The Year Movie Stars Cried, Flirted, and Cosplayed for Fame

As a seasoned film critic with a soft spot for comedians trying their hand at drama, I must say that the press tour for “It Ends With Us” was a rollercoaster ride, to put it mildly.

Speaking about movie theaters, Nicole Kidman, who was once a spokesperson, expressed that they provide an enchanting experience. However, as technology advances and media becomes more abundant, the magic that was once primarily found on the big screen is now shifting towards smaller screens where stars promote their movies in various ways. The world of press tours has become unpredictable, entertaining, and peculiar. Celebrities are expected to consume large amounts of chicken, converse with numerous male podcast hosts, and even participate in their own look-alike competitions if they wish for their projects to gain traction. Are celebrities adapting well to this new reality? To some extent, yes – the more they take risks, the more intrigued we become and the more questions we ask. Who’s sporting floral patterns on the red carpet? Who’s tearing up? Why is Demi Moore’s dog Pilaf present at every event? It’s been a year filled with brief clips, grand outfits, and unusual responses to simple questions. Let’s reflect on this past year and recognize the most deserving press runs with some end-of-year awards.

Overall 2024 MVP

Winner: Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)

Nine months ago, Timothée Chalamet graced the red carpet of Dune 2 in silver trousers, wrapping up his two-part sci-fi epic with routine interviews. As the release date for his anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, neared, the actor opted for an unanticipated and enjoyable press tour, seemingly tailored to win over doubters. He made college football predictions on game days, socialized with the Minnesota marching band, donned a Dylan costume at the New York film premiere, chatted about elves and Santa on Theo Von’s podcast, and interviewed Nardwuar. Chalamet’s passion for the movie surpassed typical fowl-themed YouTube promos, and his nationwide tour, coupled with late-night appearances, underscored his dedication to the film and his craft. Chalamet demonstrated that he was ready, enthusiastic, and willing to take risks to fill every theater, breaking the mold while having a great time in the process.

Best Fake Flirting

Winner: Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh (We Live in Time)

The unique aspect wasn’t merely their repeated use of “baby” during interviews, but rather the playful charm they exhibited towards everyone they interacted with. Kelly Ripa commented on Pugh’s chemistry as being akin to that with a doorknob, and let’s not forget about Garfield’s much-anticipated stint on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date. Despite their claims that We Live in Time was primarily about love, the press tour hinted that flirting remains an exceptionally captivating human encounter.

Worst Fake Flirting

Winner: Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney (Anyone But You)

In today’s context, was there a romantic relationship between the cast of this contemporary adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing”? Or were they merely close friends? By now, it’s challenging to recall the discomfort we experienced when witnessing their initial promotional video.

Most Prestigious Flirting

Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes (The Return)

In Anthony Minghella’s Academy Award-winning film “The English Patient,” its leading stars reunited this year in “The Return,” a retelling of the Odysseus legend that showcased Ralph Fiennes’ physique. However, their most recent project provided an opportunity to rekindle the undeniable playful dynamic between them, which was apparent in every dialogue exchange and photograph.

Best Charm Offensive

The Whole Cast of Anora

Achieving a Palme d’Or is significant, but sustaining that momentum for six continuous months is quite a challenge. So, how did movie Anora manage it? It certainly helps that the film is crafted by some of the most delightful personalities within the industry. Look at lead actor Mikey Madison and director Sean Baker playfully comparing their Brooklyn accents, or the daring English-language debut of “Russian Timothée Chalamet” Mark Eidelstein, Yura Borisov’s captivating gaze, and the infectious energy from the real-life strippers who make up the film’s supporting cast. The cast of Anora seems genuinely content wherever they are, and we can’t help but be thrilled to watch them too.

Best “Now What Are They Wearing?”

Zendaya (Challengers)

Recall the month of March, amidst the peak of “Zendaya’s Spring” – a sequence of high-profile events such as the premieres of Dune 2 and then Challengers, where Zendaya graced us with a robot suit two months apart followed by numerous tennis outfits. Despite all these enchanting ensembles, it was her Law Roach-designed tennis-themed attire that left an indelible impression, oozing inspiration, fun, and excitement. Each new red carpet appearance had everyone eagerly anticipating her next outfit that resembled a tennis ball.

Most Bizarre “Now What Are They Wearing?”

Emma Corrin (Deadpool & Wolverine, Nosferatu)

Alone, Corrin carries off costly attire with equal audacity as Zendaya. However, when snapped alongside the most ordinary individuals, such as Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Hoult, their ensembles can seem rather puzzling – this isn’t a criticism; let’s just say it keeps things interesting.

Best Dressed, Ensemble

The Whole Cast of Dune 2

I can’t help but marvel at the unique styles of some extraordinary talents in Hollywood. Florence Pugh’s chain mail is a breathtaking sight, reminiscent of a medieval queen’s elegance. Anya Taylor-Joy’s ethereal angel-like attire exudes an air of mystery and grace that leaves me spellbound. Timothée Chalamet in his flight suit looks every bit the dashing space explorer, ready to conquer new galaxies. And let’s not forget Austin Butler, whose big coat adds a touch of classic cool to his on-screen presence. Lastly, Zendaya slays in her Mugler robot suit, embodying a futuristic diva that is nothing short of breathtaking.

Actors Who Had More Fun on the Press Tour Than They Did in the Movie

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga (Joker: Folie à Deux)

The film titled “Joker: Folie à Deux” was a courtroom-focused, non-musical disappointment of fall, but leading up to its release, there were many delightful exchanges between its stars, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Phoenix humorously inquired if he should address his co-star as Gaga or Stefani, which was met with a comical reaction from Gaga, indicating that they have a fun dynamic together. Unfortunately, the movie itself fell short.

Most Stress-Inducing Press Tour

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth (Furiosa)

Taylor-Joy expressed that the grueling two-year wait for the release of ‘Furiosa’ was necessary for her to handle it, she mentioned.” The promotional activities leading up to director George Miller’s eagerly awaited sequel to ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ highlighted the tiresome fatigue the cast experienced, although shooting in the desert wasn’t pleasant, it contrasted sharply with the intense enjoyment Hemsworth derived from his red-haired Dementus character and Taylor-Joy’s powerful portrayal of Furiosa on screen.

Least Expected WWHL Guest:

Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)

It’s quite astonishing to me – rather, it leaves me puzzled – whether it’s more mind-boggling that Fiennes and co-guest Stephanie Hsu reenacted a scene from RHOSLC, or if it was surprising to learn that he had been a guest on the show beforehand.

Best Cast TikTok

Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos (Twisters)

Daisy Edgar-Jones expressed surprise to Glen Powell that he wasn’t familiar with “brat summer,” explaining it was quite significant. Later, all three stars, including Anthony Ramos, were seen performing the popular TikTok dance known as the “Apple” dance. This one video propelled not only this dance but also Twisters to immense popularity.

Mostly Likely to Be Crying Again

Andrew Garfield (We Live in Time)

During interviews for the 2021 film “Tick, Tick … Boom!”, which tells the story of late composer Jonathan Larson, Andrew Garfield frequently found himself overcome with emotion due to the loss of his mother. When he resumed promoting his next movie, “We Live in Time”, where he plays the spouse of a terminally ill woman, Garfield’s emotional outbursts continued. He shed tears during interviews with the New York Times and even wept while chatting with Elmo. In an entertainment industry saturated by memes and conciseness, Garfield’s authentic feelings serve as a refreshing gust of air and a poignant reminder of the importance of art.

Most Likely to Be Crying AGAIN

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked

Anything and everything makes these two cry, even if they don’t know what’s going on.

Most Memed: Wicked

Due to one of the strongest and continuous marketing efforts ever, the musical Wicked has been a frequent topic in public discussions for nearly an entire year. This prolonged exposure sparked a torrent of memes that might have been puzzling before November. These memes range from “holding space” to enthusiastically mentioning Ethan Slater’s name, from creatively altered posters to contests based on the song “Defying Gravity.

Best Memed: Conclave

Enough said.

Weirdly Memed: Civil War

In a film exploring themes such as political turmoil, police harshness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and media morality, an intriguing scene featuring Jesse Plemons donning heart-shaped glasses resonated strongly with many viewers, garnering significant attention and discussion.

Most Absent From Press Tour

Peter Dinklage, Wicked

Rather than chiming in with my co-stars on their favorite films or shedding tears, I’ve found myself engrossed in another exciting project – collaborating with Channing Tatum on “Roofman”. Frankly, the thrill of that undertaking is far more captivating than discussing a goat character.

What Would Have Been DVD Bonus Material on an Otherwise Streaming Movie

The Idea of You’s music video

The romantic comedy directed by Michael Showalter, featuring Anne Hathaway as a divorced mom and Nicholas Galitzine as a former boy-bander, subtly hints at their potential relationship through scenes involving the fictional band, August Moon. To boost interest in the movie, a music video for one of the band’s popular songs was released, featuring school uniforms similar to One Direction and adorable pranks. However, whether this song ended up on my Apple Music playlist remains undisclosed.

Best Human-Animal Duo

Demi Moore and Pilaf, The Substance

Throughout the year, Demi Moore’s lovable yet somewhat eerie miniature Chihuahua named Pilaf was a constant companion as she marketed the intense, shocking horror film titled The Substance. Pilaf even attended Cannes Film Festival, had an encounter with Lady Gaga on The Graham Norton Show, and perhaps even graced the pages of her own magazine feature! Could we possibly see Pilaf at the Oscars next? (Oh, how I hope to see Pilaf at the Oscars!)

Second-Best Human-Animal Duo: Fred Hechinger and Sherry, Gladiator 2

Make room for Sherry, the latest sensation, as she takes over the spotlight, proving herself quite the charismatic chimp in the world of entertainment!

Best ’Tude

Mike Leigh, Hard Truths

At the Toronto premiere of “Hard Truths”, Leigh openly expressed a sentiment shared by many: the disappointment over Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s omission from the Oscars for her work in “Secrets & Lies”. In an industry often filled with self-importance and seriousness, Leigh’s witty humor and knack for cutting through the red carpet fluff is a breath of fresh air, making his films feel raw and engaging. Although Baptiste wasn’t nominated for Golden Globes this year, we can only hope that the gradual release of “Hard Truths” into the new year will offer Leigh more chances to express himself.

Worst ’Tude

Blake Lively, It Ends With Us

Navigating a press tour involves striking an unusual balance between providing thoughtful responses about the project you’re involved in, while also being amiable enough to handle trivial questions from people primarily interested in your personal preferences like favorite movie snack. Lively’s unconventional, somewhat flippant approach during the It Ends With Us press tour seemed to trivialize the film’s heavy theme and wasn’t particularly humorous. However, the film achieved impressive box office success despite rumored tension between Lively and co-star/director Justin Baldoni, implying that perhaps a different strategy for a press tour could be to create controversy and then swiftly move on.

The “Kate Berlant in Don’t Worry Darling Honorary Award” to Beloved Comedienne Just Trying to Make Her Way Through a Drama-Filled Press Tour

Jenny Slate (It Ends With Us)

She brought her niece to the premiere — this is someone who just wants to be left alone.

2024-12-20 01:54