Omar Apollo experienced many firsts in his life.
The singer received critical acclaim for her debut album ivory Along the way to a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, when asked about making his film debut in Luca Guadagnino’s film, he immediately said yes Queer Opposite Daniel Craig. In the “A24” movie, he plays a con man who has a steamy one-night stand with Craig’s William Lee in Mexico City that includes a sex scene and full-frontal nudity – a revelation for the 27-year-old Indiana It’s the first time for people. He has since ventured into Hollywood, attending the Venice Film Festival and most recently the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Art + Film Festival, both new experiences for the rising star.
“It was great to be invited. It was sweet,” Apollo told hollywood reporter Wednesday night’s Los Angeles premiere at the DGA Theater Complex. “I don’t really think about what other people think of me, so the fact that I just exist and people like my music and me as a person is beautiful. I don’t take it for granted.
Nor does he lose sight of the fact that the queer-themed film, based on the William S. Burroughs novel (adapted by Justin Kuritzkes), comes in the wake of a highly divisive election. Set in Mexico City in the 1950s, Queer It tells the story of an outcast American expatriate (Craig) who becomes obsessed with a young man (Drew Stuckey) while struggling with substance abuse, setting them on a surprising journey. Adventure trip. Leslie Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Henry Zager, Colin Bates, Drew DeLoach, Ariel Shulman and Simon Rizzoni also join the cast.
“Look, I’m from Indiana. It’s a very conservative state, but I hope I can open people’s minds,” he said. “Especially now, I’m even more proud to be in a movie like this. I was already very proud, but now, I’m like, yeah. I feel very punk specifically, and with this movie coming out at this time, I think there will be It helps a lot. This is a story about love and loss that transcends sex and humanity.
Apollo appears early on, which means there’s plenty of story to tell after he exits the 135-minute film. “I thought it was incredible,” he said of watching the entire film. “I was like, wow, I can’t believe I’m a part of this. I watched it as if I wasn’t playing the character, so it was really beautiful to see the finished product. I loved my scene – it was a little weird, I Love that. I love that energy.
As for his full-frontal shots, the singer said he kept both his character and nudity private outside of his inner circle. “I told my really good friend. I didn’t really want a lot of input. It was cool. I didn’t overthink it. I really trusted Luca, the cast and the story. William Burroughs is amazing. writer, so I believed everything about it,” he said, although he admitted looking in the mirror and taking a nude selfie to send to a friend just for some comfort.
“That’s what I did. I took a picture and sent it to a friend. I was like, ‘Do you think I’m cool? [The photo] on my phone. Maybe in a group chat.
As for the future of Hollywood, Apollo is optimistic that there will be more screen productions and more firsts, whatever those may be.
“I love movies and I love TV. I love everything about it. It’s something I really wanted to be a part of, but I just let it in [unfold]. Obviously, music is my motivation and my first love and I’m obsessed with it, so that’s never going to stop. But other things are a blessing. I’m so lucky to be around such incredibly talented people.
Luca Guadagnino, Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Drew DeLoach and Omar Apollo Queer Premiere.
Fraser Harrison/Getty Images
Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey in Queer.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Yannis Drakoulidis/A24
