Several years back, Odessa A’zion faced a pivotal moment in her acting career. As a teenager, she auditioned for HBO’s Euphoria and made it to the callback stage, impressing casting director Jennifer Venditti. This was a big deal; Venditti has an eye for spotting talent, having discovered stars like Sydney Sweeney. A’zion even had the rare chance to read with the show’s creator, Sam Levinson.
But then, the pandemic hit, production was halted, and she never heard back. “I didn’t follow up, so I guess I let it slip away,” she reflected.
Yet her chance wasn’t lost. Four years later, Josh Safdie was casting for Marty Supreme, his first solo film after his hit Uncut Gems. He wanted someone fresh, unburdened by past roles, and Venditti suggested A’zion. After multiple auditions, she got a FaceTime call from Safdie, who excitedly shared details about the film’s locations and production design. Though she didn’t ask outright, it was clear she had landed the role.
Fast forward to early 2026, and A’zion is now 25 and basking in the glow of success. Marty Supreme has become an A24 hit, grossing $81 million in North America and earning nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. “That Golden Globe moment made me realize how big this all is,” she recalls, recounting how legendary director Steven Spielberg approached her at the event.
A’zion is now a prominent face on HBO, starring in the ensemble comedy I Love LA. The show, which critiques internet fame culture, has renewed interest and thoughtful discourse similar to HBO’s earlier hit, Girls. “Fan-cams started popping up online, and I thought, ‘Wow, people are really connecting,’” said creator Rachel Sennott.
But it hasn’t been an easy ride for A’zion. Despite her big breaks, the actress feels pressure from media scrutiny. “I’m still getting used to so many eyes on me,” she admits.
Recently, she faced backlash when she exited Deep Cuts, another A24 project. The character, described as half Mexican and half Jewish, sparked discussions on representation, and A’zion listened to the feedback. In an emotional Instagram post, she stated, “I never meant to take a role from someone else.”
Living in Los Angeles’ Mid-City, A’zion embraces a laid-back lifestyle. With three roommates and a mix of pets, her home reflects a contrast to the flashy world of Hollywood stardom. She often jokes about her uncomplicated celebrations—after all, “I just eat pickles for fun!”
A’zion’s background inevitably shapes her perspective. As the daughter of Emmy-nominated actress Pamela Adlon, comparisons loom large. While her childhood involved some privilege, A’zion navigated the industry on her own terms. She attended arts-focused schools and even spent a year in a German boarding school, though the language barrier posed challenges.
Watching her mother’s critically acclaimed show, Better Things, added layers to her experience. A’zion finds that stories from the show often blur reality and fiction, making it tough for her to discuss her feelings about it openly.
Her journey in Hollywood began with a role on Nashville, though she admits she felt lost at the start. “I had no clue who anyone was on set,” she laughs, reflecting on her youthful nerves.
Slowly but surely, she carved out her niche, transitioning from sitcoms to indie films that resonated with her. Her role as Tallulah in I Love LA showcased her earlier struggles with character portrayal and wardrobe. “I eventually found a way to channel my own anxiety into that character,” she says.
Now, with Marty Supreme behind her, A’zion grapples with what’s next. She has more projects lined up, including an album she’s working on. “After playing such powerful roles, I want to keep challenging myself,” she asserts.
As she looks ahead, A’zion is focused on roles that excite her. “I don’t want to be the straight man; I want the juicy, complex characters that let me explore,” she concludes.
In today’s entertainment landscape, where diverse voices are slowly gaining ground, A’zion stands as a promising talent. Her unique journey, marked by growth and introspection, fuels not just her acting but a hope for change in the industry.
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