Awards season is over — but not for Bryce Dallas Howard.
The actress is finishing up a gig as one of the guest judges for the second annual Moet Moment Film Festival, a short film competition sponsored by the champagne brand. On the heels of news that the due date for entries has been extended to March 27 — with a winner scheduled to be revealed at a Tribeca Film Festival dinner party on April 26 — The Hollywood Reporter caught up with Howard, a task easier said than done.
She’s in the thick of filming the as-yet untitled sequel to Jurassic World, reprising her role as Claire in the anticipated J.A. Bayona-directed flick alongside Chris Pratt. But during a break on set, the 35-year-old was game to give updates on the new installment, why she loves Beyonce so much and what it means to her to be dubbed the “Everywoman’s Fashion Icon” by Vanity Fair.
Q: You’re back at work now filming the sequel to Jurassic World. I know you’re working long days — thank you for fitting in this interview — so what is it like to be back in those shoes? And are they high heels again?
A: Making a Jurassic film is challenging, exhilarating and most importantly fun. No matter the footwear, Claire is a woman who gets things done. I’m so excited to be doing it a second time. Plus Chris Pratt is here every day doing his spontaneous dance parties — what’s better than that?
Q: Your Instagram account is a great mix of career, style, passion projects and family. You’ve recently posted a couple of pictures of Beyonce. What do you love about her?
A: Beyonce and I are around the same age but I look up to and admire her, not only as a creative and entertainment genius, but as a smart businesswoman. What she represents to so many people is strength and pride and that’s so important to see, especially for young girls.
Q: You’re serving as a judge for the second annual Moet Moment Film Festival, honoring aspiring filmmakers and their short films. The competition is open until March 27. What are you looking for as a judge? What moves you in this genre: story, direction, cast?
A: My favorite aspect about short films is that this medium is so attainable. So many people have the necessary resources to start and complete them on their own. In that sense, there is such a large scope of possibility when it comes to story, casting and direction. You get a real mix of different points of view, attitudes and aesthetics. There’s so much variety in this medium and I really value having a wide range of choice.
Q: You have said that you love the medium of short films as it’s a genre that keeps drawing you in. What about it makes it so compelling?
A: Short films are the essence of storytelling through film boiled down to just a few minutes. You have to get to the crux of the message right away. That makes it incredibly challenging, and I’d even say more challenging than when you have a full 120 minutes to develop a story. It’s a medium that doesn’t get as much attention but has infinite potential to really move people.
Q: You hosted the Moet Moment Film Festival event the same weekend that your father hosted an event on Golden Globes weekend. Do you check in with each other about scheduling or passion projects like this?
A: We do! We like to keep tabs on what the other is doing. We often volunteer to be each other’s plus ones. My dad always stays out later than me though; he has way more endurance at parties.
Q: Speaking of awards, following your red carpet turn at the SAG Awards, Vanity Fair dubbed you the “Everywoman’s Red Carpet Icon,” a title backed in part due to selecting your own gowns and buying off-the-rack. How do you feel about that distinction and the attention you receive for your sense of style?
A: It’s funny because when I started my professional career over 15 years ago, I had no clue that I’d have to even consider being fashion-forward as part of the deal. To be recognized by Vanity Fair, a publication I interned for when I was 18, is especially meaningful. I have a genuine appreciation of the broad spectrum of fashion, from couture to off-the-rack. There’s beauty in all of it and I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear some of it.
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