The Frame

What the early Academy Award predictions are telling us about diversity — or the lack thereof — among this year’s potential nominees; the documentary "This Ain't No Mouse Music," about Bay Area recording legend Chris Strachwitz, gives new insight into what drove his musical journey.

“The Simpsons” launched its 26th season Sunday. Vulture.com editor Jesse David Fox joins us to discuss how they chose the 100 Best Simpsons episodes; “The Equalizer” won the box office this weekend, but we also take a look at how some smaller, independent films are doing.

The FAA just approved use of drones for feature films. We talk with the owner of a company that stands to benefit; an Asian-American theater company explores how cultural bias can warp a family’s ability to discuss mental illness; Antoine Fuqua first directed Denzel Washington in "Training Day." Now they're together again for "The Equalizer."

Soloway talks about how Lena Dunham and Louis CK changed the way she writes; pianist and composer Cathlene Pineda discusses her commission for the Angel City Jazz Festival; and Viola Davis on why her casting for "How To Get Away With Murder" is groundbreaking

Kenya Barris, creator of the new ABC series "black-ish," says they had written an episode about spanking before the Adrian Peterson story broke. His challenge: Getting the network to buy in to the controversial topic; Artist Ai Weiwei debuts a new installation at Alcatraz that touches on themes such as freedom and human rights.

The actress founded an institute on gender in media that reports women don't get enough speaking roles in Hollywood; art and science intersect at the AxS Festival; New York's Metropolitan Opera opens its season amid protests, and more.

Colin Farrell will star in the next season of HBO's "True Detective"; Matt Atchity of Rotten Tomatoes chats about this weekend's box office winners and losers, including "The Maze Runner" (pictured). Plus, Jon Stewart discusses his first time on a comedy stage, Fox debuts “Gotham," and more.

How Scott Frank convinced Liam Neeson to star in yet another hostage movie; “Last Days in Vietnam” portrays the U.S. exit from Saigon; and a look at the legendary jazz musician at the heart of “Keep On Keepin’ On.”

The Toronto International Film Festival has a late-night series that brings out devoted horror fans; a group of artists and activists put a spotlight on LA's waterway; the indie band Allah-Las returns to its roots at Amoeba Records; and film director Ned Benson talks about his accidental trilogy, "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby."

In our latest episode, we get a preview of one of the largest and most vital film festivals on the circuit; we sit under a 340-ton boulder to interview Doug Pray about the subject of his documentary, "Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture"; and we chat with Teller (yes, of Penn & Teller) and Aaron Posner — co-directors of a novel staging of "The Tempest" at South Coast Repertory.

Adam Driver went from the Marines to Julliard where he tapped into his emotions, now he's one of the best actors of his generation. Indie rocker Liz Phair reconsiders how singing about sex got her pigeon-holed. And why is China mad at "South Park"? Plus, "Parasite" filmmaker Bong Joon-Ho tackles class dynamics and economic inequality inside a funny film.

The singer, who has roots in both Mexico and the U.S., takes on issues of the day in her latest album; what we know about the re-named Michael Jackson musical; R&B singer Michael Marshall transforms a '60s hippie anthem for "The Last Black Man in San Francisco."

An exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography depicts barriers all over the world — from prisons to refugee camps to fences at the U.S./Mexico border; studio musicians are seeking streaming revenue; singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya.

The South Korean director blends horror, comedy and sci-fi into an entertaining story about class struggle; "South Park" is banned in China; Nellie McKay moves her quirky music to the stage.

The actor's solo show examines the dark and often funny work of absurdist playwright, Samuel Beckett; how is "cancel culture" affecting pop culture?; Janet Jackson's “Rhythm Nation 1814” turns 30.

Antonio Banderas talks about reuniting with Pedro Almodóvar for "Pain and Glory"; how is "Cancel Culture" affecting what we see and hear?; the documentary "Diego Maradona"; the creators of Amazon's "Undone"; and the latest from singers Lupita Infante, Jay Som and Gaby Moreno.

The veteran R&B singer has had a long stop-and-start career, but she's still demonstrating her sense of adventure and musical curiosity; James Franco faces a lawsuit that alleges sexual harassment at his former acting school; "Joker" composer Hildur Guðnadóttir.

Forty years after its release, Alexandre Philippe's documentary looks back at Ridley Scott's landmark film; how is Warner Bros. marketing "Joker"?; “Variedades: Little Central America, 1984” is a theatrical performance that puts today’s migration crisis in conversation with the past.

The actor plays a film director in Pedro Almodóvar's autobiographical film; Plácido Domingo resigns as general director of L.A. Opera.

The new HBO documentary by Asif Kapadia examines the life and career of the talented and troubled soccer legend; living in the era of Big Podcast; Gaby Moreno's new album; Jessye Norman, RIP.

The documentary, shot entirely on cell phones, follows an Afghani family's efforts to flee the Taliban and seek asylum; the Endeavor talent agency's growth plan hits a snag; singer/songwriter Jay Som.

Jill Soloway closes out "Transparent" with a massive musical finale; Robbie Roberston and Rhiannon Giddens each reflect on their lives in music, we hear the remarkable story of "Unbelievable" and look back at Janet Jackson's 1989 album Rhythm Nation.