The Stars Align: “Actors on Actors” Returns for Its Highly-Anticipated 21st Season
Get ready for insightful conversations and captivating pairings! “Actors on Actors,” the beloved series celebrating the craft of acting, returns with its 21st season, bringing together some of Hollywood’s biggest names. The annual issue hits newsstands on December 11, kicking off a 12-day celebration of cinematic excellence.
Highlights from this year’s lineup promise unforgettable dialogues. The excitement begins with a powerhouse pairing as Ariana Grande, star of the film adaptation of “Wicked,” sits down with Paul Mescal, making waves with his performance in “Gladiator II.” There’s also an intriguing conversation between Andrew Garfield and Ryan Reynolds, and the legendary duo Angelina Jolie and Cynthia Erivo – both starring in musical dramas, “Maria” and “Wicked,” respectively – will share their unique portrals of strong female characters.
A Stellar Lineup of Conversations
- Andrew Garfield (“We Live in Time”) & Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool & Wolverine”)
- Ariana Grande (“Wicked”) & Paul Mescal (“Gladiator II”)
- Selena Gomez (“Emilia Pérez”) & Saoirse Ronan (“Blitz,” “The Outrun”)
- Angelina Jolie (“Maria”) & Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”)
- Zendaya (“Challengers,” “Dune: Part Two”) & Nicole Kidman (“Babygirl”)
- Drew Starkey (“Queer”) & Harris Dickinson (“Babygirl,” “Blitz”)
- Kate Winslet (“Lee”) & Zoë Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”)
- Daniel Craig (“Queer”) & Josh O’Connor (“Challengers”)
- Pamela Anderson (“The Last Showgirl”) & Mikey Madison (“Anora”)
- Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”) & Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”)
- Demi Moore (“The Substance”) & Amy Adams (“Nightbitch”)
- Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) & Tilda Swinton (“The Room Next Door”)
From the Screen to Your Screens
“I’m excited for our readers to watch and read our best season of Actors on Actors yet,” said co-editor-in-chief. “With interviews from the stars of ‘Wicked,’ ‘Gladiator II,’ ‘Emilia Perez,’ ‘Queer’ and more, Actors on Actors continues to be the biggest and buzziest title during awards season.”
Starting December 9, conversations will premiere daily on Variety.com and across the publication’s social media platforms.
The captivating discussions will culminate in a four-part PBS SoCal broadcast on January 9, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Following the initial broadcast, these episodes will air again on PBS stations nationwide and the WORLD Channel. You can catch them streaming on pbssocal.org and the PBS app immediately after the premiere.
How does the curation of specific actor pairings contribute to the depth and insightful nature of the conversations in “Actors on Actors”?
## “Actors on Actors” Returns for 21st Season: An Exclusive Interview
**Interviewer:** “Actors on Actors” is back for its 21st season, promising another round of captivating conversations between Hollywood’s elite. Can you tell our readers about the appeal of this format?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! “Actors on Actors” is unique because it goes beyond the typical interview format. It’s about actors talking to actors, understanding each other’s process, their struggles, and their triumphs. It’s a peek behind the curtain, offering a raw and honest look at the art of acting.
**Interviewer:** This year’s lineup is stellar! Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal, Andrew Garfield and Ryan Reynolds, Angelina Jolie and Cynthia Erivo – these are some incredible pairings. What can viewers expect from these conversations?
**Alex Reed:** Each pairing is carefully curated to spark interesting dialog. Take Ariana and Paul, for instance. Both are tackling iconic roles in major musicals this year. Their conversation will likely delve into the challenges and joys of bringing musical performances to life on screen. Similarly, you have Andrew and Ryan, known for their humor and charisma, but also their versatility as actors. It will be fascinating to see what insights they share about their craft. And then there’s Angelina and Cynthia, both embodying powerful women in their respective films. Their conversation promises to be both inspiring and thought-provoking.
**Interviewer:** “Actors on Actors” is known for its depth and intimacy.
**Alex Reed:** That’s what makes it special. It’s not about tabloid gossip, but about delving into what drives these actors, what inspires them, and how they push the boundaries of their craft. It’s a celebration of the art of acting, and a must-watch for anyone who loves film.
**Interviewer:** Where can people catch this season’s “Actors on Actors”?
**Alex Reed:** The annual issue hits newsstands on December 11th. Mark your calendars! It’s a 12-day celebration of cinematic excellence not to be missed.[[1](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/variety_studio_actors_on_actors/s20)]