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
1
Peter Morgan (“The Crown”); Comic-Con Preview
Emmy-nominated “The Crown” creator Peter Morgan on how Elizabeth’s death in 2022 changed the final season of the Netflix series, getting the three Queens back for the series finale, what he didn’t include in the show — and why he’s taking a break from the Royal Family for now. Also, the Roundtable previews this weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con.
77 min
2
Emmy Nominations Mega Roundtable Edition
Variety’s Awards Circuit roundtable dissects the 2024 Emmy nominations, including the big hauls for “Shogun” and “The Bear,” as well as surprise favorite picks like “Reservation Dogs.” Yes, those are all FX shows, and what a year that programmer had. From snubs to surprises and more, here’s our first look at how the Emmy competition is shaping up.
45 min
3
Giancarlo Esposito (“Parish”); Brit Marling (“A...
“Parish” star and executive producer Giancarlo Esposito talks about how personal the series is for him, and how his grown children have responded to his brutal honesty in recent interviews. He also talks about his always busy schedule and what’s next, including Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis.” Also on this episode, Brit Marling discusses “A Murder at the End of the World.”
92 min
4
Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”); ...
“Only Murders in the Building” star Selena Gomez talks about Season 3 of her hit Hulu series, as well as her recent Cannes best actress prize for “Emilia Perez.” Also, “The Sympathizer” star Hoa Xuande on landing his role opposite Sandra Oh and Robert Downey Jr., and the Roundtable dissects the Emmy limited, comedy and drama series categories.
92 min
5
Seth Meyers (“Late Night With Seth Meyers”)
It’s “Day Eating with Seth!” For the 10th anniversary of “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” we have a Chicago food feast – while Seth counts down his top 10 most important pizza thoughts. Thanks to Gino’s East in Sherman Oaks for supplying the eats, as we dive deep into Seth Meyers’ culinary lifestyle.
51 min
6
Ron Howard (“Jim Henson Idea Man”); John Wilson...
“Jim Henson Idea Man” director Ron Howard shares what he learned about the Muppets creator, and what it personally meant to him. Also, the filmmaker behind “How To with John Wilson” talks about ending his docuseries after three seasons.
67 min
7
Riley Keough (“Under the Bridge”)
“Under the Bridge” star Riley Keough discusses how she chooses projects, as well as her aspirations for directing. Also on this episode of the podcast, the Roundtable discusses the top contenders in the limited series/anthology/TV movie lead and supporting acting categories.
64 min
8
Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”); Rebecca Ferg...
“Baby Reindeer” star Jessica Gunning on how she landed the role, how it has turned into a major hit and what that has meant for her career. Also on this episode, "Silo" star Rebecca Ferguson.
68 min
9
Morgan Spector (“The Gilded Age”); Taylor Tomli...
“The Gilded Age” star Morgan Spector discusses the difficulty of making his character still likeable while doing some despicable things. Also, “After Midnight” host Taylor Tomlinson talks about balancing her TV schedule with touring her stand-up.
57 min
10
John Mulaney (“Everybody’s In L.A. with John Mu...
“Everybody’s In L.A.” host John Mulaney discusses his perspectives on Los Angeles’ identity, his creative processes, whether he’s on Season 3 of “The Bear” and if he’d be willing to host the Oscars. Also, the Roundtable dissects the comedy acting Emmy categories.
92 min
11
Jharrel Jerome (“I’m a Virgo”); Noah Hawley (“F...
“I’m a Virgo” star Jharrel Jerome discusses his initial reaction to his most unusual character, a 13-foot teenager, on the Amazon Prime Video series. Also, “Fargo” exec producer Noah Hawley talks about his show’s critically acclaimed Season 5, what’s next for him with “Alien” and more.
92 min
12
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
“Hacks” stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder discuss the huge twist at the end of the Max series’ Season 3 finale, and how that sets up a new dynamic between their characters heading into Season 4. Also on this episode, the Awards Circuit Roundtable looks at the contenders in this year’s drama acting categories,
58 min
13
Ramy Youssef (“More Feelings”); Jake Lacy (“App...
Comedian Ramy Youssef discusses the timing of his latest HBO standup special, “More Feelings,” and how the war in Gaza impacted it. Also on this episode, “Apples Never Fall” star Jake Lacy on his Peacock series’ tortured family dynamics.
61 min
14
Alan Cumming (“The Traitors”)
“The Traitors” host Alan Cumming answers burning questions about the hit Peacock competition series, including his fashion, his take on the gameplay and any hints he might have about Season 3. Also, the Roundtable looks at more of this year’s Emmy category shifts as the campaign kicks into high gear.
61 min
15
Seth Rogen (“Platonic”); Lamorne Morris (“Fargo”)
“Platonic” star Seth Rogen talks about the series (and reuniting with his “Neighbors” co-star Rose Byrne) and what to expect in Season 2. He also talks about his charitable foundation, how he’s evolved in Hollywood, and more. Later, “Fargo” star Lamorne Morris discusses the fate of his character, as well as how being a bank spokesman means his face can be seen everywhere.
61 min
16
Lulu Wang and Sarayu Blue (“Expats”)
“Expats” filmmaker Lulu Wang and star Sarayu Blue discuss their Prime Video series. Also on this Episode, the roundtable discusses what’s going on with "Shogun," plus the surprise success of "Baby Reindeer" and much more.
70 min
17
Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case”); Kali Re...
Tony Shalhoub on why the time was right to bring back 'Monk,' balancing the show’s comedy with more emotional tones and how that ending could very well set up more 'Monk' movies. Also, "True Detective: Night Country" star Kali Reis on the move from boxing to acting, working with Jodie Foster and her take on the show's ending.
67 min
18
Maya Rudolph (“Loot”)
“Loot” star Maya Rudolph talks about her favorite Taylor Swift song, her love of Prince, and how her show’s second season has some good ideas about what billionaires should be doing with their money. And we also ask her to share her favorite songs that have to do with money and wealth.
30 min
19
Busy Philipps and Paula Pell (“Girls5Eva”); “Qu...
“Girls5eva” stars Paula Pell and Busy Philipps discuss the show's Season 3 move to Netflix, the show's joke density and why you need to tune in if you haven’t already. Also on this episode, we talk to the producers behind Investigation Discovery's “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” docuseries and the reaction to its expose on the dangers of being a child actor on one of the youth-geared linear networks.
77 min
20
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” Cast
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” stars Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, JB Smoove and Cheryl Hines discuss the end of the landmark HBO series and whether it will ever return in some form. They talk about their lasting memories from their time with Larry David and how their approach to the show changed over the years. Also, the Roundtable is back and ready to set the stage for Emmy season.
90 min
21
Oscars Final Recap: Roundtable Mega Edition
The Variety Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable gathers to close this Oscars season by giving one last look at the winners, losers and surprises coming out of the 96th Academy Awards. “Oppenheimer” didn’t quite sweep, but it came close. “Poor Things” surprised. Scorsese goes home empty handed, again. Join Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider as we give our parting thoughts.
48 min
22
Mega Roundtable Final Oscar Predictions
Is “Oppenheimer” about to sweep the Oscars? Will Lily Gladstone or Emma Stone take home the best actress trophy? The Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable tackles every Oscar category as we prepare for Sunday’s 96th annual Academy Awards.
62 min
23
Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction”)
“American Fiction” star Jeffrey Wright discusses his Oscar nomination. Also, the Roundtable gives its picks for this weekend’s SAG Awards.
75 min
24
Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) a...
Oscar-nominated “Killers of the Flower Moon” star Lily Gladstone discusses the recognition, what the movie means to her and more. Also, “Poor Things” screenwriter Tony McNamara talks about his Oscar nomination. And the Awards Circuit Roundtable banters on the Oscar nominees luncheon, the DGA Awards and what’s next on the Road to the Oscars.
100 min
25
Kemp Powers, Joaquim Dos Santos and Justin K. T...
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” directors Kemp Powers, Joaquim Dos Santos and Justin K. Thompson discuss their hit, and now Oscar-nominated, film. When will the next installment come out? Also on this episode, the Roundtable discusses why this feels like an extra-long Oscar season, and we recap a fantastic Grammy awards telecast.
89 min