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
101
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
102
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
103
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
104
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
105
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
106
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
107
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
108
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
109
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
110
Jonathan Majors (“Devotion”) and Thuso Mbedu (“...
65 min
111
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
112
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
113
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
114
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
115
Jordan Peele (“Nope”) and Dolly de Leon (“Trian...
52 min
116
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
117
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
118
Final Emmy Predictions from the Awards Circuit ...
Variety’s Awards Circuit Roundtable, featuring Clayton Davis, Emily Longeretta, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider, offer up their final best guesses and biggest dreams for the 74th Emmy Awards. Will predictable winners wind up on stage, or are we in for some surprises from the likes of “Squid Game” or “Abbott Elementary”?
44 min
119
Henry Winkler (“Barry”) and Awards Circuit Roun...
Emmy-nominated “Barry” star Henry Winkler recounts his amazing career, its ups and downs, and the current highs of playing acting coach Gene Cousineau opposite Bill Hader — particularly as the show grows darker with each passing season. Also, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses some of the key Creative Arts Emmys races coming this weekend, including animation and guest actor and actress.
65 min
120
Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”) and Awards Circuit R...
Emmy-nominated “Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder on how this year’s awards journey differs from her first time on the circuit. Also, she talks about her concerns that the show might be ending, and her plans to tour more standup. But first, the Awards Circuit Roundtable looks at the reality categories – structured, unstructured and competition.
67 min
121
Amanda Seyfried and Liz Meriwether (“The Dropou...
“The Dropout” star Amanda Seyfried and executive producer and showrunner Liz Meriwether about their collaboration, which included striking the right balance between drama and comedy, as well as setting the right tone for depicting Elizabeth Holmes as someone who did wrong, but also someone who truly believed she could pull off her fantastic dream of changing the world with her company Thearnos — but with a scam.
35 min
122
Trevor Noah (“The Daily Show”) and Awards Circu...
“The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” host discusses doing a topical late night show when the news is so incessantly grim. Also, the success of his correspondents, the fact that he may be the only weeknight talk show host who hasn’t gotten COVID, how he got his audience groove back and also the show’s multiple Emmy nominations. But first, as Emmy voting draws to a close on Monday, our Roundtable discusses this year’s wide open races.
69 min
123
Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
Recorded just hours after the “Better Call Saul” finale, stars Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn break down that series ending episode, including what happened to Jimmy/Saul and Kim – and whether this might be considered a “happy ending.”
38 min
124
Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowsk...
Four of the “Queer Eye” fab five — Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk and Jonathan Van Ness — talk about how the show continues to change their lives, in addition to the lives of the people they help and the lives of the audience who watches. In addition to sharing thoughts about the diversity, the social impact and representation of Netflix's "Queer Eye," the hosts even offer their red carpet tips for the Emmy awards.
33 min
125
Steve Martin/John Hoffman (“Only Murders in the...
“Only Murders in the Building” co-creators Steve Martin and John Hoffman discuss the success of the Hulu series, which earned 17 Emmy nominations, including outstanding comedy. But first, our Awards Circuit roundtable dissects the supporting actress categories.
68 min