interview by JANA LETONJA
Senegalese-American actress and producer Anna Diop is starring in TriStar Pictures’ epic biblical comedy drama film ‘The Book of Clarence’, which was released in the US on 12th January. For the past 5 years, we’ve been able to watch Anna in DC Universe/HBO Max series ‘Titans’. For her role in ‘Nanny’, she won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022.
Anna, you are starring in the higly awaited feature film ‘The Book of Clarence’. Tell us how did you get this role and what attracted you to this project?
My agent called me on the heels of my press tour for ‘Nanny’. I had just gotten back to LA and he calls to tell me that Jeymes Samuel wants to have a Zoom meeting to discuss the female lead he’s looking to cast for his next feature. I was immediately excited by the prospect of working with Jeymes because I had seen ‘The Harder They Fall’ and was a huge fan of what he was doing in cinema.
So a couple of days later, I have a Zoom meeting with Jeymes and from the second he came on screen I was transmuted. I’d never met someone like Jeymes and when you meet him and he shares his ideas with you in the way he does, you are transmuted. He’s incredibly vibrant and bold, wonderfully excited and deeply inspiring. We had an incredible conversation and that led to a chemistry read with LaKeith, which led to four very cold but beautiful months in Italy.
top and skirt PARIS GEORGIA
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The film follows Clarence, a man living in A.D. 33 Jerusalem, who is looking to capitalize on the rise of Jesus Christ by claiming to be a new Messiah sent by God, in an attempt to free himself of debt and start a life of glory for himself. What stands out to you as the best comedic scene in the film?
There’s a scene early on in the film where Omar Sy’s character explains to Clarence Zeke and Elijah why he’s always careful to speak about his people in a way that honors and respects them, and in the very next breath calls Clarence out of his name. Omar’s sincerity and execution is perfect. He’s just so fun to watch.
In the film, you portray Clarence’s love interest. Did you find any similarities between your character and yourself?
I’ve loved someone who I still didn’t choose to be with. And for the same reasons Varinia doesn’t choose Clarence, because he’s not who she wants him to be or where she wants him to be in life. From her perspective, he’s immature and unorganized, and that separation between what your heart may want vs. what your mind is telling you I’m very familiar with.
full look VERSACE
The audiences know you well from the DC Universe/HBO Max series ‘Titans’, which concluded in 2023. What is your favorite memory from the years playing Starfire?
Minka, Conor and I had some of the best times together in Toronto. We were each there alone so all we had was each other and luckily they are both strong, intelligent, gorgeous women, so we laughed and ate and explored the city together. We really created a sisterhood, adored and lifted each other up. I also made a lifelong friend in Ryan. And found myself always inspired by the work of a lot of the cast. Everyone was so well cast and so talented. I loved watching them work.
How does starring in a film and in a TV show differ for you? Do you find it easier to portray a character in a film vs. for many seasons on a show?
They each have their own challenges. TV is tricky because with each new episode, you have to justify what your character is doing. Even if it’s something you feel is out of left field or doesn’t ring true. With film, you have the entirety of the character right there so you make choices and build what you want with no surprises.
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What kind of characters challenge and excite you the most?
Unhinged ones. Characters who are unpredictable and who you don’t know what they’ll do next. I’ve not quite played a character I’d describe as unhinged, but I have played characters with a bit of a temper or short fuse. I guess that’s most challenging because in real life I don’t often express rage and I’m quite measured. So that would be exciting and challenging to play.
As a black woman, what is your opinion on diversity and inclusivity in the industry? What changes do you feel still need to happen?
I think changes behind the camera are imperative. All three of the major films I’ve done so far, ‘Us’, ‘Nanny’ and ‘The Book of Clarence’, were written, produced and directed by black artists. We need black artists creating projects. We need black people in executive positions green lighting those projects.
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At 16, you moved to New York to pursue acting and modeling. What made you passionate about acting?
I simply fell in love with it the moment I discovered my first play. I was transfixed by the idea of being someone who wasn’t me, but who I could empathize and relate to enough to become.
When you are not on set, what are some of the activities you enjoy the most?
I just moved into a home and I haven’t lived in a place that I could call my own in over 8 years. I’ve been traveling so much for work. So, I’m really loving buying furniture and setting up my place. I’ve bought a couple things I regret and need to return, and a lot of things that I love that look great and make me happy. The entire process has been fun.
What can you share with us about your next, upcoming projects?
I can’t say much yet, but it’s a psychological thriller and the script is brilliant. Cast is a dream. I’ll be spending another stretch of time in Europe during the winter and I’m really excited about it.
top and skirt CAMILLA AND MARC
jewelry PAMELA LOVE
TEAM CREDITS:
talent ANNA DIOP
photography MAX MONTGOMERY
styling MARC ERAM
make up ROBERT BRYAN at Exclusive Artists using Lancôme
hair TAKUYA SUGAWARA
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
