Aubrey Plaza’s Reluctant Love for Streaming and Her Unseen Emmy-Nominated Performance
Aubrey Plaza, the talented and quirky actress known for her deadpan humor and unique roles, has once again found herself in the spotlight. Her performance as Harper Spiller in season two of Mike White’s hit HBO anthology series, The White Lotus, earned her an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. But there’s a twist that fans might find surprising: Plaza hasn’t even watched her own performance in the show.
In a recent video interview with The Wall Street Journal, Plaza confessed that she still hasn’t seen any episodes of her season of The White Lotus. Her reason? A simple, yet relatable, technological mishap. “I still haven’t, but I’m going to,” Plaza admitted, explaining that she had trouble accessing her HBO Max account when she first tried to watch the show. “I couldn’t figure out the password, and I usually just give up when I can’t figure out the passwords. I just can’t handle things like that.”
For many, this might sound like a minor inconvenience, but for Plaza, it’s a part of a larger frustration with modern streaming services. Despite being one of the most recognized faces in television, Plaza has never been a fan of streaming platforms. In fact, she’s openly expressed her disdain for them in previous interviews. Last year, she told Vanity Fair that she gets “really angry” whenever she has to use streaming services.
“I was trying to watch Top Chef season 20. Couldn’t figure out how to get Hulu + Live. I give up! I can’t. I just can’t,” Plaza lamented. Her solution? Instead of dealing with the complexities of streaming, she prefers to buy old movies or entire series on iTunes. “I’ll go on iTunes and just, like, buy the whole Sopranos series, and then my husband will be like, ‘You literally can watch that for free on HBO Max.’”
Plaza’s approach to consuming media might seem unusual in an era where streaming is the norm, but it’s also refreshingly honest. It’s a reminder that even celebrities, who are often at the forefront of technological trends, can struggle with the same issues as the rest of us.
The White Lotus: A Cultural Phenomenon
The White Lotus, created by Mike White, is an anthology series that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. The show’s unique format, which changes settings and characters with each season, offers a sharp satire of the lives of the wealthy and privileged, often set against the backdrop of luxury resorts. Season one was set in Hawaii, while season two, where Plaza made her mark, takes place in a picturesque resort in Sicily.
Plaza’s character, Harper Spiller, is a lawyer who is vacationing with her husband and his wealthy friends. Throughout the season, Harper becomes increasingly suspicious of the people around her, leading to tense and often darkly comedic interactions. Plaza’s performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance, showcasing her ability to balance humor with more serious dramatic elements.
Plaza’s Reluctance to Watch Herself
While some actors eagerly watch their performances to critique and improve their craft, Plaza’s reluctance to view her work is not entirely unique. Many actors find it uncomfortable to watch themselves on screen, and in Plaza’s case, this discomfort is compounded by her aversion to streaming platforms.
Her candid admission about struggling with streaming services adds a layer of relatability to her public persona. Despite her fame and success, Plaza’s challenges with technology remind us that celebrities, too, are human. They experience the same frustrations and annoyances that come with our increasingly digital world.
What’s Next for Aubrey Plaza and The White Lotus?
As The White Lotus continues to be a critical and commercial success, fans eagerly anticipate the show’s third season, which is set to return in 2025. While details about the upcoming season remain under wraps, the show’s format suggests that it will introduce a new setting and cast of characters. Whether Plaza will return in some capacity is yet to be seen, but her performance in season two has undoubtedly left a lasting impression.
In the meantime, Plaza continues to take on new and exciting projects, further cementing her status as one of the most intriguing and versatile actresses in Hollywood today. And perhaps one day, she’ll finally crack that HBO Max password and watch the performance that earned her an Emmy nod.
Conclusion
Aubrey Plaza’s journey with The White Lotus is a testament to her talent and the quirks that make her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her Emmy-nominated performance as Harper Spiller may be unseen by her own eyes, but it has certainly been appreciated by fans and critics alike. As streaming services continue to dominate how we consume media, Plaza’s story serves as a humorous reminder that sometimes, even the stars get stuck in the digital age.
