During a recent discussion hosted by The Hollywood Reporter’s Drama Actress Roundtable, several of Hollywood’s renowned actresses, including Jennifer Aniston, Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman, Jodie Foster, Brie Larson, Anna Sawai, and Sofía Vergara, explored various career-related topics. One significant issue that came up was the relevance and discomfort of chemistry tests during auditions, a practice highlighted by Anne Hathaway’s earlier remarks to V magazine.
Hathaway recalled an audition experience from the 2000s where she was expected to kiss several actors as a test for on-screen chemistry. “I was told, ‘We have ten guys coming today and you’re cast. Aren’t you excited to make out with all of them?’ And I thought, ‘Is there something wrong with me?’ because I wasn’t excited. I thought it sounded gross,” Hathaway shared. Despite her discomfort, she participated, fearing the repercussions of being labeled difficult in the industry.
“I was so young and terribly aware how easy it was to lose everything by being labeled ‘difficult,’ so I just pretended I was excited and got on with it. It wasn’t a power play; no one was trying to be awful or hurt me. It was just a very different time, and now we know better,” Hathaway explained.
Reflecting on Hathaway’s experience and their own, all the actresses at the roundtable acknowledged facing similar uncomfortable situations. Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman even questioned the necessity of such tests, suggesting they might undermine genuine chemistry rather than enhance it. Aniston added, “When you’re in an audition room, you’re already at a disadvantage.”
Aniston, who described herself as a “terrible auditioner,” highlighted her nerves and how they compounded the difficulty of performing under such conditions. She also shared insights into handling intimate scenes, noting her preference to manage without an intimacy coordinator, a practice that has become more common to ensure actors’ comfort and safety during sensitive scenes. Recounting her experience on “The Morning Show,” Aniston told Variety, “They asked us if we wanted an intimacy or a person to ask if you’re OK, and I’m like, ‘Please, this is awkward enough!’”
This stance, however, drew criticism for seemingly undermining the role of intimacy coordinators in protecting actors. As industry practices evolve, the discussions at the roundtable highlight a significant shift towards a more respectful and considerate approach to managing intimacy in Hollywood.
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