Awards Circuit | Variety

Michelle Pfeiffer went from avoiding TV to being everywhere this Emmy season, as the star of Paramount+’s “The Madison” and Apple TV’s “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.” She talks about her busy year, working with her husband David E. Kelley, and her first time in Variety. She also takes the 10 Questions quiz. But first, the Roundtable looks at the latest on the Emmy race and answers your burning questions. Call the Emmy Emergency Line at 323-617-9110 to ask your Q! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Scrubs’ star Zach Braff on how the return of the beloved sitcom resonated with fans. Also, Braff also recounts his first time in Variety and takes the 10 Questions quiz. But first on the Roundtable, we recount the ‘Survivor’ 50 finale (including Jeff Probst’s big live TV flub) and we lament the end of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Chad Powers” star and co-creator Glen Powell on his busy schedule, why the Hulu show means so much to him and how things will get more complicated — and perhaps darker — in Season 2. Powell also recounts his first time in Variety and takes the 10 Questions quiz. But first on the Roundtable, we recap the TV upfronts in New York — including the biggest trends, winners and losers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Elsbeth” star Carrie Preston on her hit CBS series, its unique spin on the whodunit and all those guest stars. Plus, she takes the 10 Questions quiz and dissects her first time in Variety. Also, Ramy Youssef on his latest HBO Max comedy special, “Ramy Youssef: In Love,” how his dog is doing, how his family reacted to some of the things he reveals, and his time with Elmo on “Sesame Street” and how he’d be up for defending himself on Fox News — if they ever actually bothered to call for comment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“John Candy: I Like Me” filmmakers Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds on the critical thing they needed Dan Aykroyd to do for their doc; also, they answer 10 Qs and recall their first time in Variety. Before that, the roundtable discusses the unusual year in FYC, the latest new category news, the frontrunners in talk and Emily's love of Stagecoach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Awards Circuit Podcast is back for Emmy season! The Roundtable looks at the big decline in expected Emmy submissions and what that might mean for the competition. Also, which shows are the early frontrunners? And what bubbling under shows should you be paying attention to? Also, “Half Man” creator and star Richard Gadd talks about his busy last few years, and shares some of his hot takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 98th Oscars gave us plenty of drama and surprises as the race between "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners" came down to the wire. The Variety Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable takes one last look at this year's winners, losers and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a mega roundtable edition of Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast, we look at every single category set to be revealed on Sunday's 98th Academy Awards. In only a few days, we will witness the ultimate showdown in one of the most competitive Oscar landscapes in recent memory: Paul Thomas Anderson’s political action epic “One Battle After Another” versus Ryan Coogler’s record-setting vampire drama “Sinners.” We'll help you (hopefully!) win your Oscar pool with this special edition of the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Awards Circuit Roundtable dissects what happened at the BAFTA Awards, when the tape-delayed telecast didn’t bleep the N-word despite knowledge that Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson was in the audience. Also, final predictions for SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards; and Oscar nominee Tig Notaro discusses honoring her friend in “Come See Me In the Good Light.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Sinners" is a cultural force, earning a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations. Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast talks to "Sinners" director Ryan Coogler about this potentially historic moment — as final-round Oscar voting gets underway on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oscar-nominated "Weapons" star Amy Madigan and “Sentimental Value” star Stellan Skarsgård. Also, the Roundtable discusses this weekend’s BAFTA awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Awards Circuit Roundtable debates whether bad Bunny pulled off the second-best Super Bowl halftime show ever. Also, we remember James Van Der Beek, we recap the Oscars Nominees Luncheon and the DGA Awards, and we look ahead at the current state of the Oscar race. And Oscar nominee Inga ibsdotter Lilleaas talks about her supporting actress nod for the film “Sentimental Value.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Awards Circuit Roundtable recaps some of the highlights of this year’s Grammy Awards, starting with Lauryn Hill’s triumphant tribute to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo. Also, we look at this week’s DGA Awards and what’s to come as the Awards Season moves closer to the Oscars. And Oscar nominee Robert Kaplow talks about his screenplay to the film “Blue Moon.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Secret Agent" star Wagner Moura and “Sinners” cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw on their Oscar nominations. Also, the Roundtable discusses the BAFTA nominations and the new Television Academy category, Outstanding Variety Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oscar nominations are in, and “Sinners” landed a record 16 nominations — surprising some, but not Variety’s Clayton Davis, who called it. The Variety Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable team looks at this year’s nominations, and some of the real surprises and snubs (and explains why “Wicked For Good” got a goose egg). “One Battle After Another” may still be a frontrunner, but we have ourselves a real Oscar race! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oscar voting is about to come to an end, and the question about which films and performances will dominate this year’s Academy Award nominations is still up in the air. The Variety Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable team gathered to dissect the state of the race, how the Golden Globes results affected voting, and whether any snubs or surprises are lurking in the wings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexander Skarsgård (“Pillion”) on earning acclaim for a daring performance in a small British indie film tackling subject matter most studios avoid, while director Kaouther Ben Hania (“The Voice of Hind Rajab”) on watching her film reach new audiences as awards season unfolds and how she remains focused on ensuring Hind Rajab’s voice is not forgotten. Also, the Roundtable dissects the SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards, while giving final predictions for this weekend’s Golden Globes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Superman” director and DC Studios co-head James Gunn discusses his process of making the blockbuster, why he’ll never chase prestige projects and what to expect from the follow-up film “Man of Tomorrow.” Also, Kate Winslet talks about her directorial debut with “Goodbye June,” working with her son and what she wants to do next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Oscars are moving to YouTube in 2029, and the Roundtable gives its perspectives — and the pros and cons — on the surprise news. Also, we pay tribute to the late acting and directing legend Rob Reiner. Later, “Wicked For Good” star Cynthia Erivo talks about hanging up the broomstick and why this was the most challenging production of her career. And “Song Sung Blue” director Craig Brewer talks about making his latest film and carrying on John Singleton’s legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“One Battle After Another” cements its frontrunner status as the Golden Globes nominations were announced — but here are a few more surprises and takeaways. Also, “The Testament of Ann Lee” star Amanda Seyfried talks about juggling family life with awards season, the film’s exploration of trauma and grief, and the status of “Mamma Mia 3.” Later, Elle Fanning talks about her role in “Sentimental Value,” as well as working on her next project with her sister, Dakota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parsing the Gotham Awards, National Board of Review winners and AFI lists for Oscar predictions, plus what to look for with Monday’s Golden Globes nominations. Also, “Is This Thing On?” star Will Arnett on tackling a dramatic role, and “Wicked For Good” director Jon M. Chu on his long journey through the franchise.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael B. Jordan talks about working with his longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, challenging himself with “Sinners,” and what his next ventures will be, including “Miami Vice” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Later, “Sentimental Value” star Renate Reinsve talks about the movies that influenced her, her ambitions as an actor and possible director, and her connection to Mother Earth. And the Roundtable shares what it’s most thankful for this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Song Sung Blue” star Kate Hudson discusses her journey alongside Hugh Jackman in the film, in addition to her earliest influences, her favorite collaborations and the type of movie she would consider filming with her mother. Then, “Rental Family” star Brendan Fraser about his role in Hikari's dramedy and teases where he thinks his "The Mummy" character would be today. On the Roundtable, everyone saw “Wicked for Good,” and they all have thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“One Battle After Another” star Regina Hall discusses her role in Paul Thomas Anderson's film, her return as Brenda in "Scary Movie 6" and what's next. Also, writer/director Chloé Zhao discusses the spiritual dimensions of "Hamnet," working with child actors and why her upcoming "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sequel pilot required an entirely different skill set. And the Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the main contenders for Netflix, the winners of regional festivals and the dark horses in the Oscar race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable is back, and catching you up on the Oscar frontrunners, the film festival circuit and more. Also: “Jay Kelly” and “Is This Thing On?” star Laura Dern about some of her iconic roles and what’s next for her. And “Hedda” star Nina Hoss discusses her role in the film, the state of Hollywood and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hamnet" star Jessie Buckley breaks down her role in the film, the themes it explores, and what she's looking for in movie and TV roles. Also, "The Smashing Machine" star Emily Blunt talks about the film, her friendship with star Dwayne Johnson, the long-awaited “Devil Wears Prada” sequel and why she's waiting to go to Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Train Dreams" writer-director Clint Bentley discusses the themes and challenges of making the period drama, working with Joel Edgerton, William H. Macy and the rest of the cast in developing their characters, and the music, cinematography and visual style. Also, casting director Francine Maisler talks about her prolific career (including recent work on “Sinners,” “Springsteen Deliver Me From Nowhere,” “The Lost Bus” and “Ella McCay) and also the fact that the Oscars is this year introducing a new competitive category for best casting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Blue Moon” star Ethan Hawke discusses his transformative performance in the film, as well as his legacy, loss, and why Denzel Washington once told him that losing was the best thing that could happen at the Oscars. Later, Oscar Isaac talks about taking on “Frankenstein,” one of the most prolific characters in all of literature, finding family in Guillermo del Toro, and why that has formed the way he thinks about who to say 'yes' to in Hollywood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Ballad of a Small Player” star Colin Farrell talks about his new movie, where things stand now in his career, what’s next with entries like “The Batman 2” (slated to begin production in 2026) and more. Later, “Star Wars” icon Mark Hamill talks about his career, the joy of working on his new film “The Life of Chuck,” and the stories that continue to make him one of Hollywood’s most treasured performers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Sinners” star Hailee Steinfeld discusses working on the Ryan Coogler film, and reflects on her “True Grit” Oscar nomination, plus what’s next for her in the Marvel universe. Also, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” star Tonatiuh talks about his breakout role in the musical remake from Bill Condon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oscar season of Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast kicks off with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson discussing his lead role in Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine,” including the emotional toll of going to dark places and the physical transformation that nearly broke him. Also: “One Battle After Another” newcomer Chase Infiniti talks about working alongside superstars in the new Paul Thomas Anderson film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will it be ‘The Pitt’ or ‘Severance,’ ‘The Studio’ or ‘Hacks’? The Awards Circuit Roundtable gives its final Emmy picks in all of this Sunday’s major categories. Also: Emmys host Nate Bargatze discusses what to expect on Sunday’s show, including his expensive plan to keep acceptance speeches short. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmy contenders were everywhere last weekend, as the teams behind shows like “Severance” tubthumped everywhere in hopes for Emmy gold. Also on this episode: “Shrinking” star and executive producer Jason Segel previews Season 3 (including working with Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels) and talks about how his take on his career has changed as he’s grown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmy voting kicks off on Monday, and there are several races that are still super competitive — which ones should we be keeping an eye on? Meanwhile, “Only Murders in the Building” star Martin Short on how much longer the comedy might continue, plus what convinced him to try out his new game show host gig on “Match Game”? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Emmy drama race remains too close to call, as “Severance” and “The Pitt” are two frontrunners campaigning hard for the Emmy gold. Speaking of which, “Severance” stars Adam Scott and Britt Lower drop by to talk about that stunning Season 2 ending, and whether those innie lovebirds Mark S. and Helly can make it work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comic-Con was huge, but the news coming out of it wasn’t — except for that “South Park” panel. Meanwhile, the Roundtable discusses whether which episode a nominee submits for consideration makes a difference. And dual nominee Julianne Nicholson (“Paradise,” “Hacks”) talks about her two very different roles as Sinatra and Dance Mom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The news that “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” has been canceled is still stunning, and the reasons still murky. Also, “The Last of Us” star Bella Ramsey on making Emmy history, and what they know about Season 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable discusses the 2025 Emmy nominations: The snubs, the surprises, the odds and much more. “Severance” was the most-nominated series this year, with 27 noms, followed by “The Penguin” with 24 and “The White Lotus” and “The Studio,” with 23 each. Who’s the front runner? Are more surprises to come? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Variety Awards Circuit video presented by Paramount+, Variety Executive Editor Michael Schneider and Variety Senior TV Features Editor Emily Longeretta discuss the Emmy contenders for television movie and limited series performances. Variety Awards Circuit presented by Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Emmy nomination voting ending on Monday, we look one more time at the major categories, how the number of submissions has changed some of the competition and who didn’t bother to join in. Also, “The Residence” stars Uzo Aduba and Randall Park talk about their series, their theories, their chemistry and their thoughts on a Season 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Variety Awards Circuit podcast presented by Paramount+, Variety Executive Editor Michael Schneider and Variety Senior TV Features Editor Emily Longeretta discuss the Emmy contenders for best drama performances. Variety Awards Circuit presented by Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As production on Season 3 of “Shrinking” wraps, Brett Goldstein is pinching himself for getting to work with icons like Michael J. Fox and Harrison Ford. Goldstein talks about his comedy special “The Second Best Night of Your Life,” and his recurring role on Season 2 of “Shrinking,” which he also co-created. Also on this episode, David Oyelowo talks about how his Apple TV+ series “Government Cheese” is unlike anything else he has ever done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Variety Awards Circuit video presented by Paramount+, Variety Executive Editor Michael Schneider and Variety Senior TV Features Editor Emily Longeretta discuss the Emmy contenders for Best Comedy Performance. Variety Awards Circuit presented by Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that Warner Bros. Discovery is breaking into two companies: One with HBO, the studio and the good stuff, and one the zombie channels and all that debt, what happened? Also, “Abbott Elementary” star Janelle James on staying fiercely protective of her character. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Variety Awards Circuit video presented by Paramount+, Variety Executive Editor Michael Schneider and Variety Senior TV Features Editor Emily Longeretta discuss the Emmy contenders for best limited series and reality competitions. Variety Awards Circuit presented by Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producers and showrunners from “ “The Last of Us,” “Severance,” “Paradise,” “The Pitt,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Hacks,” “Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story,” “The Penguin” and more swap stories at Variety’s A Night in the Writers Room event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ramy Youssef has outdone himself with four projects to promote simultaneously: his animated Amazon Prime Video series “#1 Happy Family USA”; the second and final season of Netflix’s “Mo,” which he co-created with Mo Amer; his role in Jesse Armstrong’s HBO movie “Mountainhead”; and his guest appearance in “The Studio” on Apple TV+. Also on this episode, “Godfather of Harlem” star Forest Whitaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Variety Awards Circuit video presented by Paramount+, Variety Executive Editor Michael Schneider and Variety Senior TV Features Editor Emily Longeretta discuss the Emmy contenders for Best Comedy Series. Variety Awards Circuit presented by Paramount+  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside the ‘King of the Hill’ panel that Jonathan Joss crashed — two days before his killing. Also, “The White Lotus” stars Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb on how six months in Thailand created their permanent bond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Variety Awards Circuit video presented by Paramount+, Variety Executive Editor Michael Schneider and Variety Senior TV Features Editor Emily Longeretta discuss the Emmy contenders for Best Drama Series.  Variety Awards Circuit presented by Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices