A New DeSantis, ‘Leslie’ Nom Shock, Hollywood V.C.

Happy Friday from the Daily Courant, your afternoon guide to the best new work at Puck.

First up today, Tara Palmeri reveals how the super PAC gunning for Biden’s 2024 blessing is trying to mitigate its S.B.F. connection, and deciphers the latest Brian Kemp presidential smoke signals.

Plus, below the fold: Matt Belloni explores whether Andrea Riseborough’s insider Oscar campaign crossed an industry line. Then Tara joins Peter Hamby to discuss the ascension of Jeff Zients as chief of staff. Why does a centimillionaire want one of the most difficult jobs on Earth? And live from Sundance, Matt hosts Sony Pictures’ Michael Barker for a rollicking conversation about whether the small movie investment business is doomed to extinction.

MATTHEW BELLONI

The shock nom has created a brewing shitshow within the Academy, which is said to be looking at whether the team behind “To Leslie” violated the rules with their aggressive grassroots lobbying.

TARA PALMERI

News and notes on the talk around town: whether S.B.F.’s donations to Future Forward will create collateral damage, Brian Kemp’s growing ambition, and Mike Pompeo’s document drama.

PETER HAMBY, TARA PLAMERI, ALEX BIGLER, and JON KELLY

Tara Palmeri joins Peter Hamby to discuss the ascension of Jeff Zients as Biden’s  new chief of staff. Why does a centimillionaire want one of the most difficult jobs on Earth? She’ll explain. Also, marketing legend Alex Bigler and Jon Kelly chew over listener feedback.

MATTHEW BELLONI

Live from Sundance, Matt is joined by Michael Barker, the copresident and cofounder of Sony Pictures Classics, to discuss Sony’s ability to discover Oscar-level movies at film festivals and whether the business of making money off of small movies is doomed to extinction.