Awards Chatter

Latest Episodes:

Andrew Scott - 'Elsinore' Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

The gifted Irish actor best known for 'Sherlock,' 'Fleabag,' 'Ripley' and 'All of Us Strangers' reflects on how a childhood lisp led him to acting; the impact on his career of his 2013 decision to publicly come out as gay; how he handled the sudden interest in him after playing the "hot priest" opposite Phoebe Waller-Bridge; and why he was so drawn to the story of 'Chariots of Fire' actor Ian Charleson that he signed on not only to play the man in 'Elsinore' but also to produce that film about the remarkable final chapter of Charleson's life.

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John Leguizamo - 'The Odyssey' [LIVE] Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

In front of an audience at Chapman University, the veteran character actor and activist for Latino representation in Hollywood reflects on how he discovered comedy and acting; the challenges of breaking into the biz as a Latino in the '90s, and how they led him to make six solo stage shows; and why it means so much to him to be a part of Christopher Nolan's non-traditionally-cast epic, for which his performance as Eumaeus has garnered him raves.

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Penélope Cruz - 'La Bola Negra,' 'Bunker' & 'The Invite' [LIVE] Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

In front of an audience at 1 Hotel Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival, the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar reflects on her path to acting and Pedro Almodóvar, building a career on both sides of the Atlantic, and how she crafted award-worthy performances in no fewer than three 2026 films.

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Rhea Seehorn - 'Pluribus' [LIVE] Aug 22, 2026

Show notes

In front of an audience at Chapman University, the revered Emmy-nominated actress reflects on how a decade of unsuccessful auditions paved the way for her casting on 'Better Call Saul,' how she reacted to learning that Vince Gilligan had written 'Pluribus' for her, and why playing Carol Sturka on that hit Apple TV show is both the most challenging and rewarding job she has ever had.

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Nick Offerman - 'Death by Lightning' & 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

The consummate character actor reflects on how he landed and approached his star-making part of Ron Swanson on the comedy series 'Parks and Recreation,' why he relished playing a dramatic part on 'The Last of Us' en route to an Emmy, and how he tackled the two parts for which he's Emmy-nominated this year: a corrupt drunk who winds up as vice president and a former pro wrestler/recovering addict trying to reconnect with his daughter.

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Sarah Pidgeon - 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

One of the hottest young actresses in Hollywood, who at just 30 already has Tony and Emmy noms to her name, reflects on her Broadway breakthrough in 'Stereophonic,' the most Tony-nominated play ever; the challenges of playing Carolyn Bessette, one-half of a couple who lived and died in the public eye, in an FX limited series; and the oddness of suddenly, through playing Bessette, losing her anonymity, just like Bessette did.

the challenges of landing and playing her breakthrough role, as Carolyn Bessette; and

And her Emmy nom, for best actress in a limited or anthology series or movie, came just last month for FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, in which she played

how she came to be cast as Carolyn Bessette, and what challenged her most about the making of Love Story, which is itself nominated for the best limited or anthology series Emmy;

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Shawn Hatosy - 'The Pitt' Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

The longtime actor, now experiencing newfound appreciation for his portrayal of Dr. Jack Abbot on TV's top drama, reflects on starting in the biz in his teens; his special relationship with TV creator John Wells, which spans 20 years and five projects (including 'ER,' 'Southland,' 'Animal Kingdom' and 'The Pitt'); and how he feels about calls for a 'Pitt'-spinoff about the titular hospital's night shift.

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Lisa Kudrow - 'The Comeback' Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

The beloved actress/writer reflects on the huge influence of The Groundlings on her career, how being fired from 'Frasier' and taking a small part on 'Mad About You' paved the way for her being cast as Phoebe Buffay on 'Friends,' and why her post-'Friends' journey playing fictional actress Valerie Cherish has been "in some ways the highlight" of her career.

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Jay Leno [LIVE] Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

In front of an audience at the Burbank International Film Festival, the legendary standup and late night host reflects on his ascent from sleeping in an alley near the Hollywood Improv to succeeding Johnny Carson at 'The Tonight Show,' his complicated relationships with David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, and how Donald Trump has changed late night shows.

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Hiro Murai - 'Widow's Bay' Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

The hugely inventive young Japanese-born director and producer reflects on how he began his career making music videos and installations, and then transitioned to longer-form projects; his special friendship and collaboration with Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino, which includes 'Atlanta,' 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith,' 'Guava Island' and 'This Is America'; and why Katie Dippold recruited him to help her build the world of a comedy/horror show about a fictional New England island town — which is now nominated for 19 Emmys!

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