys, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the DGA, "Dahmer," his career (including those LL Cool J videos) and more.

“Welcome to Chippendales” star Kumail Nanjiani, Emmy-nominated for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series, talks about the Hulu series, which tells the story of Chippendale’s founder Somen "Steve" Banerjee, and more. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we talk about artisans events, Taylor Swift and the Emmys comedy race.

"Yellowjackets" executive producer Karyn Kusama, who also directed the series’ shocking Season 2 finale, talks about about where the series went this year, balancing the tone of the show even as it goes full cannibal and where she'd like to see it go next. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we talk about episodic submissions for this year’s Emmy awards and much more.

'Better Call Saul' stars Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn and Giancarlo Esposito, as well as exec producer Peter Gould, talk at an FYC panel in March about the legacy of their landmark series. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, Variety's Matt Donnelly joins us for an update into how the SAG-AFTRA strike has impacted publicists, talent agencies and more. And of course, we chat about the "Barbenheimer" weekend to remember.

Pedro Pascal is this year’s Emmy overachiever, receiving three nominations, including one for 'The Last of Us' and another as guest host on 'Saturday Night Live.' We talk to him about those shows (and "The Mandalorian") plus how he knows his huge success also comes with the duty to be a bit of a mentor and role model to others, just as he once had. But first, on the Roundtable, Variety's Marc Malkin joins us for a deep dive into where things stand with the SAG-AFTRA strike, and how it has severely impacted events and so much more.

Variety's Michael Schneider, Clayton Davis, Emily Longeretta and Jazz Tangcay dissect this year's Emmy nominations — including big noms for "Succession" and HBO, as well as how all the major categories played out. From snubs and surprises to big wins and the usual befuddlement, the Roundtable tackles it all.

Michael Shannon talks about his recent TV work as George Jones in the Showtime limited series “George & Tammy,” as well as starring in and producing “Waco: The Aftermath” for Paramount+. He also discusses “The Flash,” in which he reprises his role as General Zod, and more. But first, on the Roundtable, as Emmy Phase 1 voting wraps, we give our predictions for the upcoming Emmy nominations.

“Saturday Night Live” star Cecily Strong — who left the show in December after a stint as the show’s longest-running female star — and now-veteran cast member Ego Nwodim, who has stepped up as a marquee star this season, talk about their friendship, Strong’s decision to leave “SNL,” advice they received upon joining “SNL” and the character Nwodim is willing to do more of.

Rob Lowe talks about the father/son dynamic with John Owen Lowe that led to Netflix's "Unstable," and what it's like to work together. Lowe also shares how he wasn't keen at first with the idea of his son joining the family business, and whether that has changed. He also gets into his world inside the Ryan Murphy universe via Fox's "9-1-1: Lone Star," and what else he'd like to do with Murphy. And then there's a surprising amount of talk about "The Grinder."

Comedian, actor and podcaster Marc Maron talks about a wide range of issues, including his special — and how he addressed the loss of his partner, filmmaker Lynn Shelton. He also takes on comedians who hide behind being "anti-woke," shares his concerns over how Netflix has impacted comedy, gives his take on Record Store Day, talks about his guest role on Season 2 of "Reservation Dogs," and shares some of his upcoming projects. And much more!

Tyler James Williams has experienced several different kinds of fandom since childhood, starting with films like "Unaccompanied Minors," and then his starring role in "Everybody Hates Chris," and even a stint on "The Walking Dead." But there's nothing that compares to the passionate audience of teachers who have gravitated toward his latest series, ABC's hit comedy "Abbott Elementary." On this episode, Williams talks about the show’s resonance, his experience as a child actor, where his character’s relationship with Quinta Brunson’s character might be heading and so much more.

Although they play over-the-top Hollywood wannabes thirsty for a taste of success and attention, “The Other Two” stars Heléne Yorke and Drew Tarver admit it sometimes cuts a little too close to home. On this episode, we talk to the two stars of the Max comedy, now in its third season, about the show, fame, acting, Hollywood and so much more.

We talk to two stars of Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed comedy “Shrinking,” starting with Jessica Williams, and then later with Christa Miller. Williams talks about getting to do both comedy and drama in 'Shrinking,' and how she worked to transform the stereotype of a Black female therapist and was encouraged to improvise and incorporate her own takes with her character's dialogue. Miller shares how much they’ve incorporated some of her own personality into the character of Liz – like her unique rock cleaning obsession.

"The Crown" star Elizabeth Debicki talks about playing a tragic real-life figure like Princess Diana, including the research that went into the role, and how she captured the voice of the former Princess of Wales. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we look at the race as Emmy phase 1 voting begins. What shows benefitted from the FYC campaigns? And so much more.

“Black Bird” star Paul Walter Hauser discusses the challenges of starring as a serial killer in the Apple TV+ limited series, plus getting sober and why he thought he peaked with “Richard Jewell.” But first, on a live edition of the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we explain what makes this year a unique season for Emmy campaigns.