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
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
What to Watch This Thanksgiving Weekend; Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”)
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.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 37min
‘Wicked For Good’ Reviews and Oscar Chances; Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Brendan Fraser (“Rental Family”)
“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.
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Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 31min
What Are the Oscar Race Dark Horses?; Regina Hall (“One Battle After Another”), Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”)
“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.
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Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 33min
Is “One Battle After Another” the Oscar Frontrunner?; Laura Dern (“Jay Kelly”/ “Is This Thing On?”), Nina Hoss (“Hedda”)
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.
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Oct 31, 2025 • 1h
Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Emily Blunt (“The Smashing Machine”)
"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.
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Oct 24, 2025 • 58min
Clint Bentley (“Train Dreams”), Francine Maisler (“Sinners”/“Springsteen”/“The Lost Bus”/“Ella McCay”)
“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.
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Oct 17, 2025 • 53min
Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”), Oscar Isaac (“Frankenstein”)
“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.
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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
