Rachel Zegler discusses taking on the iconic role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s new version of the landmark musical “West Side Story.” But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable dissects the SAG Awards nominations and shares its pick for who should host the Oscars.

Lin-Manuel Miranda discusses writing the music for Disney’s “Encanto”; directing his first feature with “Tick, Tick Boom” and casting Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson; his first music memories and more.

Halle Berry talks about directing and starring in “Bruised,” as well as her desire to work with Zendaya, her advice for Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and more. Later, Ariana DeBose discusses her star-making turn in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.”

J.K. Simmons discusses playing William Frawley, aka “I Love Lucy’s” Fred Mertz, in Amazon’s “Being the Ricardos.” And the Awards Circuit Roundtable catches up on what we watched over the break and share some Golden Globe winner and SAG Award nomination predictions.

Nicolas Cage speaks extensively about his career, from being born into a family of artists (his uncle is Francis Ford Coppola) and his unique acting choices over the years to his current film, “Pig.” Also in this episode, Vicky Krieps and Mia Wasikowska discuss their intertwined roles in Mia Hansen-Løve’s “Bergman Island.”

Penélope Cruz discusses her latest film with Pedro Almodóvar, “Parallel Mothers,” as well as her other varied roles and what she’s drawn to in film. Later, we chat with Tessa Thompson about her film “Passing,” and we also wind up dissecting the new “Sex and the City” spinoff.

“Dopesick” star Michael Keaton discusses the Hulu limited series, and how it taught him a lot more than what he thought he knew about the origins of the opioid crisis — and the actions of the Sackler family, who promoted OxyContin with the lie that it was non-addictive. Keaton also talks a bit about what convinced him to wear the Batman suit once more.

“Spencer” director Pablo Larraín discusses his new film, about a dramatic weekend in the life of Princess Diana, and how he might do one more reimagined biopic after this one, culminating in a trilogy that started with “Jackie.” But first, our Awards Circuit roundtable dissects the recent Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe nominations, and any surprises or snubs that we found.

"Tick, Tick... Boom!" star Andrew Garfield discusses his big year, which includes playing Jonathan Larson in the new musical film from director Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as televangelist Jim Bakker in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye." Oh, and reprising that web slinger character he once portrayed.

French director Julia Ducournau, who burst onto the world filmmaking scene in 2016 with “Raw,” discusses her latest film, “Titane.” She discusses her journey to creating the new project and her struggle to connect with the main character. But first, the Awards Circuit roundtable discusses “West Side Story,” “Don’t Look Up” and the upcoming Critics Choice and Golden Globe nominations.

Director/writer Adam McKay's script to the new film "Don't Look Up" was written pre-pandemic, but then things kept happening in the real world that were just like the script. We talk to McKay about his new Netflix film, and how it cuts perhaps a little too close to home. Plus, he details how Meryl Streep improvises and much more.

As Season 3 of “Succession” comes to a close, star Sarah Snook discusses the tumultuous year for Shiv, and what might come next for her character — and the show. Also: “Succession” composer Nicholas Britell on the HBO drama, as well as his work on the new film “Don’t Look Up.”

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.