Awards Chatter

10 years after the end of 'Mad Men,' the Emmy-winning actor who brought to life Don Draper reflects on his difficult youth (he lost both parents before turning 21), the rewards and pain of playing one of the greatest anti-heroes of the platinum age of TV, how comedy came to figure so prominently in his next act, and why he was so drawn to playing a man who has everything and then loses it all on his new Apple TV+ series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at the Miami Film Festival, the English film and TV actor reflects on the pros and cons of playing Lucius Malfoy in the 'Harry Potter' film series, the heartbreak of the cancelation of 'The OA' and his rollercoaster journey with Mike White's hit HBO drama series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The former Los Angeles Times film critic reflects on his path from Brooklyn to Hollywood, the current state of film criticism and the LA Times, and what inspired him to spend four years writing the first dual-biography in 50 years of MGM's two most legendary executives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at Chapman University, the 'Dropout' Emmy winner and 'Mank' Oscar nominee reflects on early breaks like 'Mean Girls' and 'Mamma Mia!,' navigating the transition from child to adult star, and why she's so passionate about her latest project, a Peacock limited series in which she plays a cop investigating the disappearance of her own sister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of TV's all-time great comedy actresses, a six-time Emmy winner, reflects on why she walked away from her first hit show, 'Designing Women,' mid-run; why she thinks she's had some of her greatest successes over the past decade, at an age at which many actresses can’t find any work; what she finds to be the greatest challenges and rewards of playing standup comic Deborah Vance; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at the Boulder International Film Festival, one of the all-time great comedic scene-stealers reflects on having her career breakthrough at 40 with the first of her four Christopher Guest collaborations, shooting to stardom as Sue Sylvester on 'Glee' and, most recently, playing the stunt double of Steve Martin's character on Hulu's hit ensemble series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at the 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival (the first part of this interview) and via a 2025 Zoom (the second part), the Korean master and three-time Oscar winner reflects on his path to filmmaking, the magical journey of 'Parasite' and his new film starring Robert Pattinson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, shares insights from his transformative journey from Baltimore to Hollywood. He teases the upcoming Oscars telecast led by Conan O'Brien and discusses the Academy's push for inclusivity, particularly with Carla Sofia Gascon's historic nomination. Kramer addresses the challenges of diversifying revenue streams post-pandemic and the balance between tradition and innovation in award categories, all while highlighting the importance of community engagement in the film industry.

Mikey Madison, an acclaimed actress known for her roles in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' and 'Scream', recently won a BAFTA for Best Actress. She shares her transition from competitive horseback riding to acting, reflecting on the emotional journey that shaped her career. Mikey dives into the challenges of portraying vulnerable characters, the dynamics with directors, and the collaborative spirit of filmmaking. She also discusses the unexpected twists that led to her breakthrough roles and the thrill of receiving prestigious nominations.

The veteran Aussie actor and first-time Oscar nominee reflects on how a childhood tragedy may have set him on the path to becoming an actor; how his experience with early TV stardom influenced the sorts of projects that he did and didn't pursue after he established himself internationally via 'L.A. Confidential' and 'Memento'; and why he’s as proud of his latest film as any he has been a part of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices