Awards Chatter

In front of an audience at the Virginia Film Festival, and a piano, one of the leading film composers of his generation reflects on how he was shaped by both classical and hip-hop music, how his best known scores for TV (the main title theme for 'Succession') and film (Barry Jenkins' 'Moonlight' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk') came to be, and how his score for Noah Baumbach's new film was composed and employed differently than any of his others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed writer-director of films like Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, discusses his creative journey from indie filmmaker to blockbuster director. He shares insights into his passion for storytelling, the influences behind his films, and the evolution of his Benoit Blanc series. Highlights include his unique approach to time travel narratives, navigating the complexities of directing iconic actors like Mark Hamill, and the tonal diversity across his mystery trilogy. Plus, he reveals future ambitions, including a desire to tackle musicals!

Amy Madigan, a veteran character actress celebrated for her roles in classics like 'Field of Dreams' and 'Uncle Buck,' shares insights from her impressive four-decade career. She discusses her transition from music to acting and her creative partnership with husband Ed Harris. Madigan reveals the transformative experience of portraying the quirky Gladys in 'Weapons,' emphasizing the character's ambiguous backstory and her unique physical transformation. She also reflects on the industry's challenges and her recent triumphs with the film's box office success.

In front of an audience at the Newport Beach Film Festival, the Australian actor and heartthrob reflects on almost missing out on his breakout roles in 'The Kissing Booth' and 'Euphoria,' working with female auteurs on 'Saltburn' and 'Priscilla' and venturing into unfamiliar but exciting territory as The Creature in Guillermo del Toro's new adaptation of Mary Shelley's horror novel, which is now the most-watched film on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dwayne Johnson, known as 'The Rock,' is an iconic actor and former pro wrestler. In a lively discussion, he shares lessons from his wrestling career that shaped his acting journey. Johnson reveals the challenges of transitioning to film and why he chose to play Mark Kerr in 'The Smashing Machine.' He emphasizes the emotional toll of the role and his commitment to authenticity, including real fight scenes without stunt doubles. The conversation also touches on his drive for artistic growth and the importance of vulnerability in his work.

The A-lister returns to the podcast (his last visit was for ep. 278) and reflects on his post-COVID career — highlighted by his portrayal of a movie star experiencing an existential crisis in Noah Baumbach's new Netflix dramedy — as well as stardom, Instagram ("get the fuck off of it"), A.I. and which of today’s young stars most impress him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at Chapman University, the iconic New York filmmaker reflects on his 35-year collaboration with Denzel Washington, the role of music in his films and how Akira Kurosawa has influenced his work from his first narrative feature through his 24th and most recent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Aussie actress reflects on what she learned from her years working alongside Glenn Close on 'Damages'; how she and the industry discovered her comedic side, leading to memorable turns in 'Bridesmaids,' 'Spy' and other projects; and the the unique challenges and rewards of her latest film, in which she plays a woman whose life is literally and figuratively crashing down around her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fan favorite reflects on his rollercoaster journey from stripper to movie star; the backstories of 'Step Up,' 'Magic Mike,' 'Foxcatcher' and other hits; and why his experience on Derek Cianfrance's new dramedy, in which he plays a man who escapes from prison and hides out in a Toys 'R Us, reignited his love for acting and eradicated his long-held 'imposter syndrome.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at the Burbank International Film Festival, the legendary writer/director reflects on his path from a video store to Sundance to the Oscars, the backstories of each of his nine features and what he's proudest of and thinking about ahead of his 10th and — allegedly — final filmmaking venture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices