Sparks musicians Ron and Russell Mael, the subject of Edgar Wright’s documentary “The Sparks Brothers,” talk about their busy year, which also includes writing the screenplay and creating the music and songs for the film “Annette,” starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. Also, the Roundtable discusses Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and the upcoming critics’ groups announcements.

Mahershala Ali discusses his new film “Swan Song,” in which he plays both himself and his clone, and what it was like to reunite with his “Moonlight” co-star. Naomie Harris. And yes, we try to sneak in a “Blade” question or two as well.

“The Tragedy of Macbeth” star Corey Hawkins discusses his experience working opposite Denzel Washington on Joel Coen’s take on the iconic Shakespearean play. He additionally chats about his tremendous year, including “In the Heights.” Also on this episode, we talk to “Old Henry” star Tim Blake Nelson. And the Awards Circuit Roundtable on “Licorice Pizza,” “Don’t Look Up,” and what we’re most thankful for this year.

“Tick… Tick… Boom!” star Robin de Jesus talks about his experience working opposite Andrew Garfield in the film, which chronicles playwright Jonathan Larson and how he created the landmark musical “Rent.” But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses “Spencer,” “Being the Ricardos” and the sheer number of screening events taking place around Los Angeles.

Kristen Stewart discusses taking on the role of Princess Diana in the Neon feature “Spencer,” whether there’s a parallel to her own life, as well as the status of her adaptation of the memoir “The Chronology of Water” and much more.

“King Richard” star Aunjanue Ellis discusses her experience working opposite Will Smith in the film chronicling the rise of tennis phenoms Venus and Serena Williams, and how she’s enjoying a bit of a career renaissance. Also, our Awards Circuit Podcast roundtable discusses our first impressions of Oscar contenders “House of Gucci” and “Licorice Pizza,” and much more.

Jonathan Majors plays cowboy Nat Love in director and co-writer Jeymes Samuel’s debut feature film “The Harder They Fall.” Majors discusses his role in that epic western from Netflix, as well as his recent entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe via “Loki,” his recent Emmy-nominated turn in “Lovecraft Country” and much more.

“Belfast” star Jamie Dornan talks about working with director Kenneth Branagh on his deeply personal film, which also happens to be Dornan’s first release since the passing of his own father. He also shares how his infectious turn in “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” gave him some insight into his dad, and gives hints to the screenplay he’s been writing — and when it could see the light of day.

Dakota Johnson discusses her experience working on Netflix’s “The Lost Daughter,” the adaptation of the Elena Ferrante novel, as well as what an Oscar nom would mean for her, and what’s next. But first, our Awards Circuit roundtable discusses this weekend’s new releases, including “Spencer” and “Eternals.”

Clifton Collins Jr. brings life and beauty to his performance as a horse racer feeling the effects of decades on the equestrian circuit in “Jockey.” Also, our Awards Circuit roundtable discusses the latest regarding the tragic death of cinematographer Haylna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the film “Rust.”

Actress Caitríona Balfe, perhaps best known for her role in the fan favorite series “Outlander,” looks to have her most significant big screen breakout yet with her awards-worthy performance in the emotional drama "Belfast," opposite Jamie Dornan.

Writer and director Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses her debut feature “The Lost Daughter” and Jake Gyllenhaal talks about acting and producing “The Guilty,” both films on Netflix. Also, the Awards Circuit roundtable discusses the openings of “Dune” and “The French Dispatch” and what their Oscar chances might be, plus the return of HBO’s “Succession.”

Oscar Isaac stops by to discuss his work in “The Card Counter” (Focus Features) and “Dune” (Warner Bros.), along with his performances in TV’s “Scenes from a Marriage” (HBO Max) and the upcoming superhero series, “Moon Knight” (Marvel/Disney Plus). Jeffrey Wright, one of the stars of “The French Dispatch” (Searchlight Pictures) talks working with Wes Anderson and his anticipated role as Commissioner Gordon in “The Batman.” The panel discusses if “The Last Duel” and “The Tender Bar” are Oscar contenders and where are all the women of color in the best actress race.

Emmy winner Ann Dowd discusses her new film “Mass,” which focuses on two families in the aftermath of a school shooting. Also, we talk to “Cyrano” director Joe Wright about his take on the classic story. And the Awards Circuit Roundtable dives into IATSE and much more.

The film awards season kicks off with star Kirsten Dunst of Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix) and Simon Rex from Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket” (A24). Also, the Variety Awards Circuit roundtable discusses the New York Film Festival, which returned with “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

Awards Circuit Podcast’s Michael Schneider, Danielle Turchiano, Jazz Tangcay and Clayton Davis recount the big wins, huge upsets, major surprises and super snubs at the 73rd Emmy Awards. Is straight-ticket voting now the Emmy norm? Did the telecast work? What was Conan doing? And what might be some wild ways the Academy might consider for the Emmys next? We wrap up the Emmys with one final mega roundtable.

Emmy-nominated “The Crown” stars Gillian Anderson, Emma Corrin and Josh O’Connor discuss the breakout fourth season of the Netflix hit, and their takes on Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana and Prince Charles. But first, on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast roundtable, we share our final predictions for the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards, which take place Sept. 19.

Benedict Cumberbatch had two films that screened at the Telluride Film Festival, and discusses his other upcoming projects including “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Doctor Strange 2” in this bonus edition of the Awards Circuit Podcast.

“Y: The Last Man” star Amber Tamblyn on how the show is finally airing after years in gestation, and the unexpected people that inspired her character’s portrayal. Also, we share a 2017 interview with Michael K. Williams, in tribute to the star’s tragic passing. And on the roundtable, we preview the Creative Arts Emmys, including the guest performer categories.

“Hacks” stars Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins and creators Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky discuss the success of the comedy and what to expect in Season 2. Also: Variety Virtual TV Fest: The Nominees comedy panelists Courtney Lilly (“Black-ish”), William Zabka (“Cobra Kai”), Rosie Perez (“The Flight Attendant”), Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”), Paul Reiser (“The Kominsky Method”), Debbie Liebling (“Pen15”) and Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”). And the Awards Circuit Podcast roundtable dissects the competition and other unscripted categories.

Emmy nominee Kate Winslet on playing a non-nonsense police detective in HBO’s critically acclaimed “Mare of Easttown,” and how the show managed to pull off a satisfying ending. Also: “Saturday Night Live” breakout Bowen Yang on his interesting year, including playing a now-infamous Titanic iceberg. And the Variety Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the Emmy drama category, and dissects the “Jeopardy” drama.

Netflix’s “Big Mouth” co-creator and star Nick Kroll and “Big Mouth”/”Saturday Night Live” star Maya Rudolph meet up and conduct a wild interview that goes from Season 4 of “Big Mouth” and what’s next for the show (including the spinoff “Human Resources”) to the really big sandwich that Kroll is eating. Also in this episode: Auntie Sima from the addictive, Emmy-nominated Netflix series “Indian Matchmaking.”

Emmy-nominated "The Handmaid's Tale" star Yvonne Strahovski discusses this past season of the series and what its shocking finale might mean for her character. Also, we chat with Hannah Einbinder, who stars opposite Jean Smart in HBO Max's Emmy-nominated comedy "Hacks." But first, on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable, we discuss COVID contingencies, whether streamers are moving more to weekly episode drops, and if "Ted Lasso" can be beat in the comedy series Emmy race.

Emmy-nominated “Pose” star Mj Rodriguez discusses the third and final season of “Pose” and how it ended, the legacy of the FX series, her history-making nomination and what’s next for her. Also: “Cobra Kai” executive producers Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg on landing a comedy series Emmy nom, and what to expect in Season 4. And the Awards Circuit roundtable looks at the variety talk and variety sketch categories.

Emmy nominated actor Kaley Cuoco discusses her critically acclaimed HBO Max series “The Flight Attendant,” what to expect in Season 2, and also her role in the animated “Harley Quinn,” plus her grand plans for her new production company. Later in the episode, we also chat with Michelle Visage from reigning Emmy competition series champ “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” But first, on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast Roundtable, we look at the various longform acting categories.