Cynthia Erivo

Our guest is actor Cynthia Erivo, who plays Aretha Franklin in “Genius: Aretha” in National Geographic’s biographical anthology series. Erivo talks about how she landed the role, using her platform to advocate for change and the way scent has helped her find characters. Plus: Reaction to the 2021 Academy Awards from L.A. Times columnists Glenn Whipp and Mary McNamara.

For more exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for our Envelope newsletter. Guest photo by Terrell Mullin.