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.
126
Nicole Byer (“Nailed It,” “Grand Crew,” “Wipeout”)
Nicole Byer on being a force of nature: She co-hosts Netflix’s “Nailed It,” TBS’ “Wipeout” and multiple podcasts. She stars in NBC’s “Grand Crew,” renewed for a second season. And she has her first-ever Netflix comedy special, “Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo)” also in the running for an Emmy nomination. She talks about her year, social media, cultivating a fan base from kids to adults, and much more.
31 min
127
Nicola Coughlan, Simone Ashley, Charithra Chand...
“Bridgerton” stars Nicola Coughlan, Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran discuss this past season of the Netflix series, and even more importantly, what comes next in Season 3. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable debates the Emmy directing categories and also offers up its pleas to TV Academy members as nomination voting gets under way.
69 min
128
Amy Poehler (“Lucy and Desi”)
“Lucy and Desi” director Amy Poehler talks about her Amazon Prime Video documentary. She shares the access she had in talking to icons like Carol Burnett and Norman Lear, as well as the lesser-known aspects of Lucille Ball’s and Desi Arnaz’s marriage and professional lives, and Ball’s trailblazing career as a studio boss.
28 min
129
Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Ben Schwartz (...
“The Afterparty” stars Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson and Ben Schwartz talk about the Apple TV+ whodunit comedy and all the guesses they heard from friends and family about who the murderer really was. Plus, we talk about what to expect in Season 2, in this wild and wide-ranging conversation. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the Emmy comedy and limited series categories and much more.
58 min
130
Samantha Bee (“Full Frontal with Samantha Bee”)
Samantha Bee talks about hosting a topical show in an era where the news is so bleak. We also talk about the adjustments her show made during the pandemic, some permanent. And we discuss how she has been sounding the alarm for years on the assault of women’s rights.
30 min
131
Danny McBride (“The Righteous Gemstones”) and A...
“The Righteous Gemstones” star and executive producer Danny McBride discusses how he and his staff basically rewrote Season 2 after the pandemic shut down production, and what to expect for Season 3. Also, the Awards Circuit Roundtable is back, and discussing the Emmy drama category.
57 min
132
Jimmy Kimmel (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Live in Fro...
For Jimmy Kimmel, having to go on TV after another shooting massacre is heart wrenching. We talk to Kimmel about how he approaches his monologue after tragedies like that. We also talk about getting back to the studio after COVID, his April Fools stunt with Jimmy Fallon, his upcoming trip to Brooklyn and producing a third edition of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” with Norman Lear.
38 min
133
Jessica Biel (“Candy”) and Adrien Brody (“Winni...
“Candy” star and executive producer Jessica Biel discusses why she was interested in adapting the real-life story of accused murderer Candy Montgomery, and how she approached the role. Also, “Winning Time” star Adrien Brody discusses his role as iconic Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley in the series.
49 min
134
Bridget Everett (“Somebody Somewhere”) and Crai...
Bridget Everett’s HBO series “Somebody Somewhere” is an incredibly personal dramatic comedy that critics and fans have embraced. We talk to her about that acclaim, and the show’s Season 2 renewal. After that, we chat with “Killing It” star Craig Robinson about his Peacock comedy, which explores another side of the so-called American dream.
49 min
135
Mandy Moore (“This Is Us”)
“This Is Us” star Mandy Moore is finally processing the fact that it’s all over for “This Is Us,” the hit NBC drama that ended its run this week after six seasons and more than a hundred episodes. On this bonus edition, Moore gets emotional as she discusses what happened in the series finale.
20 min
136
Jabari Banks (“Bel-Air”) and David Hyde Pierce ...
“Bel-Air” star Jabari Banks talks about his big break, and how his own story seems to mirror that of the show’s main character, Will. After that, we chat with “Julia” star David Hyde Pierce about his HBO Max show, which chronicles the rise of TV chef Julia Child, what brought him back to TV and of course, the legacy of “Frasier.”
49 min
137
Jared Leto (“WeCrashed”)
“WeCrashed” star Jared Leto discusses playing real-life WeWork founder Adam Neumann in the Apple TV+ series. He talks about the instant chemistry he had with co-star Anne Hathaway, and how he’s known for transforming for his roles, such as his recent, unrecognizable turn in “House of Gucci.” Taking on Neumann, he says, was no exception.
34 min
138
Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Patrick Somervil...
“Station Eleven” stars Mackenzie Davis and Himesh Patel, as well as creator and executive producer Patrick Somerville, about this very special series, and how they launched a show about a pandemic in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the lead actress categories in this year’s Emmy awards.
74 min
139
Dominque Fishback (“The Last Days of Ptolmey Gr...
“The Last Days of Ptolmey Grey” star Dominique Fishback discusses working with Samuel L. Jackson, as well as her take on the character, playing young roles and how she’s enjoying her success. Also on this episode, Bobby Moynihan talks about his recently canceled comedy “Mr. Mayor,” as well as his busy voice acting career.
51 min
140
Anthony Carrigan (“Barry”) and Awards Circuit R...
“Barry” fan favorite Anthony Carrigan joins us to discuss playing NoHo Hank, his character’s new love interest, and the show’s balance of staying funny while also getting darker. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses supporting actress categories, in honor of this week’s Variety Power of Women event in New York.
63 min
141
Sienna Miller (“Anatomy of a Scandal”)
“Anatomy of a Scandal” star Sienna Miller talks about the Netflix series, how it depicts the privilege of the rich and powerful, working on a David E. Kelley show and why she keeps picking projects that relate to her personally, having been embroiled in the UK press phone hacking scandal.
27 min
142
Tony Dalton (“Better Call Saul”) and Awards Cir...
“Better Call Saul” baddie Tony Dalton talks about the flair he brings to playing the charming but deadly Lalo Salamanca on the show, and also doing something different on “Hawkeye.” But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the return to Emmy season and the ridiculous number of TV premieres this spring.
63 min
143
Tom Hiddleston (“Loki” and “The Essex Serpent”)
Tom Hiddleston has the unique privilege of starring in two recent Emmy contenders: First up was “Loki,” the smash marvel property that continued the adventures of Marvel’s most popular villain (or a variant thereof) that hit Disney+ in June. Next month, Apple TV+’s “The Essex Serpent” premieres. Hiddleston talks about both shows, having a milestone birthday during the pandemic and more. He also takes a quiz to guess between the characters of Shakespeare and Marvel.
46 min
144
Awards Circuit Roundtable Mega Edition: Oscars ...
In one of the most stunning moments in Oscars history, Will Smith hopped on stage to smack Chris Rock and all hell broke loose. The Awards Circuit Roundtable dissects that moment, and also looks at this year’s big winners — including “CODA” and Apple TV Plus.
52 min
145
Oscars Producer Will Packer and Awards Circuit ...
Will Packer teases what he has in store as producer of this year’s Oscars ceremony, and addresses the controversial decision to pre-tape eight categories during the hour before the broadcast. Also on this episode, the Awards Circuit roundtable gives its final predictions for this year’s Academy Awards.
98 min
146
Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”) and Awards Circuit Ro...
Double Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve discusses his passion for creating the world of "Dune" and that best director snub. He teases what to expect with "Dune Part Two," including working with Zendaya. Also on this episode, the Awards Circuit roundtable discusses the latest buzz on the final march to the Oscars.
57 min
147
Siân Heder (“CODA”)
“CODA” writer/director Siân Heder just won a BAFTA Award for her film, the latest in a string of kudos for the Apple Original release. Oscar nominated for adapted screenplay, Heder talks about the film’s critical raves as well as its impact and history-making awards on the road to the Academy Awards.
33 min
148
Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”)/Guillermo...
Directors Jane Campion of the Oscar-nominated “The Power of the Dog” and Guillermo del Toro of Oscar-nominated “Nightmare Alley” swap stories about filmmaking in the streaming age. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the rise of “CODA” and more as we head into another awards-filled weekend with the BAFTA, DGA and Critics’ Choice ceremonies.
56 min
149
Ciarán Hinds (“Belfast”)
Irish veteran actor Ciarán Hinds had never been nominated for an Oscar until this year, despite outstanding performances in films like “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” (2011). Hinds is here to discuss his role as Pop in “Belfast” and his own Oscar nomination, what he remembers from growing up during the time period featured in the film, and much more.
31 min
150
“Encanto” Composer Germaine Franco and Awards C...
Oscar nominated composer Germaine Franco discusses “Encanto,” working with Lin-Manuel Miranda and what has moved her the most about the soundtrack’s viral hit. But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable meets in person for the first time and recaps the SAG Awards — including how it has or hasn’t brought clarity to the Oscar race.
58 min