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
51
Final Oscar Predictions: Mega Roundtable
It all comes down to this weekend. Variety’s Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider dissect the Oscar categories one last time and share final predictions. Will “Everything Everywhere All at Once” sweep the night? Or are some surprises in store? Listen along as you fill out your office Oscars pool.
53 min
52
Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”) and Cate Blanchett...
Oscar-nominated Brendan Fraser talks about “The Whale,” as well as his career renaissance and what’s coming next. Also on this episode, another Oscar-nominated icon, “Tár” star Cate Blanchett. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we recap the SAG and DGA awards winners and set the stage as final Oscar voting gets underway.
91 min
53
The Daniels (“Everything Everywhere All At Once...
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, aka the Daniels, are on top of the world with “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” We talk to Oscar-nominated writer-directors the Daniels about that film, as well as their approach to life and filmmaking. Also on this episode, a chat with Oscar-nominated "Triangle of Sadness" writer and director Ruben Östlund. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we give our predictions for this weekend’s SAG awards and more.
108 min
54
Austin Butler (“Elvis”) and Edward Berger (“All...
Oscar-nominated “Elvis” star Austin Butler talks about preparing for that film, as well as early career stints such as “The Carrie Diaries,” wether he’d join in on a “Zoey 101” reunion and his role in “Dune 2.” Also on this episode, a chat with Oscar-nominated “All Quiet on the Western Front” director Edward Berger. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we give our predictions for this weekend’s DGA awards and we talk about the latest Emmy rule change, as double dipping returns for docs.
88 min
55
Jamie Lee Curtis (“Everything Everywhere All at...
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” star Jamie Lee Curtis discusses her first-ever Oscar nomination, and the outspoken superstar doesn’t hold back. Also on this episode, a chat with Oscar-nominated “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” director Joel Crawford on taking the animated cat beyond the original. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we dissect the Grammys, including the debate over album of the year, and we also dig into the Oscar screenplay categories.
78 min
56
Colin Farrell (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) and...
Oscar-nominated “The Banshees of Inisherin” actor Colin Farrell talks about that film, as well as what’s next on the docket: playing the Penguin for a TV spinoff of “The Batman.” Also on this episode, a chat with Oscar-nominated composer Justin Hurwitz (“Babylon”). But first, on the Awards Circuit roundtable, we go deep into the Andrea Riseborough Oscar nomination controversy, and the Academy’s decision not to rescind her nod.
71 min
57
Diane Warren (“Tell It Like a Woman”) and Mandy...
Songwriter Diane Warren talks about her 14th Oscar nomination – the most of any in the song category without a win – this time for “Applause,” her tune frm the film “Tell It Like a Woman,” performed by Sofia Carson. Also on this episode, a chat with Oscar-nominated cinematographer Mandy Walker, from the film “Elvis.” But first, the Awards Circuit Roundtable digs into this year’s Oscar nominations and all the snubs and surprises.
77 min
58
Final Oscar Nominations Predictions and “Black ...
It’s a Mega Roundtable Edition, as we await the nominations announcement for the 95th Oscars on Tuesday, January 24. We dissect final predictions for key categories, including best picture. Also on this episode, a chat with the creative team behind “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” including director Ryan Coogler.
62 min
59
N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan (“RRR”) and Bi...
"RRR" stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan on the extensive shoot of S.S. Rajamouli's Indian-Tollywood epic that has taken global cinemas by storm. Also on this episode, we sit down with “Living” star Bill Nighy. But first, the Roundtable dissects the Golden Globes winners and the SAG Awards nominations.
74 min
60
Sarah Polley (“Women Talking”) and Final Golden...
"Women Talking" writer and director Sarah Polley talks about the last decade and thinking she could never make movies again. In addition, the roundtable shares their final Golden Globes predictions ahead of the ceremony.
61 min
61
Colman & Raul Domingo (“New Moon”) and Janelle ...
Colman Domingo and his husband Raul Domingo are behind the animated short film “New Moon,” which if nominated for an Oscar, would make them the first same-sex married couple ever nominated in any category. We talk to them about their short; also on this episode, we sit down with “Glass Onion” star Janelle Monáe. But first, the Roundtable discusses the box office performance of Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon” and how our holidays are going.
78 min
62
Taylor Russell (“Bones and All”)
Taylor Russell devours every morsel of her time on screen in “Bones and All,” the new film from director Luca Guadagnno about teen cannibals. We talk to the actor about that film, working with Timothee Chalamet and Mark Rylance, and her journey to Hollywood. But first, the Roundtable looks at Variety’s ranker of the top 100 films of all time, as well as the TV Academy's new Emmy rule changes, and also shares some picks on what to watch over the winter break.
59 min
63
Sadie Sink (“The Whale”) and Hong Chau (“The Wh...
“Stranger Things” and “The Whale” star Sadie Sink talks about her role in the A24 drama, working with best actor contender Brendan Fraser and the latest news and theories on her hit series "Stranger Things" and if she thinks Max and Lucas (played by Caleb MacLaughlin) should end up together at the end. Also on this episode, we talk to Sink's co-star Hong Chau about her journey as an actor over the past 15 years. And the Awards Circuit roundtable talks about the premiere of James Cameron's "Avatar: The Way of Water" and if it has what it takes to sneak into the Oscar race, along with our reactions to the Golden Globe nominations.
72 min
64
Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever...
"Wakanda Forever” star Angela Bassett talks about some of the film’s surprises, including a choice involving her character that caught her off guard at first. Later, Ron Howard talks about his film “Thirteen Lives.” And the Awards Circuit Roundtable gives its Golden Globe nominations predictions.
82 min
65
Guillermo del Toro (“Pinocchio”) and Charmaine ...
“Pinocchio” filmmaker Guillermo del Toro discusses the process of bringing the movie to life, and the 22 screenplays he's yet to make. Later, actor Charmaine Bingwa talks about “Emancipation.” But first, the Roundtable looks at the winners from last weekend’s Gotham awards, and at the reviews for Will Smith’s “Emancipation.”
80 min
66
Gabrielle Union (“The Inspection”) and Claire F...
Gotham- and Independent Spirit Award-nominated Gabrielle Union talks about her work in Elegance Bratton's film "The Inspection." She discusses her advocacy work for LGBTQ rights, what's next for her and even weighs on some of the media obsessions including "The Slap" at last year's Oscars ceremony. Later, we chat with actor Claire Foy about “Women Talking.” But first, the roundtable dissects the bombshell news about Bob Iger’s return to Disney once again as CEO, and how it all came about.
84 min
67
Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All At Once...
“Everything Everywhere All At Once” star Ke Huy Quan talks about his childhood roles, his comeback and more. Later, actor Ben Foster discusses his new film “Emancipation.” But first, the Roundtable dissects new contenders including “Babylon” and “Glass Onion.”
68 min
68
Jonathan Majors (“Devotion”) and Thuso Mbedu (“...
65 min
69
Todd Field (“Tár”) and Jeremy Pope (“The Inspec...
Todd Field, the writer, director and producer of “Tár,” discusses working with Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss, some of the film’s most burning questions and how long until we get another feature from him. Later, we chat with actor Jeremy Pope about his new film “The Inspection.” But first, the Roundtable talks about some of the year’s top animated and documentary contenders with “Good Night Oppy” opening this week in theaters and “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” premiering at AFI Film Fest.
85 min
70
Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) and Micheal Ward (“...
Danielle Deadwyler discusses the Oscar buzz surrounding her performance in "Till," her inspirations and approach to take on such a difficult role, and what's next for her. Later, we chat with actor Micheal Ward about his new role in Sam Mendes' "Empire of Light."
42 min
71
Rian Johnson (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Myster...
Rian Johnson discusses Netflix’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” and the future of the "Knives Out" franchise, as well as whether his “Star Wars” trilogy will happen, and his new TV series with Natasha Lyonne and more. Later, Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne chats about his new role in “The Good Nurse,” which has put him in Oscar conversation for best supporting actor. But first, the Awards Circuit roundtable talks about the week’s releases, including “The Banshees of Inisherin,” and recaps the film festival circuit.
71 min
72
Gina Prince-Bythewood (“The Woman King”) and Ni...
"The Woman King" director Gina Prince-Bythewood discusses that historical epic, as well as the challenges of shooting and getting shut down during COVID, and even the possibility of seeing a reboot of the sitcom “A Different World,” where she got her start. Later, we chat with German actress Nina Hoss about her performance in Todd Field’s “Tár.” But first, the Awards Circuit Roundtable is back and in person, as we kick off this Oscar season with some insight on who’s hot and who’s not. We look at the films that premiered at the fall festivals such as "The Fabelmans" and the year of populist flicks and box-office hits like "Top Gun: Maverick" making a play for the Oscars' top category.
68 min
73
Jordan Peele (“Nope”) and Dolly de Leon (“Trian...
52 min
74
Adam Sandler (“Hustle”)
Adam Sandler discusses his Netflix film “Hustle” as well as whether he’ll return to host “Saturday Night Live” anytime soon, and if a sequel to “The Waterboy” might be in the offing.
36 min
75
Awards Circuit’s Mega Emmy Roundup
The 2022 Emmys are wrapped — and “Succession” and “Ted Lasso” did it again. But there were some surprises, including “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” and supporting actress winner Sheryl Lee Ralph. Variety’s Michael Schneider, Jazz Tangcay and Clayton Davis recap the wins, the night — and who was the most right. (Hint: It was Mike.)
32 min