American Masters

History Series / 15 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

Watch Latest: S39 E3

1h 36m / TV-MA

Fran Drescher on being a showrunner for the American sitcom

21m 12s

On November 18, 1999, Fran Drescher sat down with director Pamela Mason Wagner to discuss how she consulted Lucille Ball’s playbook for showrunner-stars in the American sitcom while creating "The Nanny." Interview conducted for "Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy."

James Earl Jones on Sidney Poitier and acting

16m 12s

On June 30, 1998, James Earl Jones sat down with actress and director Lee Grant to discuss Sidney Poitier's impact on himself and other young Black actors. Interview conducted for "Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light."

Lady Bunny on the echoes of Mae West in drag culture

12m 19s

On February 6, 2019, iconic drag performer and artist Lady Bunny chatted with directors Sally Rosenthal and Julia Marchesi about actress Mae West's onstage persona and how she cultivated a legion of queer fans. Interview conducted for "Mae West: Dirty Blonde" (2020).

Treat Williams on the acting process with Sidney Lumet

6m 24s

Actor Treat Williams describes working with director Sidney Lumet on “Prince of the City.” Williams and documentary filmmaker Nancy Buirski have a conversation about Lumet’s unique approach to working with actors and his eclectic range of projects. Williams shows his affection for Lumet’s embrace of theatrical performance and says, “sometimes you gotta be bigger than life.”

Keeping Video Art Alive With C.T. Lui

8m 24s

Electrical engineer and technician Chi-Tien Lui is one of the only living experts on cathode-ray tube (CRT) television technology, and he has been solely responsible for restoring most of Nam June Paik's video art over the years. As he nears retirement, Lui looks to pass his knowledge on to future generations.

Ethan Lim: Cambodian Futures

16m 42s

This is Culinary Futurism. Filmmaker Dustin Nakao-Haider follows Chicago-based chef Ethan Lim as he creates vibrant dishes inspired by the rich, complex history of Cambodia. Drawing on his family’s culinary legacy of over half a century, Lim’s award-winning cooking imagines how Cambodian cuisine might have evolved had the civil war not paused its growth.

Senghor Reid: Make Way For Tomorrow

13m 4s

Filmmakers Desmond Love and Eden Sabolboro illuminate the world of visual artist Senghor Reid, who draws inspiration for his paintings from current events and from his hometown of Detroit. Reid’s colorful and evocative paintings of human subjects in strange yet familiar environments inspire audiences with future visions of hope and possibility.

Walshy Fire: Pull Up

10m 25s

Filmmaker Alicia G. Edwards provides an intimate look into the life and work of Walshy Fire, a Grammy Award-nominated music producer and DJ. Discover why audiences pull up whenever and wherever Walshy Fire takes the stage, from his Caribbean-tinged childhood—when he first experienced the dancehall and reggae music scenes—to his current work as an electrifying producer and performer.

Alejandro Jimenez: The Ground I Stand On

12m

The Ground I Stand On is a lyrical and meditative documentary short that explores the work and creative process of Alejandro Jimenez, Mexico’s 2021 Slam Poetry champion. See how his life experience as a U.S. immigrant farm worker shapes his unique vision of the power of poetry and its connection to a collective past.

Jonathan Thunder: Good Mythology

14m 11s

Filmmaker Sergio Rapu follows Anishinaabe artist Jonathan Thunder as he dives deep into the inspirations behind his surrealist paintings and animations. From the killing of an iconic American hero to critical perspectives of how indigenous people were portrayed in early children’s cartoons, Thunder’s art prompts viewers to take a critical look at our shared mythologies.

Sydney G. James: How We See Us

15m 33s

Filmmaker Juanita Anderson follows visual artist Sydney G. James, whose bold brush strokes in murals and large-scale paintings amplify the presence of Black women, Black families and Black culture in her hometown of Detroit. Through her work as a mentor and as co-founder of the BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival, James inspires her fellow Detroiters to come together to celebrate their community.

Lily Gladstone: Far Out There

13m 51s

Filmmaker Brooke Pepion Swaney profiles independent film actress Lily Gladstone as she prepares for the release of "Killers of the Flower Moon." Drawing from her childhood on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and her peripatetic life as a professional actor, Gladstone learns to stand on her own two feet in order to make her voice heard.

Jacques Pépin Makes Tuna Tartare

6m 39s

For tuna tartare, Pépin recommends dicing the fish with a knife instead of using a food processor, which tends to make the fish mushy. He serves his tartare with onions, scallions and a garnish of bread and cucumbers.

Jacques Pépin Makes Sautéed Cod with Mushrooms

5m 44s

Cod is a flaky and affordable fish. Jacques Pépin serves his with a garnish of vegetables including mushrooms, scallions, radishes and olives, but it can be made with any leftover vegetables you may have.

Martin Scorsese on the films of John Ford

19m 20s

On February 3, 2006, Martin Scorsese spoke with director Sam Pollard about the partnership between John Ford and John Wayne and how their films have impacted his career. Interview conducted for "American Masters — John Ford / John Wayne: The Filmmaker and the Legend" (2006).

Jacques Pépin Makes Pasta Primavera

5m 32s

This versatile pasta recipe, adapted from Jacques' friend Ed Giobbi, can be tossed with a salad of any vegetables that are in season. Microwaving the veggies helps this dish come together quickly.

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