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.

TV & Film
101
Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Giancarlo Esposito,...
'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.
95 min
102
Pedro Pascal (“The Last of Us”)
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.
90 min
103
Emmy Nominations 2023 Mega Roundtable
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.
49 min
104
Michael Shannon (“George & Tammy”)
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.
69 min
105
Cecily Strong and Ego Nwodim (“Saturday Night L...
“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.
41 min
106
Rob Lowe (“Unstable” and “9-1-1: Lone Star”)
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."
35 min
107
Marc Maron (“Marc Maron: From Bleak to Dark”)
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!
53 min
108
Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
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.
33 min
109
Heléne Yorke and Drew Tarver (“The Other Two”)
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.
38 min
110
Jessica Williams and Christa Miller (“Shrinkin...
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.
65 min
111
Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
"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.
66 min
112
Paul Walter Hauser (“Black Bird”)
“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.
48 min
113
Riley Keough (“Daisy Jones & the Six”)
“Daisy Jones & the Six” star Riley Keough says she had no professional singing experience coming into the show. But that seems unbelievable given the music that she and her co-stars ultimately made. On this episode, Keough talks about the journey to making the Amazon Prime Video limited series and its lasting impact on her. But first, on the Roundtable, we get a Cannes recap, plus we talk "Succession" finale and a whole lot more.
82 min
114
Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
Spoiler alert! “Yellowjackets” star Christina Ricci talks about the shocking Season 2 finale (and the unexpected death), plus where the show might go in Season 3. We also talk about her other series, “Wednesday,” and whether she’ll return for Season 2.
34 min
115
“Weird Al” Yankovic (“Weird: The Al Yankovic St...
Master of parody “Weird Al” Yankovic talks about his unbelievable career, leading up to the recent Roku Channel film “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” in which Daniel Radcliffe plays Al in a not-so-truthful retelling of his origins story. But first, on the Awards Circuit roundtable, we talk about the crazy end of May TV pileup this weekend, which includes the series finales of “Succession” and “Barry.”
65 min
116
Hasan Minhaj (“The King’s Jester”)
Comedian Hasan Minhaj discusses his recent Netflix standup special “The King’s Jester,” including what’s on or off limits when it comes to his family. We also discuss Netflix’s decision to pull an episode of his series ‘Patriot Act’ in Saudi Arabia, his current attitude toward social media, parenthood and whether he would take ‘The Daily Show’ job if asked. We even talk about the current status of the United States in the new world order. It’s a big episode!
52 min
117
Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star Alex Borstein discusses the final season of that landmark Amazon Prime Video comedy, as well as her latest comedy special and her on-going part of the "Family Guy" universe. But first, on the Roundtable, we check in on all the awards show postponements and cancellations, including the Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards, and get the skinny straight from Cannes.
76 min
118
Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
“Yellowjackets” star Melanie Lynskey discusses the twists and turns that came with Season 2 of the hit Showtime drama, as well as her turn as a complicated bad ass on HBO’s breakout “The Last of Us.” But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we check in on how the writers strike is impacting the Emmy FYC season, as well as the flurry of last minute category changes as the Emmy submissions deadline came to pass this week.
71 min
119
Adam Scott and Ken Marino (“Party Down”)
“Party Down” stars and pals Adam Scott and Ken Marino talk about the comedy’s unexpected revival, as well as how it originally came to be. Plus, their friendship origins story, and we try to get Scott to spill on Season 2 of “Severance.” But first, on the Roundtable, we recap what has happened so far with the writers strike, and how it’s already impacting Emmy season.
76 min
120
Elizabeth Olsen (“Love & Death”) and Kieran Cul...
On this Emmy season premiere of the Variety Awards Circuit podcast, we talk to “Love & Death” star Elizabeth Olsen. Also on this episode, “Succession” standout Kieran Culkin. But first, on the Awards Circuit roundtable, we recap all of this week’s crazy news, from Jeff Shell’s exit from NBCUniversal to the possibility of a writers strike – in addition to early Emmy handicapping.
101 min
121
Oscars 2023 Recap: Mega Roundtable
The 95th Oscars are over, and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was the big winner, including best picture. On this Mega Roundtable edition of the Awards Circuit podcast, we recount the show and dissect the winners, from host Jimmy Kimmel’s excellent monologue to how every single category panned out.
59 min
122
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
123
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
124
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
125
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