Pop Culture Confidential

413: 'I Am: Celine Dion' & A Countdown of the Most Powerful and Revealing Celebrity Documentaries (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:39:17 -0000

Ryan McQaude joins Christina to discuss the new documentary 'I Am: Celine Dion'. Plus they countdown their 10 favorite celebrity docs, from Hearts of Darkness to Get Back to O.J.: Made in America and many more.

Plus a fantastic announcement! Ryan will be joining us on a more regular basis. Once a month we'll have Fridays with Ryan with more great deep-dives, reviews, rants & raves!

X @ryanmcquade77

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412: Emmy Voting is Open! 2024 Emmy Nomination Predictions and Analysis with NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans.

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:17:22 -0000

2024 Emmy voting is open! Christina is joined by NPR TV critic & media analyst Eric Deggans to discuss the 2024 Emmy year, nomination predictions, possible surprises and much more. Will it be a big year for the critically acclaimed shows Shōgun and Baby Reindeer? Will The Bear dominate again for its terrific second season?

Voting closes on June 24 and the 2024 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 17. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Eric Deggans is NPRs TV critic/media analyst and the author of "Race-Baiter: How Media Wield Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation"

x @Deggans

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411: Early 2025 Oscar predictions! With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch.com)

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 03:55:00 -0000

Erik Anderson, Editor-in-Chief at AwardsWatch.com, joins Christina for some early Oscar predictions! What is the Oscar buzz post-Cannes and the spring festivals? What do we have coming up this summer and at the fall festivals?

Looks like it will be an incredible awards season! Particularly in the actress category; Amy Adams in 'Nightbitch' (will she get her seventh nomination?), Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, Karla Sofía Gascón who made a splash at Cannes & many more. So much to look forward to!

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410: Writer/director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel on his Cannes winning, first feature 'Armand', the brilliant Renate Reinsve & his grandfather Ingmar Bergman.

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:56:58 -0000

Guest writer/director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel talks to Christina about his fascinating first feature 'Armand', winner of the Cannes' Camera d'Or 2024. They talk about his ambitious and risky drama that revolves around a meeting between parents and school staff regarding an incident between two kids. On how he built the tension in the script, being inspired by '12 Angry Men' & Spielberg, what movies his grandfather Ingmar Bergman showed him, the brilliant Renate Reinsve and the 7 minute scene that required she take a 5 day break after filming.

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409: Crisis at the Box Office or: How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the "Bombs” (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:45:46 -0000

Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina to discuss the reasons behind the low box office numbers this Memorial Day weekend (Furiosa and Garfield), the state of cinema & streaming, and looking forward to even more fantastic, original, risk-talking cinema ahead!

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Episode 408: Exclusive interview with Cannes breakout star Karla Sofía Gascón! ('Emilia Perez') En español!

Fri, 24 May 2024 04:23:00 -0000

Christina ha tenido el honor de hablar con una de las estrellas del festival de Cannes 2024, ¡Karla Sofía Gascón! Gascón nos habla de 'Emilia Perez', la película dirigida por Jacques Audiard que ha sido la sensación de Cannes. Nos habla de la importancia que tiene esta película para ella como persona trans, su historia y mucho mas!

'Emilia Perez' narra la historia de la abogada Rita (Zoe Saldaña). Un día recibe una llamada telefónica de un poderoso extraño que resulta ser un capo del cártel. Manitas tiene una petición secreta: ayudarlo a desaparecer de su vida, incluidos sus hijos y su esposa Jessi (Selena Gomez), y someterse a una cirugía de confirmación de género para convertirse en la mujer que siempre quiso ser. Karla Sofía Gascón interpreta ambas papeles de Manitas y Emilia!

Christina has had the honor of speaking to one of the stars of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Karla Sofía Gascón! Gascón talks to us about 'Emilia Perez', the film directed by Jacques Audiard, which was a sensation at Cannes. She talks about how this film & role is important for her as a trans person, her story and much more!

'Emilia Perez' is about Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a lawyer, who one day receives a phone call from a powerful stranger who turns out to be a cartel boss named Manitas. Manitas has a secret request to help him disappear from his life, including from his children and his wife Jessi (Selena Gomez), and undergo gender confirmation surgery to become the woman she's always wanted to be. Karla Sofía Gascón plays both roles of Manitas and Emilia.

A translated version to English will be out shortly!

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Episode 407: Performances! Dispatch from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. ('Kinds of Kindness' 'Armand' 'Emila Perez' 'Limonov: The Ballad')

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:52:02 -0000

Another dispatch from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival! Christina talks about some of the stand-out performances from the fest.

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406 'Megalopolis'! Highlights from the Cannes 2024 press conference with Francis Ford Coppola and a discussion of the film with critic John Bleasdale ('Writers on Film' podcast)

Sat, 18 May 2024 11:04:23 -0000

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Episode 405: Furiosa! Our 2024 Cannes Film Festival Dispatch. Part 3

Thu, 16 May 2024 21:00:00 -0000

Christina continues covering the 2024 Cannes Film Festival! Today from the FURIOSA:A MAD MAX SAGA press conference with actors Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & director George Miller.

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404: Streep & Dunaway! Mini Dispatch from Cannes 2024 Day 2,

Thu, 16 May 2024 06:24:22 -0000

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403: Our first dispatch from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival! Rain, glamour, politics and what we are looking forward to!

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:25:22 -0000

A short report from Cannes 2024! Christina talks about what she is looking forward to at the festival from Coppola to Lanthimos to following the brilliant jury lead by Greta Gerwig.

Stay tuned for more dispatches!

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402: The brilliant Kathryn Hunter! 'The Tragedy of Macbeth', 'Poor Things', 'Andor' and working with Francis Ford Coppola on his upcoming 'Megalopolis'

Tue, 07 May 2024 11:26:16 -0000

We are honored to have the brilliant Kathryn Hunter on the show this week. The award winning actor has played both Lear and Richard III on stage and gives an extraordinary performance as the three witches in Joel Coen's 'The Tragedy of Macbeth'.

Ms Hunter talks to Christina about working with Francis Ford Coppola in his upcoming film 'Megalopolis', the tattooed madame of Lanthimos 'Poor Things', 'Andor,' her process and the horrific car accident that left her with a broken back but also transformed her approach to her work.

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401: A conversation about the Netflix hit 'Baby Reindeer' (With Candice Frederick Senior Culture Reporter Huffpost)

Wed, 01 May 2024 11:41:15 -0000

The Netflix hit series 'Baby Reindeer' is based on Scottish comedian Richard Gadd harrowing experience being stalked by an obsessed woman as well as the trauma of sexual assault. Candice Frederick (Senior Culture Reporter @ Huffpost) joins Christina to unpack the series, process their reactions to it, talk about the important and complex issues it deals with, how some viewers are reacting to it and much more.

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400: Ambition, Love & Tennis! A Conversation about Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers". (With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:02:50 -0000

Ryan McQuade (Executive editor AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina for a deep dive into Luca Guadagnino's latest film 'Challengers'.

Join us as we talk about the dazzling performances by Zendaya, Mike Faist & Josh O'Connor, the score, the spectacular tennis scenes, and the electric love triangle at its center.

Ryan McQuade on X @ryanmcquade77

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399: 'Shōgun'; A conversation with director Hiromi Kamata

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:39:20 -0000

We have reached the finale of one of the best TV shows of the season! We're thrilled to have director Hiromi Kamata ('Let the Right One In', 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters') join us to talk about 'Shōgun' & her incredible episode 'Ladies of the Willow World'. Ms. Kamata and Christina talk about the power of the women of 'Shōgun', why she showed the actors Bergman's 'Persona' & Wong Kar-wai's 'In the Mood For Love', and how 'Shōgun' was a personal journey for the director who is of Japanese and Mexican heritage. And much more!

Listen now!

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398: Our 2024 Summer Movie Preview! with Jazz Tangcay (Variety)

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:44:50 -0000

Variety's Senior Artisans Editor Jazz Tangcay joins Christina to discuss the huge, buzzy Hollywood titles that are hitting theaters this summer! 'The Fall Guy', 'Challengers', 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga', 'Kinds of Kindness', 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die, 'Inside Out 2'', 'Twisters', 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice', just to name a few. They also talk about 'Joker: Folie à Deux' and Coppola's Megalopolis' which premiere at The Cannes Film Festival.

Listen now!

Follow Jazz Tangcay on X: @jazzt

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397: The importance of journalism & a portrait of a country divided. A discussion about Alex Garland's 'Civil War' (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:38:54 -0000

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina to discuss one of 2024s most anticipated, and possibly divisive, films Alex Garland's 'Civil War'. The first trailer left us with a lot of questions and certain expectations but the film turned out to be something else completely. Christina and Ryan discuss the film, the discourse, Alex Garland, the incredible performances and much more.

Spoilers around the 36 minute mark!

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396: From Jon Stewart to 'True Detective', How the 2024 US Election & this Political Moment is Reflected in Popular Culture. Guest: Eric Deggans, NPR's TV Critic & Media Analyst.

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:41:56 -0000

NPR's TV critic & media analyst Eric Deggans joins Christina to talk about how the 2024 US election cycle is reflected in our popular culture. On the return of Jon Stewart. How are the late night talk shows meeting this political moment? What issues are TV creators exploring in shows like True Detective & Fargo as well as in the documentary series space.

Follow Eric Deggans on X @deggans

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395: The speeches, the highlights and the surprises! Our Oscar 2024 recap. With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:46:19 -0000

"Oppy Oppy"! After Ryan McQuade's (AwardsWatch.com) stirring appreciation speech last week we had to have him back on to talk about Oppenheimer's magic night at the Oscars. Plus the best speeches, highlights, disappointments and surprises of the 96th Oscar ceremony.

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Episode 394: Oscar Predictions 2024! Who Will Win in Every Category. With Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:10:29 -0000

It's Oscar prediction time and Christina is joined by the best in the business: Executive Editor Ryan McQuade and Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch!

Ahead of Sundays' Oscar telecast they predict the winners in all 23 categories, talk about their most anticipated speeches, red carpet looks and much more.

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393: Finn Bennett ('Peter Prior') on 'True Detective: Night Country', the incredible finale, the best fan theories, working with Jodie Foster and more.

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:37:00 -0000

We made it through the night country & everyone is talking about that finale! Christina talked to breakout star Finn Bennett ('Peter Prior') about Issa López 'True Detective: Night Country', his characters' almost biblical arc, working with Jodie Foster, his thoughts on Nic Pizzolatto's remarks, the incredible finale, the best fan theories and much more. Spoiler warning if you have not seen the finale!

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392: Robert Steen. The beautiful story of his late son Mats, what his family learned after Mats passing and the power of gaming. ('Ibelin')

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:22:08 -0000

When Robert and Trude Steen's son Mats passed away at age 25 from a degenerative muscular disease they grieved over what they thought had been an isolated and lonely life but what they found out would change everything. Mats, a gamer known as 'Ibelin' in World of Warcraft, had despite his physical disabilities formed strong friendships, fallen in love and was a beloved and vibrant member of his digital community.

Christina was honored to talk to Mat's father Robert Steen about Mats, his story and how it can give us deeper perspectives on gaming, on life and everything in between.

A new documentary by Benjamin Ree called 'Ibelin' just won top prizes and accolades at Sundance and several Nordic festivals & will be out soon on Netflix.

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391: A conversation with actor & author Molly Ringwald!

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:35:36 -0000

Actor, author, icon! Molly Ringwald joins Christina for a wide ranging conversation about her role as Joanne Carson in Ryan Murphy's critically acclaimed series 'Feud: Capote vs The Swans', her iconic and seminal films with John Hughes and her complicated feelings about them, her Swedish roots and so much more. Listen now!

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390: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy & writer/director Andrew Haigh 'All of Us Strangers'

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:47:19 -0000

Christina talks to Andrew Haigh about his very personal journey writing and directing his beautiful film 'All of Us Strangers'.

As well as conversations with actors Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal & Claire Foy on their characters, love, loneliness, accidental cruelty and more. Listen now!

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389: 2024 Oscar Nominations Reactions! With Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:28:25 -0000

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com join Christina to discuss the 2024 Oscar nominations! The surprises, snubs, history making nominations and so much more!

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388: Our Most Anticipated Movies of 2024! With critics Candice Frederick (Huffpost) & Thelma Adams (The Wrap)

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:36:06 -0000

Critics Thelma Adams (The Wrap, Variety, AARP), Candice Frederick (Senior Culture Reporter @ Huffpost) and Christina pick their 10 most anticipated movies of 2024!

Follow on X:

Candice Frederick @ReelTalker

Thelma Adams @thelmadams

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387: Creating the sounds of evil. "The Zone of Interest' sound designer Johnnie Burn ('Poor Things' 'Nope')

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:14:42 -0000

The brilliant sound designer Johnnie Burn talks to Christina about his research & emotional process creating the sounds of Auschwitz for Jonathan Glazer's powerful holocaust drama The Zone of Interest.

They also discuss his work with Yorgos Lanthimos on 'Poor Things', creating alien sounds for Jordan Peele on 'Nope' and much more.

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386: Our reactions to the 2024 Golden Globes! With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 17:43:18 -0000

Christina and Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) share their reactions to 2024 Golden Globe awards ceremony. Oppenheimers big night! The celebrities! The winners! The telecast! The jokes (or lack of:) & everything else. Listen now!

X: @ryanmcquade77

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385: We are Starting 2024 with Emmys Predictions! Guest: Tyler Doster, TV Editor AwardsWatch

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:51 -0000

We are starting off 2024 with Emmys predictions!

Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch TV editor, joins Christina to discuss, predict, agree & disagree.

The 2023 Emmys ceremony airs January 15th 2024 (delayed from September due to the strikes). Succession! The Bear! Who will win? How have the strikes impacted the Emmys? and much more. Tune in and listen!

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384: Academy Award Winning Cinematographer Linus Sandgren. On the Mystery, Beauty, Ugly & Sexy of Saltburn

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:42:48 -0000

Academy award winning cinematographer Linus Sandgren joins us to talk about his incredible work on Emerald Fennell's visually stunning film Saltburn. Sandgren guides us through the gothic, vampiric style of the cinematography, how ugly & beauty work in tandem, their fascinating visual decisions regarding several twists in the film, and how he used 2 bathtubs for THAT scene that everyone is talking about.

Saltburn will stream globally on Prime Video from December 22, 2023

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383: Awards Season. The Succession Interviews! Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong. Justine Lupe, Arian Moayed and more.

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:53:14 -0000

Succession's final season has scored 27 Emmy nominations, 9 Golden Globe & 5 Critics Choice noms this awards season!

Don't miss Pop Culture Confidential's complete collection of Succession interviews. Christina's conversations with some of the incredible talent from all 4 season. More than 6 hours of exclusive interviews. Enjoy!

#awardsseason

1.Brian Cox 00.01.55

2.Jeremy Strong 01.01.30

3.Arian Moayed Interview 1. 01.46.10

4.Composer Nicholas Britell 02.34.06

5.Producer/Writer Georgia Pritchett 03.00.06

6.Arian Moayed Interview 2. 03.48.19

7.Justine Lupe 04.39.39

8.Brian Cox Live 05.21.49

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382: Till Death Do Us Part! The many movie-marriages of 2023. With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com)

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:00:12 -0000

There are so many fascinating, passionate & chilling marriages explored at the movies this year. Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon, Priscilla, Oppenheimer, The Zone of Interest, May December, to name a few! Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor @ AwardsWatch.com) joins us to dissect one of this years' big themes and discuss the state of matrimony at the movies!

@ryanmcquade77

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381: Our first, massive Oscar nomination predictions show of the season! (with the AwardsWatch team)

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:18:22 -0000

Strikes are over, Oscar season is heating up and the gang is back to together for a massive Oscar nomination predictions show! It's such an incredible season of movies. Erik Anderson, Sophia Ciminello & Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com join Christina to banter, predict and discuss the year in film!

Erik Anderson @awards_watch

Sophia Ciminello @sophia_cim

Ryan McQuade @ryanmcquade77

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380: Singer-songwriter, 4 time Grammy winner Jason Isbell on his role in Killers of the Flower Moon & the power of honesty in music and life.

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:11:16 -0000

Singer-songwriter & four time Grammy winner Jason Isbell joins Christina for an exclusive & wide ranging conversation. They talk about his first major film role in Martin Scorsese's epic Killers of The Flower Moon, on sobriety, honesty in songwriting and in life & not staying silent about intolerance in the popular country music world or anywhere else.

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379: Special episode! Ethan & Maya Hawke, recorded live from The Stockholm International Film Festival Nov 2023

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:05:16 -0000

Special episode, recorded live at The Stockholm International Film Festival.

Christina was honored to moderate a Face2Face interview with iconic actor/director/author Ethan Hawke at the Stockholm International Film Festival where Mr. Hawke was presented with their Achievement Award 2023 .

The festival also screened 'Wildcat' directed by Hawke and starring Maya Hawke as American novelist Flannery O'Connor.

Maya Hawke also joined the conversation!

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378: 'The writer in crisis'. We explore the many 'writers in crisis' characters in film. With Sean Fennessey (Host of 'The Big Picture', Head of Content at The Ringer)

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 20:33:44 -0000

Sean Fennessey, the brilliant host of 'The Big Picture' podcast & head of content at The Ringer, joins Christina for a great discussion on "writers in crisis"! This character type has been a constant in Hollywood & this year is no exception, with examples like Andrew Haigh's 'All of Us Strangers', Justine Triet's 'Anatomy of a Fall', & Cord Jefferson's 'American Fiction'.

On the show Sean & Christina discuss what makes the writer in crisis so fascinating, 2023s many interesting iterations and our 10 favorites historically, from Jack Torrance in 'The Shining', 'Barton Fink', 'Sunset Boulevard' and so many more.

Twitter @SeanFennessey

@theringer @TheBigPic

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377: A conversation with Sofia Coppola ('Priscilla')

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:07:31 -0000

We are honored to welcome writer/director Sofia Coppola to the the show. In this exclusive conversation we talk about adapting and approaching Priscilla Presley's unique story. Why and how this story resonated with Coppola at this moment in her career & life. How she can see Priscilla from several perspectives, her mother's generation and from the perspective of her own teen daughters. Capturing the the essence of Elvis, approaching the complicated aspects of their relationship and much more.

'Priscilla' is out in wide release in the US on November 3rd.

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376: Director & co-writer Mika Gustafson on her award-winning (Venice & London Film Festival) debut feature 'Paradise is Burning'

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:52:56 -0000

Congrats to our super talented guest! Director & co-writer Mika Gustafson just won an award for best first feature at the London Film Festival & Best Director at the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti section for her directorial debut 'Paradise is Burning'.

Her film is a joyful, emotional & complex story about three sisters navigating a difficult situation with an absent mother and the threat of being separated by social services. We talk about her film, the importance of stories about teen girls, directing newcomers, influences and much more!

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375: How movies & TV affect everything! Pulitzer prize winning author & data journalist Walt Hickey 'You Are What You Watch'

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:56:20 -0000

Popular culture, movies, TV shows & books affect us in profound and surprising ways. Pulitzer prize winning author & data journalist Walt Hickey joins us to talk about his fascinating new book 'YOU ARE WHAT YOU WATCH.

Entertainment affects our biology, geopolitics and everything in between. Did you know that girls participation in archery doubled after 'The Hunger Games' came out or that watching a scary movie affects our bodies? Walt Hickey talks about the Pentagon's involvement in films like Top Gun, how Manga helped lift the Japanese economy and much more.

‘You Are What You Watch’ is out on October 24th, 2023.

Follow on X: @WaltHickey

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374: Errol Morris, the Academy Award winning filmmaker on his John le Carré doc ‘The Pigeon Tunnel’, and truth & betrayal.

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:42:35 -0000

Academy Award winning filmmaker Errol Morris ('The Thin Blue Line', 'The Fog of War') joins Christina to talk about ‘The Pigeon Tunnel’ his captivating documentary & conversations with the late British intelligence officer & author David Cornwell aka John le Carré.

Christina and Mr Morris talk truth, betrayal, that history is chaos, interviews vs interrogations, Mr Morris "shut the fuck up" school of interviewing & much more

The Pigeon Tunnel premieres on AppleTV+ on October 20th

📸 courtesy AppleTV+

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373: Costume Designer Jacqueline West & Osage Wardrobe Consultant Julie O’Keefe 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:13:44 -0000

Costume designer and 4 time Oscar nominee Jacqueline West (The Revenant, Dune) & lead Osage wardrobe consultant Julie O’Keefe join Christina to talk about Martin Scorsese's epic 'Killers of the Flower Moon', the incredibly costumes, and art and history that went into their work.

'Killers of the Flower Moon' premieres in theaters on Oct. 20th, 2023

Pictures courtesy of Paramount

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Episode 372. Part 2, the contract! Tom O'Brien (critic/WGA member) is back to talk about the new WGA contract after the strike.

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:48:08 -0000

In part 2 of our coverage of the WGA strike, critic/WGA member Tom O'Brien (nextbestpicture.com) is back with us to discuss the key issues that have been settled in the tentative agreement between the Writers Guild and the studios.

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371: Deal! The Writers Guild has reached a tentative agreement with the studios & streamers. Guest: critic and WGA member Tom O'Brien.

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:57:49 -0000

Breaking! After a 146-day long strike the Writers Guild has reached a tentative agreement with the studios & streamers. Critic/writer at nextbestpicture.com and WGA member Tom O'Brien joins us with the news!

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370: REVISIT our conversation with Milad Alami writer/director 'Opponent', Sweden's Oscar submission.

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:44:06 -0000

Congratulations Milad Alami! His film 'Opponent' has been selected as Sweden's International Feature Oscar submission. Revisit Christina's conversation with the writer/director from earlier this year.

Iranian/Swedish writer-director Milad Alami ('Opponent') joins the show. Mr Alami, who himself arrived to Sweden as a refugee at age 6, has made a powerful film about a refugees family, masculinity & freedom.

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369: Jimmy Fallon's 'Tonight Show’ accused of being “toxic workplace” in new report. Drew Barrymore under fire for return amid writer's strike. TV editor Tyler Doster joins us to discuss this weeks breaking TV news.

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 08:59:58 -0000

TV editor Tyler Doster (AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina with insight and perspective on the breaking news out of the TV talk show universe this week:

16 current and former staff members of the Tonight Show spoke to Rolling Stone magazine about host Jimmy Fallons alleged erratic and toxic behaviour.

Drew Barrymore is under fire for reviving her daytime talk show amid the WGA, SAG strikes.

And what is the state of late night in general? Are people still watching in 2023? Listen now

X/Twitter: Tyler Doster @tylermdoster

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368: AwardsWatch & Pop Culture Confidential recap the 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival!

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:01:00 -0000

Christina joins forces with The AwardsWatch Podcast (Executive Editor Ryan McQuade, Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson and AwardsWatch contributor Sophia Ciminello) to give their reactions to the films they saw at the 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival.

Two weeks ago on the podcast, Ryan, Erik, Sophia and Christina came together to preview the 2023 Telluride Film Festival. Flash forward to now where the gang arrived at the festival and spent five glorious days watching some of the biggest films of the year that we will be talking about throughout award season. Recorded on the last night of the festival, they breakdown some of the major world premieres that the lineup offered like The Bikeriders, Saltburn, All of Us Strangers, The Holdovers, NYAD, Rustin, as well as a couple of titles that premiered at previous film festivals like The Zone of Interest, Poor Things, and Anatomy of a Fall. The gang also discuss their experience at the festival, as this was Sophia and Christina’s first time in Telluride. They also briefly mention how the overall vibe of the festival was as the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes are still on-going during the festivities.

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

This podcast runs 1h40m. We will be off next week as most of the AW podcast team will be at the Toronto International Film Festival. We will be back in two weeks to recap the show. Till then, let’s get into it.

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353: AwardsWatch & Pop Culture Confidential recap the 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival!

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:30:41 -0000

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

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367: A conversation with award-winning casting director John Papsidera. ('Oppenheimer')

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:17:05 -0000

Award-winning casting director and a real master of his craft John Papsidera joins Christina on Pop Culture Confidential!

Papsidera is one of Hollywood foremost casting directors. He has collaborated with director Christopher Nolan for many years and has cast most of his films including “Memento,” “The Dark Knight"-trilogy, “Interstellar", “Inception" and his latest "Oppenheimer"

His long list of credits also includes “Jurassic World,” &“Suicide Squad" and TV series such as “Westworld”, "The Offer", "Wednesday" and “Yellowstone.”

They talk about what went into assembling the incredible cast for 'Oppenheimer', his collabs with Chris Nolan, casting biopics, casting Heath Ledger as Joker, his thoughts on the strikes and AI and so much more.

📸 courtesy John Papsidera

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Sharing a special episode from our friends 'The AwardsWatch Podcast.' What Will Be and What We Want to See at the 50th Telluride Film Festival'

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:15:13 -0000

Thanks for the invite! Christina had a great time on The AwardsWatch Podcast previewing the upcoming 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival. We are sharing the episode here!

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

AwardsWatch Podcast #198: What Will Be and What We Want to See at the 50th Telluride Film Festival.

From AwardsWatch.com :

On episode 198 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson and AwardsWatch contributor Sophia Ciminello are joined by journalist and host of the Pop Culture Confidential podcast, Christina Jeurling Birro, to predict and preview the upcoming 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival, whose official lineup will be announced on August 30.

We are less than ten days till the beginning of the fall film festivals, and thus the start of a brand new award season. While the Venice Film Festival is happening on the other side of the world, in the mountains of Colorado lies the small town of Telluride that will be the host of its 50th annual film festival that has been the launching pad for dozens of films Oscar chances. The Telluride Film Festival is known for being a director focused festival, taking titles from all around the world in it’s lineup, with plenty of world premieres of some of the biggest films of the fall. Erik and Ryan went last year, and talked about their experience at the 49thannual festival in a previous episode, and how that Labor Day weekend was the part of the award season momentum for titles like Women Talking, TÁR, Bardo, Aftersun and many more.

With this being Sophia and Christina’s first time going to the festival, the crew get together to talk about their festival expectations, how everyone is going to have to step up with festival outfit game compared to Erik, the films that won’t be at the festivals, the world premieres we expect to be there and the films from other film festivals that could and should be part of the lineup. The episode is full of laughs and insights into the start of another busy award season. Expect to hear back from the same crew in two weeks to wrap up the festival and see how many of the lineup shacked out.

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

This podcast runs 1h21m. We will be back next week to talk about our Top 5 Sports Movies in honor of the release of Gran Turismo. Till then, let’s get into it.

Music: “Modern Fashion” from AShamaleuvmusic (intro), “B-3” from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

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366: LA Times film industry reporter Ryan Faughnder joins us to talk about a summer Hollywood won't forget!

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:15:45 -0000

Labor strikes, box office hits & misses, Barbenheimer, superhero fatigue, the surprise and controversial hit Sound of Freedom, Hollywood's box office battle in China...it's a lot...

Ryan Faughnder, LA Times entertainment industry reporter & author of The Wide Shot newsletter, joins us to unpack a summer Hollywood won't forget!

Subscribe to The Wide Shot newsletter here:

https://www.latimes.com/newsletters/sign-up-for-wide-shot

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356: It's Margot Robbie's world! A deep dive into the career of actor/producer Margot Robbie. With Sophia Ciminello (Oscar Wild podcast, AwardsWatch)

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 19:08:24 -0000

We dive deep into the career of actor/producer Margot Robbie! This just as her film 'Barbie' (which she produced and stars in ) is about to top one billion dollars globally at the box office.

Sophia Ciminello (co-host of the Oscar Wild podcast and writer at AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina to talk about Robbie's fearless acting in films like The Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya & Birds of Prey. And as producer with films and TV like Promising Young Woman, The Maid, and of course Barbie.

Follow Sophia on twitter @sophia_cim

@OscarWildPod

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364: The actors strike, an existential battle! We are joined by Kevin E. West, member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee & veteran actor (Lost, Criminal Minds, Bones).

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:42:44 -0000

On July 14th, more than 160,000 actors joined the screenwriters, on strike since May, for the first dual strike since the 1960s.

We are joined by Kevin E. West, member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating & organizing committees, author, and founder of The Actor’s Network. Mr West is a veteran TV actor with roles on shows including CSI, Criminal Minds, Bones, Lost, The Righteous Gemstones and more

Mr West takes us behind the scenes of the negotiations and talks about what is at stake in what the actors & writers are calling "an existential battle"

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363: Barbenheimer is here! Our Oppenheimer & Barbie discussion. With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:05:22 -0000

The biggest movie weekend of the summer is here and Ryan McQuade, executive editor AwardsWatch.com, joins us for a huge Barbie & Oppenheimer discussion. Spoilers!

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362: Oscar winning composer Ludwig Göransson on scoring Oppenheimer, his awesome process & collaboration with Nolan

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 02:59:00 -0000

Award winning composer/producer Ludwig Göransson joins Christina to break down his journey scoring 'Oppenheimer', his process, influences and close collaboration with director Christopher Nolan.

Photo credits: Courtesy of Ludwig Göransson

Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures

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361: Emmy nomination reactions with Erik Anderson & Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch! Plus, Hollywood braces for the actors' strike.

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:16:39 -0000

Editor-in-Chief Erik Anderson & TV editor Tyler Doster of AwardsWatch join Christina to talk about their reactions to the 2023 Emmy nominations.

Plus, as the writers' strike continues Hollywood is bracing for the actors to join them. We discuss the ramifications.

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Summer Encore! Interview with director Sam Feder 'Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen' (Netflix)

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:40:39 -0000

Summer encore! Christina's interview with director Sam Feder who joined us to talk about his critically acclaimed documentary 'DISCLOSURE: Trans Lives on Screen', watch it on Netflix! The doc looks at transgender representations in film, television and media through interviews with trans actors, artists and activists including Laverne Cox, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, Jen Richards and Chaz Bono. A history filled with with stereotypes, tropes, heartbreak, bravery, and progress. Sam Feder talks to Christina about trans representation through Hollywood history (from DW Griffith, to Ace Ventura, The Crying Game, to Pose) , working with an almost all trans crew, the paradox of visibility, his thoughts on J.K Rowlings' anti trans sentiments and how she should really see Disclosure and so much more. Listen now!

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359: Maureen Ryan, journalist & author 'Burn it Down: Power, Complicity and a Call for Change in Hollywood'

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:53:33 -0000

Reporter, critic & author Maureen Ryan has been covering the TV & film industry in Hollywood for over three decades. Ms. Ryan joins Christina to talk about her NY Times bestselling book 'Burn it Down: Power, Complicity and a Call for Change in Hollywood', an investigation into patterns of misconduct, abuse and racism in Hollywood.

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358: Actor Grace Edwards on her stellar performance in 'Asteroid City' & working with director Wes Anderson.

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 11:26:09 -0000

Eighteen year old Grace Edwards stars in Wes Anderson's new film 'Asteroid City & joins Christina to talk about working with director Wes Anderson, on what she learned from co-stars Scarlett Johansson, Jeff Goldblum and more!

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357: REVISIT: Actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach on "The Bear', his incredible performance as Richie, chaos, love & found family.

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:20 -0000

Ahead of the much awaited premiere of season two of 'The Bear' this summer we revisit Christina's conversation with actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach! A conversation about his incredible performance, "cousin" Richie, how a frustrating character can fill you with compassion and a whole lot more from Mr Moss-Bachrach, who's career includes memorable roles in Girls, The Dropout and the Star Wars series, Andor.

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356: From the Spider-Verse to Asteroid City! A big month at the movies. Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to talk about some huge June releases.

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 09:25:08 -0000

Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com joins to Christina to talk about a big month at the movies, June 2023. The big titles, box office, what's going on with the Golden Globes and more. From 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' to Pixars latest. 'Elemental'. The tender 'Past Lives', Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City'. The controversial Flash film & much more.

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355: Revisit! Craig Mazin (Creator/Writer/Exec Producer ' The Last of US')

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:57:08 -0000

Revisit! We are thrilled to welcome back creator/writer/director/exec producer Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, HBO)!

Last time Mr Mazin was on Pop Culture Confidential we talked about his masterpiece 'Chernobyl'. He's back with the TV adaptation of the beloved game 'The Last of Us' which fans & critics are already calling -the best tv/film adaptation of a game ever!

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the process behind creating 'The Last of Us'.

'The Last of Us' is airing now in HBOMax

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354: We bid farewell to the Roys! Our Succession finale discussion with Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Tue, 30 May 2023 11:27:40 -0000

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade of Awardswatch.com join Christina to discuss Succession and the masterful series finale!

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353: Ahead of the Succession series finale: our complete interview collection! 8 exclusive interviews from 4 seasons.

Thu, 25 May 2023 19:36:15 -0000

Succession, one of the best shows in TV history, is coming to an end & with that we present Pop Culture Confidential's complete collection of Succession interviews! Christina's conversations with some of the incredible talent from all 4 season. More than 6 hours of exclusive interviews. Enjoy!

1.Brian Cox 00.01.55

2.Jeremy Strong 01.01.30

3.Arian Moayed Interview 1. 01.46.10

4.Composer Nicholas Britell 02.34.06

5.Producer/Writer Georgia Pritchett 03.00.06

6.Arian Moayed Interview 2. 03.48.19

7.Justine Lupe 04.39.39

8.Brian Cox Live 05.21.49

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352: A conversation with editor Timothy Good ('The Last of Us') Recorded live at the Nordic Media Days Festival.

Wed, 24 May 2023 07:23:10 -0000

A psychological architect of film, editor Timothy Good! On this special episode, recorded live at the Nordic Media Days Festival in Bergen Norway, we dive into editor Timothy Good's unique work with Craig Mazin's acclaimed series 'The Last of Us'. His process, the emotional depth of the editing and beautiful episode 3 'Long, Long Time' starring Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett as Bill & Frank.

Twitter;

Timothy Good, ACE @timothygood

Nordiske Mediedager @mediedager

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351: A conversation with activist, educator & Tupac Shakur's former manager Leila Steinberg. The power of art, Tupac & Allen Hughes' incredible doc series 'Dear Mama'

Thu, 18 May 2023 16:39:34 -0000

When educator and activist Leila Steinberg was 25 years old she met a 17-year-old named Tupac Shakur. Music, poetry and social justice united them. She became involved in his career as his manager until 1993. Christina meets Leila Steinberg for a conversation about her journey, activism, Tupac and the incredible documentary series, 'Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur' directed by Allen Hughes (FX) in which she is featured & interviewed.

Leila Steinberg instagram leila_steinberg

https://www.aim4theheart.org

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350: A major new survey asked 'what actors will get you to the movie theater?' & the results are fascinating! Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) join us to talk modern movie stardom.

Thu, 04 May 2023 11:29:24 -0000

What actors will get you to the theater? A major new survey by the National Research Group asked consumers to name five actors that would make them most interested in seeing a movie in a theater & the results are fascinating: like that the average age of of the top 20 is 58 years old!

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (awardswatch.com) join Christina for an interesting, fun & occasionally heated :) conversation about the results of the study, todays movie stardom & their own top 5 actors get them into theaters!

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249: Hollywood writers strike! With guest Tom O'Brien

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:59:29 -0000

Hollywood writers to strike as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have failed to reach a an agreement.

Film critic, writer and WGA member Tom O'Brien (Next Best Picture) joins us with the latest.

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348: 2023 Summer/fall movie preview & discussion with critic Thelma Adams

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:34:51 -0000

Gerwig, Scorsese, Nolan! The Flash, Napoleon & Oppenheimer. We have a massive summer & fall ahead of us at the movies. Critic Thelma Adams (Variety, The Wrap) joins us to discuss some of the biggest and buzziest releases coming up in 2023!

Twitter @thelmadams

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347: Kylie Rogers ('Beau is Afraid' 'Yellowstone')

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:25:25 -0000

We are joined by the talented Kylie Rogers, starring in Ari Aster's much anticipated 'Beau is Afraid' & as young Beth on the mega TV hit 'Yellowstone'. We talk about starting her acting career at age 8, how Dennis Hopper is an inspiration for her character in 'Beau is Afraid', working with Aster & Joaquin Phoenix, her most challenging scene on 'Yellowstone and much more.

'Beau is Afraid' premieres in US theaters on April 21st, 2023

📸 Kristine Canterbury

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346: REVIST: We revisit our conversation with TV Icon Henry Winkler ('Barry')

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:52:05 -0000

The critically acclaimed HBO hit 'Barry' just began airing its fourth and final season. We thought it would be fun, and a little bittersweet, to revisit Christina's conversation with TV icon Henry Winkler from season 1 of “Barry”! They talk about 'Barry', working on "Arrested Development", the influence of "Happy Days", living with dyslexia, jumping the shark, and much more.

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345: April TV! From Beef to 1980's psychological thrillers. We discuss! With Candice Frederick, Senior Culture Reporter at HuffPost

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:36:11 -0000

Candice Frederick, Senior Culture Reporter at HuffPost, joins Christina to talk about April's interesting TV shows & themes. Netflix Beef , Tiny Beautiful Things, Dead Ringers, Fatal Attraction, the return of Yellowjackets and much more!

Twitter Candice Frederick @ReelTalker

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344: Writer/director Milad Alami 'Opponent'

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:05:28 -0000

'Opponent' was featured in the Panorama Section of the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year and premiered in Sweden in March. The Paris-based sales company Indie Sales has boarded the film.

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343: We discuss Ben Affleck's 'Air', 'Tetris', & movies about the entrepreneurial spirit! With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film)

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:49:15 -0000

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film) joins Christina to discuss Ben Affleck's 'Air', 'Tetris', & movies about the entrepreneurial spirit! From the Social Network to Moneyball.

The good, the bad and... the Beanie Babies?!

Twitter: @ryanmcquade77

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342: Special episode! A conversation with Brian Cox recorded live on stage. (Succession, HBO Max)

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:39:24 -0000

A special episode of Pop Culture Confidential! Christina in conversation with the great Brian Cox, celebrating the premiere of the last season of Succession.

Recorded at the premiere event in Stockholm, Sweden. Thanks to HBO Max Nordic and HBO Max!

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341: Justine Lupe ('Willa' Succession)

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 13:05:25 -0000

The brilliant and talented Justine Lupe joins us. We talk about 'Willa' and the fascinating journey her character has taken with the Roy family. The women of Succession. Willa & Connor's engagement and where they stand as we begin the final season of Succession. On Lupe's career, working with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeremy Strong, the writers & cast of Succession and saying goodbye to one of TVs best shows!

📸 Emily Knecht.

HBO

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340: Extra episode! A potential strike looms as the Writers Guild of America and studios negotiate. We break down what's at stake. With guest Tom O'Brien

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:46:27 -0000

As writers and studios negotiate, Hollywood prepares for a possible strike. We break down what's at stake.

We are joined by Tom O'Brien, writer Next Best Picture. Contributing writer for GoldDerby. Member of WGA West

Recorded Thursday March 23rd 2023

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339: We recap and break down the 2023 Academy Awards. The best, the worst & the historic moments! With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch.

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:52:20 -0000

Christina & Ryan McQuade of Awardswatch.com break down and recap Oscars95!

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338: The narratives, the scandals, the surprises! The awards season year in review & everything leading up to Oscar 2023! With Mike Barone of 'Mike, Mike, and Oscar'

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:27:51 -0000

Thrilled to have Michael Barone of the podcast 'Mike, Mike, and Oscar' join us to analyze everything we need to know about this years' exciting Oscar season & how it has led up to Academy Awards 2023. The narratives, the festivals, what films made it all the way through and which lost steam, the surprises, the scandals, the Vegas odds, the beautiful EEAAO journey and much more. All leading to how we are predicting the big night on Sunday!

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337: Our Oscar 2023 predictions special with Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch!

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 11:01:00 -0000

Michelle or Cate? Brendan or Austin??!! It's finally here! It's our 2023 Oscar predictions special and we are thrilled to have editor-in-chief of AwardsWatch.com Erik Anderson with us again to predict the Oscar winners in a year that could be filled with historic wins and surprising upsets.

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336: Lesley Paterson 'All Quiet On the Western Front'. Oscar nominated screenwriter, producer & world champion triathlete!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:44:00 -0000

Producer/Screenwriter Lesley Paterson is a powerhouse... yes, she is also a world champion triathlete. Paterson talks to Christina about her 16 year fight to make 'All Quiet on the Western Front', now nominated for 9 Oscars. How she used prize money from her sporting events to fund the book option year after year. Even competing & swimming with a broken arm to keep the dream of the film alive.

The Bafta winner talks about her journey as well as the research, writing and developing All Quiet on the Western front, the 1929 German novel by Erich Maria Remarque about the horrors of WWI and the young men lost in the trenches.

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335: We discuss the Bafta awards! The winners, the shockers and what it all means as the Oscars approach! With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch.

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:45:24 -0000

We did the thing! Executive Editor at AwardsWatch.com Ryan McQuade joins Christina to recap the Baftas 2023. We discuss the winners the shockers, All Quiet on the Western Front taking the night and what it all means as the Oscars approach!

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334: Dispatch 3 from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival! With Nina Hoss (TÁR), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) & Angie Wang (MDMA)

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 14:27:00 -0000

In a new dispatch from the fest Christina talks to some really incredible women on creating and shaping their characters and their films! Filmmaker and juror Angie Wang talks about her film MDMA (2017) inspired by her own history dealing Ecstasy, on underrepresented voices in the industry and more. And actors Nina Hoss (TÁR), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) on creating their characters

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333. Dispatch 2 from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Director Alison Millar on her brilliant doc 'Lyra'- on the life, work and tragic death of her friend, Northern Ireland’s fearless young reporter Lyra McKee

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:44:31 -0000

Director Alison Millar talks to Christina from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival about her brilliant doc 'Lyra'. The film is about the life, work and tragic death of her friend, Northern Ireland’s fearless young reporter Lyra McKee. It's executive produced by Hillary & Chelsea Clinton.

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332: Dispatch 1 from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Interviews with artisans. Director Todd Field 'Tar', composer Ryan Lott 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' and many more!

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:15:30 -0000

In our first dispatch from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival Christina talks to Oscar nominated artisans and filmmakers ahead of their panels and tributes at the festival!

Composer Ryan Lott of the band Son Lux ' 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'

Prosthetics Makeup designer Adrien Morot 'The Whale'

Writer, Director, Producer Todd Field 'TÁR'

Sound designer Markus Stemler 'All Quiet on the Western Front'

Production Designer Florencia Martin 'Babylon'

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331: REVISIT: Our conversation with actor Jeremy Strong

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:53:21 -0000

Actor Jeremy Strong (Succession, Armageddon Time) is receiving the prestigious Virtuosos Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2023 later this week. As Christina is visiting the festival we thought we'd revisit our conversation with Jeremy Strong. This conversation was recorded ahead of season 2 of Succession!

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330: REVISIT Abbott Elementary star Janelle James!

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:42:08 -0000

As Christina is travelling a few days this week we are revisiting some popular episodes 😃.

Emmy, Golden Globe & Critics Choice nominated for her role on the ABC hit sitcom 'Abbott Elementary', actor Janelle James on Pop Culture Confidential!

Ms. James talks to Christina about her incredible performance as Principal Ava, her stand-up career (she's opened for Chris Rock & Amy Schumer) and much more!

Photo: ABC

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329: REVISIT: Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) on their delicious, new satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:49:00 -0000

As Christina is travelling a few days this week we are revisiting some popular episodes 😃. First up:

Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) join Christina to talk about their excellent, dark satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy.

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328: NEW! The conversation continues with Craig Mazin (Creator/Writer/Exec Producer ' The Last of US') Including our talk on the incredible episode 3!

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 04:33:02 -0000

Our conversation with Craig Mazin continues. This is the full episode including our conversation on episode 3 starring Nick Offerman & Murray Bartlett.

We are thrilled to welcome back creator/writer/director/exec producer Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, HBO)!

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the process behind creating 'The Last of Us'.

'The Last of Us' is airing now in HBOMax

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327: Our Sundance Film Festival 2023 recap! With Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch, Insession Film

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 20:41:57 -0000

Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch and InSession Film joins Christina to talk about what they saw at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Their favorite films, trends and filmmaker discoveries of the year!

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326: 2023 Oscar nominations! Reactions, surprises, snubs and more with Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch.com

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 21:40:23 -0000

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) join Christina to talk about their reactions to the 2023 Oscar nominations!

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325: A podcast special! Masterclass with Tom Hanks & Rolf Lassgård and producers Rita Wilson & Fredrik Wikström Nicastro. 'A Man Called Otto'

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 07:39:00 -0000

A podcast special! In Dec 2022 Christina moderated a live event: 'A Man Called Otto' Masterclass with Tom Hanks & Rolf Lassgård ('Ove' of the Swedish original 'En Man Som Heter Ove') as well as with producers Rita Wilson & Fredrik Wikstrom Nicastro.

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60gIfau_S6A

'A Man Called Otto' is produced by SF Studios and Playtone & distributed globally by Sony. The movie is now in theatres.

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324: Craig Mazin: Creator/Writer/Exec Producer 'The Last of Us'. Part 1

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:38:51 -0000

We are thrilled to welcome back creator/writer/director/exec producer Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, HBO)!

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the process behind creating T'he Last of Us'.

This is part 1 of our conversation. In part 2 we talk, in depth, about the fantastic third episode of The Last of Us. We will release that part of the conversation after HBO has aired epi 3 on Jan 29th.

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323: Abbott Elementary's breakout star Janelle James!

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 11:55:07 -0000

Emmy, Golden Globe & Critics Choice nominated for her role on the ABC hit sitcom 'Abbott Elementary', actor Janelle James on Pop Culture Confidential!

Ms. James talks to Christina about her incredible performance as Principal Ava, her stand-up career (she's opened for Chris Rock & Amy Schumer) and much more!

Photo: ABC

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322: The most anticipated movies/shows premiering the first half of 2023! With Matt Neglia (Next Best Picture)

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 11:36:00 -0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR. Cocaine Bear, Oppenheimer, Barbie! The Last of Us & Succession! Christina and Matt Neglia (Editor-in-Chief @ NextBestPicture.com) talk about some of their most anticipated films & shows releasing the first half of 2023!

Twitter: Matt Neglia @NextBestPicture

#meg3n #cocainebear #chevalier #knockatthecabin #infinitypool #barbie #johnwick4 #supermario #flash #guardiansofthegalaxy3 #themarvels #renfield #indianajonesandthedialofdestiny #MissionImpossibleDeadReckoning #scream #astroidcity #mafiamamma #oppenheimer #thelastofus #shrinking #succession #daisyjonesandthesix #pokerface #barry #truedetectivenightcountry

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321: Our Best, and Worst, Films of 2022! With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch)

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:27:49 -0000

Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch Erik Anderson joins us for our end of the year best, and worst, film experiences 2022! Happy Holidays!

Twitter: @awards_watch

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320: The Best of 2022. Dee Wallace, E.T. 40 years!

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 07:33:00 -0000

We revisit our episode with icon Dee Wallace & celebrate E.T. 40 years!

Ms Wallace talks about her iconic roles, from Cujo to E.T., the Spielberg classic celebrating 40 years this year! Her role as Mary, the kids' mom in E.T., is one of the most heartfelt portrayals of a single mom on screen. The role, and the film, has meant so much to many generations of film lovers!

We also talk about her latest book Born, & how to ask for what you want and need from life.

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319: Actor Sheila McCarthy. On the powerful themes, questions & truths of "Women Talking"

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 12:26:26 -0000

Actor Shelia McCarthy (Greta) joins us to talk about the upcoming 'Women Talking', a powerful new film written/directed by Sarah Polley and based on the novel by Mariam Toews. We talk about McCarthys' emotional and compelling performance, unpacking the difficult conversations, the need for humor and love and much more!

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318: So, what did we think?! Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film) is back to discuss Spielberg's The Fabelmans!

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 18:13:07 -0000

A while ago, on episode 304, we dove deep into Steven Spielberg's most personal movies and how his family has so often been a part of his storytelling. Now Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film) joins Christina again to discuss The Fabelmans, Spielberg's autobiographical new film, starring Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle and Seth Rogan

Twitter @ryanmcquade77

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315: Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) on their delicious, new satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:18:15 -0000

Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) join us to talk about their excellent, dark satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy.

In theatres Nov 18th!

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317: Revisit. The best of 2022! A conversation with the great Keke Palmer ('Nope')

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:26:53 -0000

We revisit our conversation with the multi-talented actor Keke Palmer! We talk about her critically acclaimed performance in Jordan Peele's horror-sci fi 'NOPE', how her 20 year career & experiences growing up as a child star informed her role in Nope, the films' themes of the scary side of fame & Hollywood and so much more.

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