

Awards Circuit | Variety
Variety
"Awards Circuit" is 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2025 • 51min
Colin Farrell (“Ballad of a Small Player”), Mark Hamill (“The Life of Chuck”)
“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

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h
Hailee Steinfeld (“Sinners”), Tonatiuh (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”)
“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

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
Oscar Season Kickoff: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson (“The Smashing Machine”); Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”)
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

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 8min
Emmys Final Predictions from the Awards Circuit Mega Roundtable; Host Nate Bargatze Previews Sunday’s Ceremony
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

Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Importance of Emmy Campaigning, Jimmy Kimmel’s Colbert Support; Jason Segel (“Shrinking”)
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.
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Aug 15, 2025 • 54min
As Emmy Voting Begins, What Are the Tightest Races?; Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
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

Aug 8, 2025 • 56min
Emmys Drama Series Race Heats Up; Adam Scott and Britt Lower (“Severance”)
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

Aug 1, 2025 • 45min
Comic-Con Wrap; Whether Episodic Selections Make Any Difference for Nominees; Julianne Nicholson (“Paradise,” “Hacks”)
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

Jul 25, 2025 • 52min
Stephen Colbert’s Cancellation: What Is Politically Motivated, and What’s the Future of Late Night?; Bella Ramsey (“The Last of Us”)
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.
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Jul 18, 2025 • 53min
Emmy Nominations: Mega Roundtable Edition
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?
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