Paul Mescal has demonstrated that even famous people have embarrassing moments. The “Aftersun” actor, who this award season received his first Oscar nomination, made an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on March 2 and discussed the unpleasant encounter he had with Nicole Kidman while still partially clothed. Kidman happened to be in the audience one recent evening when the 27-year-old was performing in “A Streetcar Named Desire” in London’s West End.
“She arrived backstage and I had no idea she was in. I was in a dressing room with Ralph Davis and Eduardo Ackerman, and as we were changing into our underwear, a knock on the door was heard. I’m not even kidding; this is what happened, Mescal claims. So what did Mescal do when confronted by Kidman, an Oscar winner? He calmly greeted her while still wearing his pants, not trying to get dressed or slamming the door shut in surprise. There’s something really undignified about the act of, you know, it’s not like a look you want to be caught in, hunched over, but you think the next smart step is like, “Put on some trousers,” he laughs. “Then you hug and say “thanks for coming” as you kind of half-pull on your pants and talk about the play. When the door closes, you turn to one another and ask, “What the heck just happened?””
As a result of his uncomfortable encounter with Kidman, speculation of award season began.
Kimmel also asked about the upcoming Oscars, taking place on 12 March, in which Mescal has been nominated in the best actor category. As rumours continue to swirl about his split with Phoebe Bridgers, he revealed he is taking his mum as a plus one, who has been determined to attend with her son following her recent cancer diagnosis. “My mother is one of the most spectacular women in the world,” he adds. While he doesn’t think he’ll win the category, he is proud of the Irish taking over award shows this year, and will be preparing a speech just in case his name is called. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for his Oscar red carpet debut, whatever happens. Watch his interview above.
