Director Watch Podcast Ep. 89 – ‘Closer’ (Mike Nichols, 2004)
Welcome to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of... Read More
Ryan McQuade
Ryan McQuade is the AwardsWatch Executive Editor and a film-obsessed writer in San Antonio, Texas. Raised on musicals, westerns, and James Bond, his taste in cinema is extremely versatile. He’s extremely fond of independent releases and director’s passion projects. Engrossed with all things Oscars, he hosts the AwardsWatch Podcast. He also is co-host of the Director Watch podcast. When he’s not watching movies, he’s rooting on all his favorite sports teams, including his beloved Texas Longhorns. You can follow him on Twitter at @ryanmcquade77.
SXSW 2025 Reviews: ‘The Threesome,’ ‘Forge,’ ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’
A complicated romantic dramedy, a cat and mouse thriller involving art forgery, and a slice of life epic from the South make up the titles... Read More
SXSW 2025 Reviews: ‘Another Simple Favor,’ Death of a Unicorn,’ ‘The Accountant 2’
In my first dispatch for the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, I take a look at three of the headliners from the festival line-up that features... Read More
Director Watch Podcast Ep. 88 – ‘Primary Colors’ (Mike Nichols, 1998) with Special Guest Ben Miller
Welcome to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of... Read More
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 278 – Recapping the Big Show and a 2025 Oscar Season Wrap Up
On episode 278 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by AwardsWatch contributor Karen Peterson to talk about the 97th Academy Awards... Read More
2025 Oscars: ‘Anora’ Wins Best Picture, Take Home Five Oscars
The 97th Oscars have officially come to a close with Anora taking home Hollywood’s top prize, alongside winning Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay,... Read More
Director Watch Podcast Ep. 87 – ‘The Birdcage’ (Mike Nichols, 1996)
Welcome to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of... Read More
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 277 – Final Oscar Predictions for the 97th Academy Awards
On episode 277 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson and Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello to give out... Read More
Director Watch Podcast Ep. 86 – ‘Postcards from the Edge’ (Mike Nichols, 1990) with Special Guest Christina Jeurling Birro
Welcome to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of... Read More
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 275 – Reviewing ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
On episode 275 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by AwardsWatch contributor Trace Sauveur to talk about the latest film from... Read More
2026 Oscar Predictions: BEST CASTING (December) 
2026 Oscar Predictions: MAKEUP and HAIRSTYLING and VISUAL EFFECTS (December) 
Black Reel Awards: ‘Sinners’ Dominates with Record 21 Nominations 
2026 Oscar Predictions: COSTUME DESIGN and PRODUCTION DESIGN (December)