Trending Now - Dakota Johnson Reflects on Controversial Audition Etiquette
WHO:
Deadline - Dakota Johnson, actor
Variety - Dakota Johnson, actor
WHAT:
Deadline - Dakota Johnson recalled a failed audition where she was criticized for being too polite.
Variety - Dakota Johnson stated she was called "pompous" and "cocky" for shaking hands with the creative team during an audition.
WHERE:
Deadline - The audition took place in an unspecified location.
Variety - Dakota Johnson was promoting the U.K. release of "Splitsville."
WHEN:
Deadline - The reflection on the audition occurred during a promotional event for "Splitsville" in 2026.
Variety - The interview took place in 2026 while promoting "Splitsville."
WHY:
Deadline - Dakota Johnson's intention was to be polite by shaking hands with everyone in the audition room.
Variety - Johnson was criticized for what was perceived as "schmoozing" during the audition.
HOW:
Deadline - Dakota Johnson entered the audition room and shook hands with everyone present before reading her lines.
Variety - Johnson's actions of shaking hands were interpreted negatively by the audition panel.
(UPDATED March 30, 2026 17:22 UTC)
Dakota Johnson recently recalled a challenging audition experience while promoting the U.K. release of her film "Splitsville." She shared that she was criticized for being too polite after shaking hands with the creative team, with some calling her "pompous" and "cocky." Johnson's intention was simply to be courteous, but her actions were misinterpreted by the audition panel.