Naomi Watts Reflects on Unforgettable Audition Kiss with a Prominent Actor

Naomi Watts Recalls Audition Where She Made Out with 'Very Well-Known Actor' and Didn't Hear 'Cut'

Naomi Watts Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

Naomi Watts, just like everyone else, has had her share of embarrassing moments. During The Hollywood Reporter's Drama Actress Roundtable on May 29th, the 55-year-old actress shared a funny anecdote.

At the roundtable, Watts was joined by Anna Sawai, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Jodie Foster, Brie Larson, and Sofía Vergara. The moderator brought up a topic about directors in the past requesting actors to kiss during auditions to see if they had chemistry.

Watts shared a "mortifying" moment with an unnamed actor during an audition. She admitted to not getting the job because their makeout scene did not go well. The actor was very well-known, making the experience even more embarrassing. The awkwardness continued as they did not hear a 'cut' cue and the scene kept going. Eventually, they realized their mistake and apologized for the confusion. Watts felt a bit shaken up by the whole ordeal.

The panel agreed that it wasn't necessary to start with the awkward moment.

"It's not just about having chemistry onscreen," said Kidman, 56. "The way things are shot plays a big role. Relying solely on chemistry is lazy. The writing and the interaction are also important. You can be guided through it."

Naomi Watts Recalls Audition Where She Made Out with 'Very Well-Known Actor' and Didn't Hear 'Cut'

Naomi Watts Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Aniston, at the age of 55, mentioned that simply being in the audition room can put actors at a disadvantage.

She pointed out that perhaps actors would have better chemistry with their scene partner if they were in a more natural setting, rather than being told to manufacture chemistry on the spot. Aniston also shared that she was never good at auditions and had to work as a waitress for a long time before landing her first gig, which was a commercial for Bob's Big Boy. Therefore, for those who are already nervous about auditions, being asked to act intimate scenes with a stranger can be very awkward and uncomfortable.

Watts admitted that she struggled with auditioning and felt uncomfortable during the process. She recalled feeling the tension in the room and sensing that people wanted to hurry things along.

She confessed, "I could sense the impatience in the air. I would even say, 'Don't worry, I'll be out of your way in a second. You don't even have to make eye contact or shake my hand.'"

Watts credited meeting filmmaker David Lynch as the turning point in her career. Instead of just asking her to read lines or engage in intimate scenes with strangers, Lynch took the time to have a genuine conversation with her.

For the movie Mulholland Drive, Lynch sat down and asked Watts to tell him about herself. She was pleasantly surprised by his interest in getting to know her background and upbringing. This personal connection led to her landing the role without even having to audition.

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