Interviews

Exclusive interviews from Awards Focus.

Rufus Sewell on ‘The Diplomat’ Season 3, Keri Russell, and Why Chemistry Can’t Be Manufactured

Rufus Sewell reflects on “The Diplomat” Season 3, the remarkable chemistry he shares with Keri Russell, Debora Cahn’s razor-sharp writing, and why Hal Wyler remains one of television’s most compelling morally complex characters. He also explains why, after three decades, he’s having more fun than ever.

Luke Tennie on ‘Shrinking,’ ‘The Pitt,’ and Why Representation Starts With Great Characters

Luke Tennie is having a remarkable run across “Shrinking,” “The Pitt,” and “Abbott Elementary.” The actor discusses improvising with Jason Segel, learning from Noah Wyle, navigating two hit series at once, and why a conversation about the bamboo ceiling became one of the most meaningful moments of our interview.

Stephen Root on Balancing Comedy, Horror, and Heart in ‘Widow’s Bay’

Stephen Root discusses joining Apple TV+'s acclaimed "Widow's Bay," bringing Wyck's mythology-heavy role to life, and why the show's writing reminded him of "Barry." The veteran actor also reflects on working with Matthew Rhys, balancing horror and comedy, and the series' newly announced second season.

How Kate O’Flynn Turned Patricia Into ‘Widow’s Bay’s’ Most Beloved Character

Kate O'Flynn discusses finding Patricia through instinct, balancing horror and comedy, and why the character has resonated so deeply with audiences. The "Widow's Bay" star also reflects on the acclaimed Episodes 4 and 8, working with Matthew Rhys, and the show's recently announced Season 2 renewal.

Director and EP Stephanie Laing on Finding the Heart Beneath the Chaos in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Director and executive producer Stephanie Laing discusses the emotional core of "Your Friends & Neighbors," from Jon Hamm's exploration of grief and identity to Amanda Peet's perimenopause storyline. She also breaks down the season's standout funeral episode and explains why audiences continue to connect with these flawed characters.

Barrie Gower on Vecna’s Evolution for the Final Season of ‘Stranger Things’

For nearly a decade, "Stranger Things" occupied a unique place in popular culture. Since debuting in 2016, the Netflix phenomenon grew from a nostalgic science fiction thriller into one of the defining televis... Read More...

‘Fallout’ VFX Supervisor Jay Worth on New Vegas, Deathclaws, and Earning Fans’ Trust

"Fallout" VFX Supervisor Jay Worth discusses building New Vegas for Season 2, collaborating with Bethesda, earning the trust of longtime fans, balancing practical and digital effects, and why some of the series' most impressive visual effects are the ones audiences never realize are there.

JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME key art.

Shane Reid and Darrin Roberts on Balancing Comedy, Heart, and Trauma in ‘John Candy: I Like Me’

For editors Shane Reid and Darrin Roberts, shaping ‘John Candy: I Like Me’ meant looking beyond the beloved comedian’s screen persona and uncovering the deeply personal story behind the laughs. “It was like... Read More...

Matthew Davies

Matthew Davies on Building the Biggest Set in ‘Star Trek’ History for ‘Starfleet Academy’

Production designer Matthew Davies approached ‘Star Trek: Starfleet’ Academy with an architect’s eye, helping create a series that embraces light, openness, and community while honoring the franchise’s legacy.... Read More...

Isa Briones on Bringing Filipino Representation to ‘The Pitt’ and Revealing New Layers of Dr. Santos

Isa Briones discusses bringing the Filipino lullaby "Ili Ili Tulog Anay" to "The Pitt," Dr. Santos' evolving relationship with Langdon, the character's unexplored self-harm history, and why some of the season's most powerful moments came from the smallest scenes.