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Little Gold Men by Vanity Fair artwork

Little Gold Men by Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair·Hosted by Rebecca, John, Hillary and Chris Murphy·747 episodes

TvFilmWeekly awards roundupCelebrity interviewsOscars coverageExpert critics40-50 min episodesConversational

Vanity Fair’s Little Gold Men takes you inside the world of film and television, from standing ovations at Sundance to the Best Picture award at the Oscars. With special guest appearances from stars, creators, and critics, our expert hosts dive into the power and glamour of Hollywood, as only Vanity Fair can. For more on Little Gold Men, visit vanityfair.com/podcast/little-gold-men

Why listen

Vanity Fair's expert critics pull back the curtain on Hollywood's biggest moments, from standing ovations at Sundance to Oscar campaign strategy. Each week, they break down what's happening in film and television with insider knowledge, celebrity interviews, and hilariously candid roundtable predictions that make you feel like you're in the room with them.

Episodes

26 min
Jun 2, 2026
Noah Wyle Is Ready for Another Shift

Noah Wyle didn’t expect The Pitt to become one of television’s biggest dramas, or for viewers to once again see him as their doctor. But after an Emmys-sweeping first season and decades spent playing physicians on screen, Wyle has learned to embrace both realities. Rebecca caught up with the actor, writer, producer, and director to talk about why he resisted going “bigger and bloodier” after season one, what it’s like making one of TV’s most medically accurate dramas, and why some fans are so mad about Dr. Robby’s emotional unraveling. Plus, who is America’s doctor’s favorite fictional doctor? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

37 min
May 28, 2026
The End of Late Night as We Know It

Stephen Colbert has officially signed off, CBS is exiting the late night game, and the future of the format feels more uncertain than ever. This week, Rebecca and John are joined by VF special correspondent Joy Press to discuss the final episode of The Late Show, the politics and economics behind CBS’s decision, and the social media stars redefining the genre. They also share their top picks for what to watch this month. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

29 min
May 21, 2026
The Good, the Hellish, and the Just-OK from Cannes

In their final Cannes dispatch, Rebecca and John dish about some of the buzziest films of the week and attempt to predict the hard-to-pin-down Palme d'Or. They also discuss the reasons why the festival has seemed quieter this year, and debate which films we'll be talking about come Oscar season.Follow along on Vanity Fair's Cannes liveblog, and send your festival questions to [email protected]. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

28 min
May 18, 2026
The First Weekend at Cannes, in Parties, Acquisitions, and Premieres

After a party- and screening-filled weekend on the Croisette, Rebecca and John report back from the Cannes Film Festival, including a peek inside Vanity Fair's casually elegant event at Tetou. They discuss the couple of great films and the larger number of disappointing ones, and give a preview of the premieres to come. Plus, did Rebecca help Jordan Firstman decide which studio to go with for Club Kid? Did the cast of the new White Lotus season spill any juicy secrets to John? There's one way to find out!Follow along on Vanity Fair's Cannes liveblog, and send your festival questions to [email protected]. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

30 min
May 15, 2026
Bonjour, Cannes!

Rebecca and John have had an eventful first few days at Cannes, from getting lost in the Palais, to a glamorous luncheon at the Carlton, to a surprisingly emotional The Fast and the Furious anniversary screening. In this first special episode from the festival, they talk about the films they've seen so far, the AI chatter on the ground, and the red carpet's most-discussed moments.Follow along on Vanity Fair's Cannes liveblog, and send your festival questions to [email protected]. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

38 min
May 14, 2026
Your Cannes Questions, Answered. Plus: Our Way-Too-Early Oscar Predictions

This week, as Rebecca and John prepare to head overseas to cover the Cannes Film Festival, they're joined by BFF Hillary Busis to answer listener questions all about the storied event, from survival tips to what each programming category means, and whether the much-discussed La Pizza is actually any good. Then, the three intrepid co-hosts bravely offer some early predictions for Best Picture and more.Tune in over the next 2 weeks for Little Gold Men's special Cannes coverage, and send your questions about the festival to [email protected]!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

40 min
May 7, 2026
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Euphoria

When Sam Levinson's vibey, drug-inflected high school show Euphoria premiered in 2019, it took the Internet by storm and quickly became the most-watched show on HBO Max — and most-memed show on social media — despite mixed reviews. But in the four years since the show's second season, rumors of off-screen chaos, as well as confirmed exits from cast and creatives, have made fans nervous. So, how does the long-awaited Season 3 hold up to expectations? Rebecca and John are joined by VF Senior Staff Writer Max Adler to discuss the high highs and weird lows. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

47 min
Apr 30, 2026
A Sequel? To The Devil Wears Prada? Groundbreaking.

This week, Rebecca, John, and VF Staff Writer Savannah Walsh dive deep into the world of The Devil Wears Prada, looking back at what made the 2006 film so indelible and discussing how the sequel, set in the very different media landscape of 2026, gets it right. Then, Rebecca sits down with the writer behind both films, Aline Brosh McKenna, to talk about how the long-awaited sequel came to be and which of the films' four main characters feels most like her. That's all. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

46 min
Apr 23, 2026
Zendaya Is the Moment. Here's Why.

In an age of handwringing about the lack of "real movie stars," Zendaya has entered the chat in style. The multi-hyphenate star is having a packed 2026, with the already-released Euphoria and The Drama — not to mention her high-profile collab with stylist Law Roach and sportswear brand On — and three of the year's most-anticipated blockbusters (Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Dune: Part Three). And we're still excited to see her every time, both on screen and on the red carpet. So what makes Zendaya such a star of the moment? Rebecca and John are joined by Staff Writer Chris Murphy and Style Correspondent José Criales-Unzueta to get into it. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

37 min
Apr 16, 2026
Reality TV's New Era of Scandal

We tune in to our favorite reality shows for the onscreen drama, but lately the scandals have started to spill off the screen and into the real world, from Taylor Frankie Paul to the Bravoverse. This week, VF Contributing Editor Anna Peele joins Rebecca and John to break down this chaotic moment in unscripted television, from the shows that are still on the air decades after they first premiered to the upstarts coming for the crown. Plus, a first look at the Cannes lineup. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

46 min
Apr 9, 2026
Catching Up On This Season of TV

The Oscars? We don’t know her. This week, Rebecca and John are joined by VF Special Correspondent Joy Press to dive back into the wonderful world of television. They preview the dramas, comedies, and limited series we'll be talking about when the Emmy Awards roll around in September, so you can catch up now. They also catch up on The Drama, the Euphoria premiere, and the decision to move the Oscars to a decidedly less special home. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

43 min
Mar 26, 2026
The Best and Worst Awards Campaigns, According to Little Gold Men

The Oscars have come and gone, but Little Gold Men still has some superlatives to hand out. Rebecca, John, and Hillary gather to discuss the 2025-2026 awards season one last time. Who ran the best campaigns? Whose campaigns flopped? What were the best fashion moments and stunts we saw along the way? And whose career was changed for the better by this season? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

40 min
Mar 16, 2026
Oscars Highlights and Surprises, Plus a Peek Inside the Vanity Fair Party

After a long awards season, this year’s Oscars results were… kinda great! The winners came from a host of different deserving films, and no one movie or person felt robbed. Rebecca, John, and Chris woke up bright and early to dish about the ceremony’s highs and lows — and share some highlights from inside VF’s dinner and afterparty at LACMA.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

55 min
Mar 12, 2026
Little Gold Men's 100% Correct Oscar Predictions

Rebecca, John, and Hillary enter their final predictions in the most up-in-the-air Oscars race in recent memory. Will Timothée Chalamet's ballet and opera comments affect the Best Actor Race? Will there be a Sinners surge? And just how many statues will PTA be holding when he strolls into LACMA for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party? Plus, Rebecca sits down with Katy Mullan, an executive producer of the Oscars ceremony, to talk about what viewers can expect from Sunday night's festivities.Don't forget to fill out your Oscar ballot! And after the awards are all handed out on Sunday night, tune in to the VF Oscar Party Livestream starting at 10:30pm ET / 7:30pm PT at youtube.com/vanityfair. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

42 min
Mar 5, 2026
We Have A Race! How the PGA and Actor Awards Turned Everything Upside Down

This weekend's newly-rechristened Actor Awards gave the Oscar race a dash of chaos — and excitement. John and Rebecca recap how the evening's surprise winners changed their predictions for Best Actor and the Supporting categories, and whether the PGA's predictable coronation of One Battle After Another means it's a lock for Best Picture or not. Then, VF Staff Writer Savannah Walsh joins to preview the nominees in the Shorts categories, giving her picks so you can win your Oscar pool.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

40 min
Feb 26, 2026
Mailbag! Plus, What that BAFTAs Moment Means For Sinners

John, Rebecca, and VF Staff Writer Chris Murphy answer listener mailbag questions on everything from how they'd fix the often-confounding Best Song category to how new Academy members get sorted into branches and whether the Best Actress race is as certain as it seems. They also talk about the incident at the BAFTA Awards this weekend, and discuss how the outcry might alter the Oscars chances for Sinners.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

32 min
Feb 24, 2026
Stellan Skarsgård Didn't Intend to Become an Actor; Now He's an Oscar Nominee

Stellan Skarsgård has acted in over 150 films and television shows, from independent projects in his native Sweden to some of Hollywood's biggest franchises. But his performance in Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value, as a filmmaker trying to connect with his estranged daughters, earned the actor his first-ever Oscar nomination. Rebecca and John sat down with Skarsgård in London ahead of the BAFTAs to talk about his career, his favorite directors, and how he advises (or not!) his children, who've pursued their own acting careers. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

34 min
Feb 19, 2026
Michael B. Jordan Feels Like He's "Getting Beat Up By [His] Wildest Dreams"

Michael B. Jordan is so busy right now he'd actually benefit from having a twin to help lighten the workload. The actor, a self-proclaimed workaholic, is nominated for his first Oscar for his performance as twin brothers in Ryan Coogler's Sinners, and he's also in post-production on a project he's both directing and starring in, The Thomas Crown Affair. Rebecca caught up with him after the Academy Nominees Luncheon to talk about why Sinners was the hardest role of his career, how therapy has helped him as an actor, and how he protects his personal life. Plus, he answers a slew of rapid-fire questions about movies and filmmaking. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

46 min
Feb 17, 2026
The Academy Nominations Have Gone Global

This week, John, Rebecca, and Hillary preview the 5 films nominated for Best International Feature: The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just An Accident (France), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sirāt (Spain), and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia). They recap their favorites and evaluate each film's chance in the race. Plus, they explain why more and more non-English-language films have been breaking into other categories at the Oscars in the last few years. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

39 min
Feb 12, 2026
Sex Is Back (On Screen)!

This week, Rebecca and John take a pause from this year's Oscar races to dish about Emerald Fennell's buzzy, divisive, and tongue-forward "Wuthering Heights". Then, VF Staff Writer Chris Murphy joins to break down why sexy TV shows like Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette and Heated Rivalry have captured our imagination and created rabid fan bases for its stars. They also discuss how the Academy has historically rewarded (or not) depictions of romance and sexuality, and whether there might be an imbalance in the accolades. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

30 min
Feb 10, 2026
In The Secret Agent, Wagner Moura Makes the Political Personal

The Secret Agent has broken through the Oscar conversation in a big way: the Brazilian film is nominated not only for Best International Feature, but also Best Picture, Best Casting, and, of course, Best Actor, for Wagner Moura's indelible performance. Rebecca caught up with Moura a few weeks after his historic nomination to talk about the film and how he sees himself and his politics in the character he plays. He also discusses his upcoming directorial project and plays a round of Proust Roulette. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

44 min
Feb 5, 2026
Oscar Controversy Comes for Marty Supreme

John, Rebecca, and Hillary discuss last week's California Post story about an alleged incident on the set of Josh and Benny Safdie's Good Time (2017), and debate whether the news will affect Marty Supreme's Oscar chances. They also look back at Oscars scandals and whisper campaigns of the recent past, from Emilia Perez to Shakespeare in Love, and consider how social media has influenced the race over the years.Read Rebecca's piece about the story on vanityfair.com. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

40 min
Jan 29, 2026
A Masterclass on Awards Show Fashion, Plus a Dispatch from Sundance

Vanity Fair Style Correspondent José Criales-Unzueta joins John and Rebecca to discuss how dressing for the red carpet has evolved since the days of Old Hollywood. He breaks down the stylists and partnerships that have made dressing for awards season more corporate, and shares whose look he’s most excited to see at the Oscars. Plus, John and VF Senior Hollywood Editor Hillary Busis share their takes on the hits and misses of this year’s Sundance Festival. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

34 min
Jan 23, 2026
The Oscar Nominations Are Here, and Sinners Just Made History

Happy Oscar Nom Day! Rebecca, John, and VF Staff Writer Chris Murphy were up bright and early to analyze this year's Academy Award nominations. They talk about Sinners's historic 16 nominations, and the snubs (Wicked: For Good) and surprises (Kate Hudson) that might make this Oscars more unpredictable than everyone initially thought. Plus, they offer suggestions and predictions for the ceremony itself, from the In Memoriam segment to hosting bits for Conan O'Brien. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

39 min
Jan 13, 2026
The Highs and Lows of the Golden Globes

The 83rd Golden Globes kept the momentum going for most of the expected winners, but the night still delivered a couple of notable surprises and a killer monologue from Nikki Glaser. Rebecca and John share their impressions of what went down inside the Beverly Hilton (including Rebecca's almost-Jason Derulo moment), and try to predict what the Globes wins—and losses—mean for Academy nominations voting this week. Plus, VF Global Director of Social Media Carly Walsh joins to dish about what she saw on the carpet and in the winners' room behind the scenes.See all the winners on vf.com! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

52 min
Jan 8, 2026
The Make-It-Or-Break-It Races We're Watching at the Golden Globes

The winter break is barely over, but Rebecca and John have already hit the ground running. They share dispatches from the Palm Springs Gala and the Critics Choice Awards, and debate whether Academy voters will be able to get over the Kardashian of it all. Then, Little Gold Men's best friend, Hillary Busis, joins the conversation to make some bold predictions about what will happen at Sunday's Golden Globes — and explain why the once-embattled awards show still matters.Check out VF's Golden Globe Predictions here! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

26 min
Jan 6, 2026
Joel Edgerton Explored His Greatest Fears for Train Dreams

At a special Little Gold Men live event at the Regent Santa Monica Beach, the Australian actor revealed that he had tried to get the rights to Denis Johnson's book four years earlier. But, he tells John and Rebecca, the wait was worth it to make Clint Bentley's version of the story, which explores fatherhood. "Robert, for me, felt like some version of myself and that felt like a worthwhile thing to do at that time in my life," says Edgerton, who also spoke about how directors like Baz Luhrmann have influenced him and what he thinks about the current state of the industry, including the possible Warner-Netflix merger. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

29 min
Dec 30, 2025
From Indies to Blockbusters, Paul Mescal Commands the Screen

In this episode from the archives, Rebecca talks with the Aftersun Oscar nominee and Hamnet star Paul Mescal, who starred last year in Ridley Scott's long-awaited Gladiator II. The indie darling reveals why he finally said yes to a blockbuster, the sage advice he got from his director, and why he's been working at such an intense pace since Normal People. Plus, he answers the Proust Questionnaire, revealing his greatest (mini) extravagance.This episode originally aired on Nov. 19, 2024 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

32 min
Dec 23, 2025
Ariana Grande Has Been Forever Changed by Wicked (and Wicked: For Good)

In this episode from the archives, the Oscar nominee talks to Rebecca about how much playing Glinda the Good Witch transformed her, from permanently changing her vocal cords to shifting her emotionally as well. Plus, she talks about how she survives living a very public life and plays a round of Proust Roulette.This episode originally aired on Feb 11, 2025 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

46 min
Dec 18, 2025
Little Gold Men's Unsolicited Advice for Hollywood in 2026

Rebecca and John are joined by VF's Hillary Busis to share some words of wisdom for Hollywood as we enter the new year. And Hollywood had better take note as they offer priceless unsolicited advice to the powers that be. They also share their predictions for the 10 Best Picture nominees, and discuss who is on the bubble and where there could be some surprises. Finally, Rebecca and John review the biggest losers (The Testament of Ann Lee) and winners (Sirāt) of the recently announced Oscars shortlist. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

30 min
Dec 16, 2025
Amanda Seyfried is Shaking Things Up With The Testament of Ann Lee and The Housemaid

Rebecca talks with Amanda Seyfried, who has two films coming out over two weeks: she stars as a wealthy woman with secrets in The Housemaid, and as the leader of the Shaker religious movement in the ambitious epic The Testament of Ann Lee. The actress discusses the confidence she needed to have in herself, along with the challenges of learning the intense dance style used in the latter. "The nature of learning those choreographed moves, it's a real bitch," she says. She also talks about the challenges of overnight fame, which she's witnessed with her Housemaid co-star Sydney Sweeney. Plus, she reveals her obsession with taxidermy and her love of crocheting. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

23 min
Dec 11, 2025
For Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi Covered Up to Reveal His True Self

Rebecca chats with Jacob Elordi, who plays the creature in Guillermo del Toro’s moving film. He reveals how he prepared for the unique role, his biggest concerns with the hours-long prosthetics process, and why it was, in a way, a religious experience. "I suppose maybe it takes a mask sometimes for people to see the truth of something," he says of his experience. Plus. the Australian actor talks about filming the third season of Euphoria, and reflects on how his career has transformed since the first season of HBO’s hit series. Finally, he reveals why he hates talking about AI -- and would rather be kissing on the beach. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

37 min
Dec 9, 2025
The Not-Too-Messy Golden Globes Nominations

Rebecca and John are joined by their VF colleague Chris Murphy to talk all about the Globes nominations, including the biggest snubs (Wicked: For Good) and surprises (Eva Victor, Emily Blunt). They also discuss the influx of international features and what's going on with the new podcast category. Plus, they debate how the news about Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. might affect the Oscar race. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

40 min
Dec 4, 2025
Mailbag: The Most Cutthroat Below-the-Line Oscar Races and What's Going on With the New Casting Category

This week, Rebecca and John are joined by VF Senior Editor Hillary Busis to answer a slew of mailbag questions. They highlight some of the more interesting below-the-line races, including cinematography and editing. They also debate if having a popular TV show can help an Oscar contender's chances, and whether "KPop Demon Hunters" has a shot at a Best Picture nod. Finally, they make their December movie picks for films that are worth catching in theaters this month. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

47 min
Nov 20, 2025
Inside The Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue, Plus Why Great Films Are Flopping

John and Rebecca take stock of a series of star-studded Oscar contenders that are having trouble at the box office. They debate why so many indie adult dramas can't find an audience in today's marketplace, and what that might mean for their awards chances. Then, they break down the best actor race, one of the most competitive we've seen in years. And speaking of leading men, Rebecca and John are also joined by Vanity Fair's Global Editorial Director Mark Guiducci, who shares how the newly unveiled Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair came together. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

36 min
Nov 13, 2025
Did The Grammy Awards Nominations Finally Get It Right!?!

Rebecca and John go down a road less traveled on this week's Little Gold Men and discuss the Grammy Awards with Vanity Fair associate editor Daniela Tijerina and staff writer Erin Vanderhoof. They break down this year's surprisingly good nominations, the Grammy's bumpy relationship with the music industry, and the idiosyncrasies of the Recording Academy before weighing in on their hopes for performances and wins on "music's biggest night." Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

42 min
Nov 6, 2025
Is This Year's Crop of Contenders the Most Political Ever?

Rebecca and John are joined by their VF colleague Hillary Busis to discuss the overtly political movies of the season, including One Battle After Another, A House of Dynamite, and Bugonia. Plus, they look back at how the political climate has previously affected the awards race. Finally, they discuss how stars and directors navigate the tricky task of promoting their movies when politics are front and center. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

23 min
Oct 31, 2025
Which of These Awards Shows Actually Matter?

Rebecca and John are joined by their VF colleague Chris Murphy to talk about the season’s first nominations, The Gotham Awards. They debate which awards ahead of the Oscars actually indicate true frontrunners. Plus, they pick their favorite new movies hitting theaters in November. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

39 min
Oct 29, 2025
Introducing Tough Cookie: The Wally “Famous” Amos Story

Meet Wally Amos. He founded the ubiquitous Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies in 1975, turning the brand into an overnight sensation and himself into a pop-culture fixture in the 1970s and 1980s. But there’s a darker side to Wally’s seemingly sweet story. One filled with five marriages to six women and a string of bad business decisions that led him to lose the empire he had created.When he passed away in 2024, host Sarah Amos set out to untangle her father’s complicated past and finally face the life and legacy she had been avoiding. New episodes every Wednesday: swap.fm/l/vf-toughcookie-feed Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

47 min
Oct 23, 2025
How to Hit a High Note with a Music Biopic

Rebecca and John discuss Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, which hits theaters Friday. Along with debating its awards chances, they are joined by music journalist Alan Light, who reveals why there’s been such an uptick in music biopics. Finally, John and Rebecca break down the best director race, which could be full of directors who have been long overdue for their first nominations. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

35 min
Oct 16, 2025
Marty Supreme Storms NYFF – And the Oscar Race

Rebecca and John recap the two biggest premieres of the New York Film Festival, Bradley Cooper's 'Is This Thing On?' and the surprise debut of Josh Safdie's 'Marty Supreme'. They also discuss Timothée Chalamet's already eccentric promotional stunts for the latter. Finally, they take a deep dive into the best actress race, which may have one clear frontrunner, but lots of spots up for grabs. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

44 min
Oct 9, 2025
What Does Netflix Have to Do to Win Best Picture?

Rebecca and John are joined by VF's Hillary Busis to discuss Kathryn Bigelow's A House of Dynamite, which hits select theaters Friday. Then, they take a closer look at Netflix's packed Oscars slate, and discuss what's been holding the streamer back from nabbing their first best picture Oscar win. Could this be the year? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

41 min
Oct 2, 2025
Can You Smell What The Rock is Cooking? Is it An Oscar?

This week, Rebecca and John discuss The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie's new movie starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr. They are joined by Vanity Fair contributing editor Tom Kludt, who shares his thoughts on why sports movies are audience favorites but not always awards winners and  what Johnson should do to become king of the Oscar ring. Plus, Rebecca and John share their picks for must-watch October film releases.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

42 min
Sep 25, 2025
Leonardo DiCaprio's Battle for Another Oscar

Rebecca and John are joined by VF writer Kase Wickman to talk about Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, which hits theaters Friday. After agreeing that the film feels like a real Best Picture contender, they take a closer look at star Leonardo DiCaprio's chances of earning another Oscar nomination — and why his path to winning an Academy Award was so tumultuous. Finally, they explain why Timothee Chalamet's own campaign strategy may mirror DiCaprio's, for better or worse.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

33 min
Sep 15, 2025
The Surprise Emmy Winners Saved the Show

Rebecca and John are joined by their Vanity Fair colleagues Chris Murphy and Hillary Busis to break down all those surprise winners on Emmys night. They also discuss why Nate Bargatze struggled as a host and that controversial acceptance speech countdown clock. Finally, they each pitch one dramatic change that could fix the Emmys and make it more appealing in the future. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

43 min
Sep 11, 2025
The Highs and Lows of the Venice, Telluride, and Toronto Film Festivals

Rebecca and John are joined by Joy Press to talk about the Venice, Telluride, and Toronto Film Festivals, where some movies soared (Hamnet) and other stumbled (After the Hunt). They also take a closer look at some of the most contested Emmys races ahead of Sunday's show. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

1 hr 4 min
Sep 9, 2025
Riz Ahmed and James McAvoy, Live from TIFF

From our live show at the Toronto Film Festival, James McAvoy discusses the true story behind his directorial debut, California Schemin’. Then, Hamlet star Riz Ahmed joins us to explain why the Shakespeare drama still resonates. Recorded from the St. Regis Hotel in Toronto. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

52 min
Aug 28, 2025
How the Oscars Have Changed — and Changed Us

David, Richard, and Rebecca answer mailbag questions about how the Oscars have changed, the most annoying film discourses of all time, and tips for attending film festivals. They also dream-cast LGM with previous Oscar winners as the hosts. Finally, as David and Richard say farewell, they present the Little Gold Men Awards and share their favorite Oscar-watching memories.Heading to TIFF? Join us on September 5 for a live show at the St. Regis Hotel with special guests Riz Ahmed and James McAvoy. To request a ticket, please email us: [email protected] Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

46 min
Aug 21, 2025
Our Extremely Early Oscar Best-Picture Predictions

Ahead of the fall festivals, David, Rebecca, and Richard get wildly speculative by presenting their own predictions for which 10 movies will be nominated for the best-picture Oscar. They discuss the apparent front-runner so far, the few other apparent locks, and which winter releases appear bound to surprise.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

29 min
Aug 19, 2025
The Bear Made Ayo Edebiri a Star – and Now a Director

The actor and director, nominated in both Emmy categories, talked to Rebecca about her ambitions for writing and directing in the future, including giving a certain purple dinosaur of children’s TV the film treatment. She also shares her thoughts about fans shipping Syd and Carmy, and why being on The Bear has made her hopeful for the future of Hollywood. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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Best for: commutes, evening listening, casual entertainment, during meals
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