ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Why Hollywood Press Tours Have Become Gimmicky Sideshows

opinion-review · 2026-07-20

The article criticizes the current state of Hollywood press tours, arguing they have devolved into gimmicky, game-filled segments rather than substantive interviews. It highlights examples like Christopher Nolan answering yes-or-no questions in a 60-second video for Back2FilmSchool, and Anne Hathaway playing "Would You Rather" for LADBible while promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2. The trend, dubbed "Fallon-ification," sees A-listers forced into silly games and rapid-fire recaps on platforms like The Tonight Show, TikTok, and YouTube. The author notes that while such content may boost awareness, it diminishes the art of interviewing and often leaves celebrities looking annoyed. The piece contrasts this with the wealth of insights from directors like Steven Spielberg and Nolan in traditional interviews, lamenting the loss of genuine conversation in favor of viral moments.

Key facts

  • Christopher Nolan answered yes-or-no questions in a 60-second video for Back2FilmSchool.
  • Anne Hathaway played 'Would You Rather' for LADBible while promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2.
  • The Tonight Show features a rhythmic all-star plot recap segment with celebs reciting rhymes.
  • Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan have been making press rounds for new movies.
  • Nolan stated he has no plans to retire, will not make another superhero movie or TV show.
  • Nolan would neither confirm nor deny wanting to make a Star Wars movie.
  • The article describes the trend as 'Fallon-ification' of journalism.
  • LADBible hosts YouTube-distributed rounds of 'Would You Rather' with big stars.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
  • LADBible
  • Back2FilmSchool
  • 60 Minutes
  • The Guardian

Sources