The German actor was told by director Jonathan Glazer he'd be starring in "Big Brother in a Nazi house" — and even that didn't scare him off. Friedel talks to David Canfield about the challenge of turning an Auschwitz commandant into a normal person, bonding with co-star Sandra Hüller over their shared challenge, and how his second career as a musician helps make remarkable performances like this one possible.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vfawardsinsider
Email us at littlegoldmen@vf.com
Follow our hosts: @kateyrich, @rilaws, @beccamford, @davidcanfield97 
Our editor and producer is Brett Fuchs.

Interview: Christian Friedel (The Zone of Interest)

Little Gold Men is the inside story of Hollywood, from awards shows and red-carpet premieres to the hard work and whisper campaigns that get people there. Weekly episodes feature obsessive, expert conversations about the best of television and film, with special guest appearances from stars, creators, and critics. LGM also dives deep into Oscar history, and offers insight into all the other awards that make up Hollywood’s continual dash toward glitz and glory. For more on Little Gold Men, visit vanityfair.com/podcast/little-gold-men

TV & Film

From Elvis to Bob Marley: One Love, the music biopic has proven back in fashion with theatergoers, even if their quality can sometimes (increasingly?) leave much to be desired. This week, Vanity Fair staff writer Savannah Walsh joins Richard and David to break down how the new Amy Winehouse drama, Back to Black, fits into this trend, before reflecting on the genre more broadly—from a few personal favorites to the many examples that haven't worked over the past few years.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vfawardsinsiderFollow our hosts: @rilaws, @beccamford, @davidcanfield97Our editor and producer is Brett Fuchs.

Back to Black and the State of the Music Biopic

Celebrating her 25th year as a part of the Law & Order franchise, SVU star Mariska Hargitay joins Richard in-studio for a thoughtful, at times emotional reflection on the iconic role of Olivia Benson. Later, David catches up with current Saturday Night Live MVP Bowen Yang, exploring his own season of breakthroughs and firsts.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vfawardsinsiderFollow our hosts: @rilaws, @beccamford, @davidcanfield97Our editor and producer is Brett Fuchs

Mariska Hargitay and Bowen Yang Hit Thrilling New Milestones

Despite strong reviews and a lack of competition in theaters, The Fall Guy fell flat at the box office last weekend, an ominous kickoff to the summer season. VF's Hollywood editor Hillary Busis joins Richard and David to discuss other early May disappointments, including Chris Pine's Poolman and Jerry Seinfeld's Unfrosted—and search for some potential bright spots in the months ahead. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vfawardsinsiderFollow our hosts: @rilaws, @beccamford, @davidcanfield97Our editor and producer is Brett Fuchs

Is Hollywood in For a Bummer Summer?

Emmy winner Jean Smart kicks off this week’s interview episode in a lively conversation with VF senior Hollywood correspondent Julie Miller about the third season of Hacks, from its increased physical demands on the actress to the deepening of her relationship with co-star Hannah Einbinder. Then, staff writer Savannah Walsh catches up with Nicole Beharie, the scene-stealing powerhouse who brought The Morning Show to new heights.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vfawardsinsiderFollow our hosts: @rilaws, @beccamford, @davidcanfield97Our editor and producer is Brett Fuchs

Jean Smart on Her Triumphant Hacks Return, Plus The Morning Show’s New Secret Weapon

It's a weekend of appealingly starry movie releases, with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt lending steamy chemistry to The Fall Guy and Anne Hathaway anchoring the new rom-com The Idea of You. VF’s senior Hollywood correspondent Julie Miller joins David and Richard to discuss the two films as well as the impressive third season of Hacks, premiering Thursday on Max after a two-year-long break, and how it defines a (comedy) Emmy race that’s increasingly prioritizing satisfying drama over belly laughs.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vfawardsinsiderFollow our hosts: @rilaws, @beccamford, @davidcanfield97Our editor and producer is Brett Fuchs

Interview: Christian Friedel (The Zone of Interest)

Download our free app to listen on your phone