On episode 174 of the Director Watch Podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter are joined by Awards Watch contributor Trace Sauveur and film critic Jesse Nussman to discuss the next film in their Edward Yang series, A Brighter Summer Day (1991). Welcome back to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, the boys attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of some of cinema's greatest auteurs. In doing so, they will look at their filmographies, explore what drives them artistically and what makes their decision making process so fascinating. Add in a few silly tangents and a fun game at the end of the episode and you've got yourself a podcast we truly hope you love. In what felt like a massive build up to his point in his career, Edward Yang come out with a methodical, heartbreaking coming of age story that becomes the longest film ever covered on the podcast. This Taiwanese epic is about a group of young boys that have no sense of direction, lawless and forming violent connections that result in a real life tragedy, a perfect cocktail for the director to cover as his country was shifting from its traditions to something more modern, and sadly more sinister. Ryan, Jay, Trace, and Jesse break down their thoughts on the film, the fall of the films protagonist, the rise of violence and anger from the boys as the film goes on, the punishment their decisions had on their family society, and the show learns a valuable lesson; Jay does not like to be surprised, listen to the episode to hear about this. You can listen to the Director Watch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 1h50m. The guys will be back later this week to continue their series on the films of Edward Yang with a review of his film, A Confucian Confusion. You can rent it via iTunes and Amazon Prime rental in preparation for the next episode of Director Watch. Till then, let's get into it. Music: MUSICALIFE, from Pond5 (intro) and "B-3" from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

On episode 364 of the Awards Watch podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade, Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson and Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello break down the winners and losers of the Venice, Telluride and Toronto film festivals, which films rise and fall in the Oscar race, and offer a preview of some of the big titles headed to the New York Film Festival. With three of the main fall festivals wrapped, the gang look at how the world premieres of films like The Debut, Elsinore and You Can See Everything at Telluride, I Play Rocky and Being Huemann at Toronto, fared with Cannes flyovers and more. This opens the conversation about where the state of the Oscar race is now, determining if The Odyssey is still the default frontrunner or if a new fighter has emerged, like TIFF People's Choice winner La Bola Negra. Then we venture into the New York Film Festival, kicking off this week, with a huge slate of major premieres like Godzilla Minus Zero, Behemoth! and more. You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 1h8m. We'll be back this week with the latest in the Director Watch series featuring Edward Yang, A Brighter Summer Day (1991). Till then, let's get into it. Music: "Modern Fashion" from AShamaleuvmusic (intro), "B-3" from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

On episode 363 of The Awards Watch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson and contributor Griffin Schiller to review the latest film from director Zach Cregger, Resident Evil (2026). You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 1h8m. We will be back later this week with an awards temperature check post Venice/Telluride/TIFF and a preview of the 2026 New York Film Festival. Till then, let's get into it. Music: "Modern Fashion" from AShamaleuvmusic (intro), "B-3" from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

On episode 173 of the Director Watch Podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter discuss the next film in their Edward Yang series, The Terrorizers (1986). Welcome back to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, the boys attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of some of cinema's greatest auteurs. In doing so, they will look at their filmographies, explore what drives them artistically and what makes their decision making process so fascinating. Add in a few silly tangents and a fun game at the end of the episode and you've got yourself a podcast we truly hope you love. After a very heavy, introspective look at themselves via Yang's first film in their series, the DW boys return with a dive into the lives of several people, connected by their aimlessness of a modern world that has no place for the young, and the deals we make with ourselves at a young age to settle instead of finding the happiness we deserve. The Terrorizers was a bold film for its time, as the intersection of multiple characters' lives and genres became not only something common within cinema from that side of the world, but made a massive influence on American filmmakers in the coming decades. Ryan and Jay break down their thoughts on the film, Yang's bold swing as a director with this project from his last, which characters stories work more than the others, and the sheer scope of a director expanding from just one project. You can listen to the Director Watch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 1h42m. The guys will be back later this week to continue their series on the films of Edward Yang with a review of his film, A Brighter Summer Day (1991). You can rent it via iTunes and Amazon Prime rental in preparation for the next episode of Director Watch. Till then, let's get into it. Music: MUSICALIFE, from Pond5 (intro) and "B-3" from BoxCat Games; Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

On episode 172 of the Director Watch Podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter discuss the first film in their Edward Yang series, Taipei Story (1985). Welcome back to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, the boys attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of some of cinema's greatest auteurs. In doing so, they will look at their filmographies, explore what drives them artistically and what makes their decision making process so fascinating. Add in a few silly tangents and a fun game at the end of the episode and you've got yourself a podcast we truly hope you love. As Campion came to a close last week, the DW boys take a pivot to a Taiwanese master behind the camera, Edward Yang. Known for being one of the signature voices in the Taiwanese New Wave of the 1980s, Yang is mostly a blind spot filmmaker for the show's hosts, as Yang's vital filmmaking has been celebrated as some of the best films of the era, making the list for Sight and Sound multiple times, and being regarded as one of the masters of international cinema. With his first feature in the series, Taipei Story a look at a relationship dooms to fail, and the peaks and valleys the characters go through in order to understand what they want and need out of life in their present and futures; a massive, powerful film to start the series within. In what might be one of the most open, honest episodes of the podcast yet, Ryan and Jay break down their thoughts on the film and Yang, and where they see themselves right now in their lives next to the events of Taipei Story. You can listen to the Director Watch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 1h50m. The guys will be back later this week to continue their series on the films of Edward Yang with a review of his film, The Terrorizers (1986). You can watch it via Amazon Prime in preparation for the next episode of Director Watch. Till then, let's get into it. Music: MUSICALIFE, from Pond5 (intro) and "B-3" from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

On episode 362 of the Awards Watch podcast, it's a full house with Awards Watch Editor-In-Chief joined by Executive Editor Ryan McQuade, Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello, contributors Mark Johnson and Jorge Tenreiro, and AW friend and confidante Christina Birro of Pop Culture Confidential, as we break down last weekend's Telluride Film Festival. It was another whirlwind Telluride for the group, with splashy world premieres including Jesse Eisenberg's The Debut, starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, Simon Stone's Elsinore, starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, and the big talk of the festival, the surprise TBA of Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's secret film You Can See Everything, about Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes, which was shot with unprecedented access during the month before she went to prison in 2023. During our zippy and efficient conversation, we talk about our favorite films of the festival (where titles like Club Kid and La Bola Negra pop up), what everyone non-film and film awards-related at the festival was talking about (again, La Bola Negra and Club Kid) and our favorite moments from the many, many parties thrown during this very short window of cinephile celebration. You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 46m58s. We'll be back next for the main show talking about director Zach Cregger's new Resident Evil film and with a recap of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which just kicked off. Music: "Modern Fashion" from AShamaleuvmusic (intro), "B-3" from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

On episode 171 of the Director Watch Podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter are joined by AwardsWatch Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello discuss the final film in their Jane Campion series, The Power of the Dog (2021). Welcome back to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, the boys attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of some of cinema's greatest auteurs. In doing so, they will look at their filmographies, explore what drives them artistically and what makes their decision making process so fascinating. Add in a few silly tangents and a fun game at the end of the episode and you've got yourself a podcast we truly hope you love. Reaching the end of a series doesn't always mean that you will be talking about a director's best work, but with Campion, The Power of the Dog challenges The Piano has her defining masterpiece as she examines the toxicity within masculinity and within the western genre. While it created a wildfire of conversations and discourse, Campion delivered a masterpiece that is still one of the best films of the 2020s so far, while also cementing her legendary status with an Oscar win for Best Director. Ryan, Jay, and Sophia discuss their thoughts on the film, the magnificent quartet of performances at the core of the film, the gorgeous cinematography of Ari Wegner, the magnificent score from Jonny Greenwood, the power dynamics between Phil and Peter, the lasting implications of Bronco Henry's actions of the past, and how the film was at the same time both the best film of the year and most divisive film of the year, mirroring the same problems Brokeback Mountain and other queer films have faced throughout the years. You can listen to the Director Watch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 2h42m. The guys will be back next week to begin their new series on the films of Edward Yang with a review of his film, Taipei Story. You can rent it via iTunes and Amazon Prime rental in preparation for the next episode of Director Watch. Till then, let's get into it. Music: MUSICALIFE, from Pond5 (intro) and "B-3" from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

In the early 2010s, no one showed more promise as a filmmaker than writer-director Adam Wingard. The young genre filmmaker from Tennessee had made a name for himself after the success of his break out films You're Next (2011) and The Guest (2014, one of the best films of that year). But much like many modern directors, Wingard took his talents to the cinematic worlds of big budget, existing IP, which saw him make Blair Witch, the third film in the franchise, the live-action Death Note, based on the popular Japanese manga. In this decade, he's explored the thrills and spectacle of two Godzilla vs. Kong films, making his mark within two of the biggest characters in the history of cinema, showcasing ridiculous action mixed with even more outrageous world building. After nearly a decade of being inside the studio machine, Wingard, alongside his screenwriting partner Simon Barrett, have returned to form with his latest film, Onslaught, an action-packed, kinky, bloody, paranoid driven machine within the same universe as The Guest; a full display of the promise he once showed us, just more mature now, speaking on themes of how our government and institutions want to harm us more than hurt us, and see humans as collateral damage more than as assists. Starring Adria Arjona, Drew Starkey, Reginald VelJohnson, Rebecca Hall, and Dan Stevens, Onslaught is one of the best action movies of the year, proving that Wingard is still a highly original voice that is needed in creating perfect, throwback action-horror flicks we just don't get anymore, and also showcasing why Arjona is a badass movie star. In my conversation with Wingard, we spoke about his journey to make Onslaught, what he learned about himself when making studio films, and why this was the right time to head back into the previous cinematic universe he and Barrett worked in before. We also discussed his research into cults, super soldiers, lack of institutional trust, and how the power-hungry characters in the film explore and exploit their own kinks. In speaking with him about every aspect of the film, working with his cast, and looking at his place in the world of independent filmmaking, a joyous energy shined out of him, much like the night before when he introduced the film before a packed audience at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar in Austin, Texas. It's nice to tell that the writer-director is back making movies in his comfort zone, and we are lucky to see Adam Wingard back to working in a sandbox he created, all the while waiting to see how he's going to blow it up with some killer needle drops along the way. You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast and interviews wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. Let's get into it.

On episode 361 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by AwardsWatch Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello to review the latest film from director Ridley Scott, The Dog Stars.  You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. You can also listen on the AW YouTube page. This podcast runs 1h26m. We will be back next week with a recap of the 2026 Telluride Film Festival. Till then, let's get into it. Music: "Modern Fashion" from AShamaleuvmusic (intro), "B-3" from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

It's time for part 2 of Talking Madonna with Erik and Abdi, as one episode covering 'Confessions II' wasn't nearly enough. After part 1 covered the first seven songs: "I Feel So Free," "Good For the Soul," "One Step Away," "Bring Your Love," Danceteria" and "Everything," part 2 is where Madonna, and we, go deeper. While the rescue and release of the dancefloor is still in full effect on the second half of 'Confessions II,' Madonna begins excavating and reclaiming her past, especially her relationships, as she talks about Sean Penn, her stepmother, her brother Christopher and, maybe most emotionally, a duet with her eldest daughter Lola and the price Madonna's fame and public persona has cost her. In this episode, famed author and producer Abdi Nazemian and I pour through "Love Sensation," "Love Without Words," "Bizarre," "School," "Fragile," "My Sins are My Savior," "Betrayal," "The Test" and "L.E.S. Girl," in hopes of understanding the record and where Madonna is at this point in her life, as well and how much her music and experiences have either echoed or informed our own, sometimes on a very personal level. This episode runs 1h21m.  You can listen to this review wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, and more. You can also watch the video review on the AW YouTube page.