Pete Hammond is a 5-time Emmy nominated Hollywood influencer. In addition to being the chief film critic of Deadline Hollywood, Pete is the awards editor and columnist for the Oscars and a columnist for the LA Times. Currently, Pete also hosts the KCET Cinema Series every Friday night on the PBS owned station where they show must-see movies.
In this episode of Actors Guide to Success with Bernard Hiller, Pete discusses the joys of working in Hollywood, shares his personal picks for the Academy Awards, and explores the future of film.
Pete is the “pre-eminent voice of what works and what doesn’t work… if Pete likes your movie, you have a chance”.

SHOW NOTES:
Pete talks about what got him into Hollywood and cinema as a kid - 2:20
Pete discusses his journey from NBC page to journalist - 3:05
Pete details his passion for show business and the struggles of the job - 6:03
Pete shares stories about watching films with Eva Marie Saint - 10:54
Bernard and Pete discuss the Oscars appreciation for actress Laura Dern - 12:06
Bernard and Pete talk about the Best Supporting Actress nominees - 17:25
Pete discusses the Best Supporting Actor nominees and why he believes Brad Pitt will win this year - 18:40
Bernard and Pete share praise for Quentin Tarantino and his talent in casting - 23:00
Pete explains why either Renee Zellweger or Charlize Theron deserves to win for Best Actress - 25:28
Pete shares his personal experiences with Charlize Theron, Renee Zellweger, Cynthia Erivo, and offers praise for Scarlett Johansson’s - 28:00
Pete claims that Joaquin Phoenix will win for the Best Actor category this year and explores why ‘The Joker’ was so great - 30:38
Bernard and Pete discuss Leonardo DiCaprio and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” - 33:24
Pete talks about Peter Farrelly and his own involvement with the success of “Green Book” - 34:48
Pete discuss films that age well despite being originally poorly received, such as ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ and ‘The King of Comedy’ - 38:35
Pete talks about writing bad reviews, Robert De Niro, and special effects - 40:21
Pete explains why he believes “1917” will win Best Picture - 44:51
Pete discusses voting in the Academy Awards and shares his favorite films of the year - 47:49
Pete expresses his concerns on the effects streaming will have on cinema - 51:10
Pete shares a story on the importance of believing in yourself - 52:05
Pete believes insecurity is the biggest threat yet a vital source of success for actors - 55:36