Awards Circuit | Variety

Director/writer Adam McKay's script to the new film "Don't Look Up" was written pre-pandemic, but then things kept happening in the real world that were just like the script. We talk to McKay about his new Netflix film, and how it cuts perhaps a little too close to home. Plus, he details how Meryl Streep improvises and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Season 3 of “Succession” comes to a close, star Sarah Snook discusses the tumultuous year for Shiv, and what might come next for her character — and the show. Also: “Succession” composer Nicholas Britell on the HBO drama, as well as his work on the new film “Don’t Look Up.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sparks musicians Ron and Russell Mael, the subject of Edgar Wright’s documentary “The Sparks Brothers,” talk about their busy year, which also includes writing the screenplay and creating the music and songs for the film “Annette,” starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. Also, the Roundtable discusses Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and the upcoming critics’ groups announcements.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mahershala Ali discusses his new film “Swan Song,” in which he plays both himself and his clone, and what it was like to reunite with his “Moonlight” co-star. Naomie Harris. And yes, we try to sneak in a “Blade” question or two as well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Tragedy of Macbeth” star Corey Hawkins discusses his experience working opposite Denzel Washington on Joel Coen’s take on the iconic Shakespearean play. He additionally chats about his tremendous year, including “In the Heights.” Also on this episode, we talk to “Old Henry” star Tim Blake Nelson. And the Awards Circuit Roundtable on “Licorice Pizza,” “Don’t Look Up,” and what we’re most thankful for this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Tick… Tick… Boom!” star Robin de Jesus talks about his experience working opposite Andrew Garfield in the film, which chronicles playwright Jonathan Larson and how he created the landmark musical “Rent.” But first, our Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses “Spencer,” “Being the Ricardos” and the sheer number of screening events taking place around Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Stewart discusses taking on the role of Princess Diana in the Neon feature “Spencer,” whether there’s a parallel to her own life, as well as the status of her adaptation of the memoir “The Chronology of Water” and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“King Richard” star Aunjanue Ellis discusses her experience working opposite Will Smith in the film chronicling the rise of tennis phenoms Venus and Serena Williams, and how she’s enjoying a bit of a career renaissance. Also, our Awards Circuit Podcast roundtable discusses our first impressions of Oscar contenders “House of Gucci” and “Licorice Pizza,” and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Majors plays cowboy Nat Love in director and co-writer Jeymes Samuel’s debut feature film “The Harder They Fall.” Majors discusses his role in that epic western from Netflix, as well as his recent entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe via “Loki,” his recent Emmy-nominated turn in “Lovecraft Country” and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Belfast” star Jamie Dornan talks about working with director Kenneth Branagh on his deeply personal film, which also happens to be Dornan’s first release since the passing of his own father. He also shares how his infectious turn in “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” gave him some insight into his dad, and gives hints to the screenplay he’s been writing — and when it could see the light of day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices