All stories by Debra Birnbaum on BroadwayStars

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

'The West Wing' live debate at 20: 'The perfect episode for the perfect show at the perfect time' by Debra Birnbaum

Jimmy Smits, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Alex Graves remember the 'terror' of the presidential debate

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 07:00PM[SHARE]
Monday, October 27, 2025

'Wicked: For Good' director Jon M. Chu: 'I never thought I could do a movie at this scale and have the world waiting to see the next one' by Debra Birnbaum

The director opens up about the challenges of directing the two-part musical in a Q&A at the Savannah Film Festival.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 09:00AM[SHARE]
Thursday, October 23, 2025

'Wicked' to fly to NBC before 'Wicked: For Good' by Debra Birnbaum

The Nov. 19 broadcast release will help promote Wicked: For Good, which hits theaters Nov. 21.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 04:15PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

'Sometimes we're our own worst enemies': 'Hedda' star Nina Hoss on the film's destructive love triangle by Debra Birnbaum

The Tar star on why she signed on for Nia DaCosta's gender-swapped adaptation of the Ibsen play.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 12:00PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

'A House of Dynamite': How do you build a star-studded ensemble with no true leads? by Debra Birnbaum

Casting director Susanne Scheel reveals how she put famous faces in Kathryn Bigelow's political thriller.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 12:30PM[SHARE]
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Why Chloé Zhao nearly said no to making 'Hamnet' by Debra Birnbaum

How the director transformed a bestselling novel into an Oscar frontrunner and found an ending four days before the end of filming.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 03:00PM[SHARE]

2 movies in 1: Inside the making of 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' by Debra Birnbaum

Cinematographer Tobias Schliessler reveals how he filmed both a political prison drama and a technicolor musical starring Jennifer Lopez.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 09:00AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Why 'A House of Dynamite' had its ensemble cast saying 'Yes, please' by Debra Birnbaum

Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and more couldn't say no to "one of the greatest scripts" they'd ever read.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 04:30PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, October 7, 2025

'Hamnet': Paul Mescal to campaign as supporting actor by Debra Birnbaum

Chloé Zhao's drama sets its Oscar strategy in yet another key category.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 01:02PM[SHARE]
Friday, October 3, 2025

'It's amazing when art can change your life, too': Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo on 'Bob Trevino Likes It' by Debra Birnbaum

The stars of Tracie Laymon's SXSW-winning indie drama on the movie's "good vibes" message.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 09:00PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Tessa Thompson on why playing 'Hedda' was 'delightfully terrifying' by Debra Birnbaum

The star reunites with Little Woods director Nia DeCosta for a bold new take on the Ibsen classic.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 01:00PM[SHARE]
Friday, September 19, 2025

Paul Mescal's Oscar quandary: To be or not to be lead actor for 'Hamnet'? by Debra Birnbaum

His role in 'History of Sound' makes the matter even more complicated.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 03:15PM[SHARE]
Sunday, September 14, 2025

'The Studio' sets new Emmy record with 13 wins by Debra Birnbaum

Apple TV+'s Hollywood satire won for Best Comedy, lead actor, writing, and directing.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 11:02PM[SHARE]
Thursday, September 11, 2025

'Nouvelle Vague': Critics are (mostly) breathless for Richard Linklater's Godard homage by Debra Birnbaum

Zoey Deutch is also singled out for her portrayal of Jean Seberg

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 06:16PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, September 3, 2025

'Hamnet' rides Telluride boost into Oscar race, led by director Chloé Zhao and star Jessie Buckley by Debra Birnbaum

The adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's beloved novel also tops the charts for screenplay.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 04:43PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025

'It's the best part ever written': Why Hamlet is the hottest new role hitting screens by Debra Birnbaum

From Hamlet to Hamnet to King Hamlet, the Shakespearean tragic hero is emerging as a major Oscar player.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 09:33PM[SHARE]
Monday, September 1, 2025

Telluride wrap: 'Hamnet,' 'Sentimental Value' get early boost in the Oscar race by Debra Birnbaum

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, Bugonia, and Jay Kelly's Adam Sandler also got a big momentum boost from the taste-making festival.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 11:15PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, August 20, 2025

5 reasons why 'And Just Like That' never found Emmy love by Debra Birnbaum

The Sex and the City sequel has signed off without ever achieving the critical acclaim or cultural cachet of the original series. Here's why.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 04:29PM[SHARE]
Saturday, August 16, 2025

Sharon Horgan on the appeal of 'Bad Sisters': 'I want to be in that family!' by Debra Birnbaum

The Emmy-nominated actress makes no apologies for the misbehaving Garvey sisters.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 07:00PM[SHARE]
Friday, August 15, 2025

'I don't want to be the one to ruin this!' Dave Franco on his biggest fears about starring in 'The Studio' by Debra Birnbaum

Actor discusses whether he'll be back for more antics in Season 2, seeing his name listed alongside legends like Scorsese and Howard, and whether he'll thank Sal Saperstein.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 05:16PM[SHARE]

'I'm going to riot if they don't bring me back!' Zoë Kravitz on 'The Studio' Season 2 by Debra Birnbaum

The Studio star on taking mushrooms to prepare for THAT scene, the wild advice she got from Dave Franco, and why she feels like her Emmy nomination may have been a prank.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 04:54PM[SHARE]
Thursday, August 14, 2025

'We're in the club forever': First-time Emmy nominees celebrate their moment in the spotlight by Debra Birnbaum

Erin Doherty (Adolescence), Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt), Jenny Slate (Dying for Sex), and Michael Urie (Shrinking) reflect on their standout seasons

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 10:00AM[SHARE]
Monday, August 11, 2025

'What is the truth?' Directors Lesli Linka Glatter and Mimi Leder on the thrill of making 'Zero Day' and 'The Morning Show' by Debra Birnbaum

Two of the most accomplished female directors working today talk about their shared experiences behind the camera.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 03:00PM[SHARE]
Friday, August 8, 2025

'He really pissed me off!' Emmy nominee Brian Tyree Henry on why he loved to hate his character in Dope Thief by Debra Birnbaum

The star of Atlanta talks about why he felt he had to play Ray, working with Wagner Moura, and stepping up as an executive producer.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 11:00AM[SHARE]
Thursday, August 7, 2025

'The Bear' star Jon Bernthal on the 'real gift' of doing 'maniacal, insane work' by Debra Birnbaum

The actor opens up about his pivotal scene in "Napkins" with Liza Colon-Zayas, being directed by Ayo Edebiri, and why he keeps coming back.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 05:15PM[SHARE]

Julianne Nicholson on being nominated for comedy and drama: 'It's fun sometimes to go to work and laugh and not be tearing your heart out' by Debra Birnbaum

The actress opens up about getting to play a villain, what's in store for Season 2 of 'Paradise,' and learning those dance moves.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 11:00AM[SHARE]
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

How 15-year-old 'Adolescence' star Owen Cooper is on the verge of Emmy history by Debra Birnbaum

With his nomination today, he's one step closer to being the youngest male actor ever to win the trophy.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 02:40PM[SHARE]
Monday, July 14, 2025

'I was drawn to characters who were in charge of their own fate': Oscar winner Geena Davis on 'Thelma & Louise,' 'Beetlejuice,' 'Th by Debra Birnbaum

Actress goes deep inside her filmography, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Accidental Tourist, A League of Their Own, and The Long Kiss Goodnight.

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 11:00AM[SHARE]
Saturday, July 5, 2025

The latest Golden Globes controversy, explained by Debra Birnbaum

What the original HFPA members are fighting for and why

SOURCE: Gold Derby at 12:09AM[SHARE]

All that Chat

2025-2026 BROADWAY SEASON
Jun 12, 2025: Call Me Izzy - Studio 54
Sep 16, 2025: Art - Music Box Theatre
Oct 08, 2025: Beetlejuice - Palace Theatre
Nov 13, 2025: Oedipus - Studio 54
Nov 16, 2025: Chess - Imperial Theatre
Mar 23, 2026: Giant - Music Box Theatre
Apr 06, 2026: Becky Shaw - Hayes Theater
Apr 16, 2026: Proof - Booth Theatre
Apr 26, 2026: Drama Desk Cut-Off