Aubrey Plaza, the guest on this episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, is an accomplished young actress and producer who is experiencing the pinnacle of her career. In late 2022, she starred in and produced John Patton Ford’s critically acclaimed indie film, “Emily the Criminal,” and delivered a standout supporting performance on the second season of Mike White’s popular HBO drama series, “The White Lotus.” Furthermore, in early 2023, Plaza hosted a highly-praised episode of “Saturday Night Live.” The multi-talented star has been garnering widespread praise for her recent projects.
Plaza first burst onto the scene around 15 years ago with her comedic performances, both in films and on television. Many viewers may recognize her from her role as April Ludgate, an apathetic intern, on the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” a character she played for seven seasons from 2009 to 2015. However, Plaza’s talent extends far beyond her comedic roots. According to the New York Times, Plaza has continuously reinvented herself throughout her career. The Los Angeles Times also notes that she has emerged as a performer of surprising depth and range, as well as a creative force behind the camera. This versatility in her craft has garnered her recognition from industry peers, with Amy Poehler describing her as “one of the most interesting actors working today” and TIME magazine selecting her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
During her appearance on the podcast, Plaza reflects on the impact of a freak stroke she suffered at the age of 21. This life-altering event changed her perspective and ultimately influenced her trajectory in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she recounts her surreal first week in Los Angeles, where she managed to secure roles in films such as “Funny People,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” and “Parks and Recreation” all within a short span of time. Plaza also discusses the sense of resentment she felt for a period of time when she was stereotyped as only suitable for “deadpan” characters like April Ludgate. Despite these challenges, Plaza’s determination and talent have allowed her to overcome these obstacles and explore a wide range of roles.
Plaza also shares her aspirations to host the Oscars, having already hosted the Spirit Awards on two occasions. This desire reflects her passion for the industry and her desire to showcase her skills as a host. Additionally, she provides insights into two completed but unreleased projects: the Disney+ WandaVision spinoff “Agatha: Coven of Chaos” and Francis Ford Coppola’s self-financed final film, “Megalopolis.” Fans eagerly anticipate these future releases as Plaza continues to make waves in the industry.
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In conclusion, Aubrey Plaza’s successful career trajectory speaks volumes about her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. From her breakthrough role as April Ludgate to her recent critically acclaimed performances and producing ventures, Plaza has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her appearances on prestigious platforms like “Saturday Night Live” and her desire to host the Oscars further solidify her status as a versatile and influential figure. Audiences eagerly await her upcoming projects and continue to recognize her as one of the most captivating and talented performers of her generation.
