Though she's had a long career, Aunjanue Ellis has only recently broken through to widespread acclaim. Now, she  is  nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in "King Richard" as Oracene Price, the mother of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. In this “The Envelope” podcast interview, she opens up  about fighting for her character to receive her due  as a coach of the Williams sisters, the practical perks of being nominated for an Oscar, and her approach to playing nonfictional characters.

Aunjanue Ellis

The Envelope podcast pulls back the curtain to reveal intimates stories from this award season’s top contenders. A-list actors, directors and showrunners join Los Angeles Times entertainment reporters Yvonne Villarreal and Mark Olsen for conversations about their personal lives and creative processes — and how it all fuels their art.

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TV & Film

Oscar-nominated songwriters Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell sat with Mark Olsen to talk about 'What Was I Made For?' from 'Barbie' and how they approach writing songs.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell talk 'Barbie,' songwriting and imposter syndrome

The Oscar-nominated America Ferrara talks to Yvonne Villarreal about how "Barbie" has changed her life and what it's like experiencing all the accolades at this stage of her career. And Mark Olsen sits down with Nadia Stacey, Oscar-nominated for hair and makeup for "Poor Things," to talk about working with Emma Stone for a third time.

America Ferrara on the life-changing 'Barbie' and Nadia Stacey on the 'no wigs' rule for 'Poor Things'

Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto talks about working with Martin Scorsese on "Killers of the Flower Moon" and  going from that project right to "Barbie." Songwriter Diane Warren chats about her Oscar-nominated song "The Fire Inside" and what it means to her to receive a 15th nomination. Finally, writer-director Justine Triet discusses her film "Anatomy of a Fall."

Diane Warren on 'The Fire Inside' and Rodrigo Prieto talks 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and 'Barbie'

The writer/director talks to Shawn Finnie about the making of her epic film. Also, Yvonne Villarreal gets intimate with 'The Holdovers' Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

Ava DuVernay’s ‘Origin’ story

The actress discusses her leap to a leading role with Mark Olsen: Also, costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck talks to Shawn Finnie about her long "Color Purple" journey.

Aunjanue Ellis

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