IN CONVERSATION WITH ABIGAIL PNIOWSKY
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actress Abigail Pniowsky is starring in Apple TV+’s sci-fi coming-of-age series ‘Me’, that premiered on 12th July. Abigail is perhaps best known for her role in Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-winning film ‘Arrival’, starring opposite Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner. Next up, she will be seen in the independent feature ‘American Baby’.
Abigail, you’re starring in Apple TV+’s series ‘Me’. What did you enjoy the most about this series and its story?
I loved the fact that although it’s a superhero story, it’s not just a superhero story. There’s aspects of family, friendship and self-discovery too. It examines the challenges of growing up, figuring out who you are and who you want to be, the stickiness of relationships, and finding your own voice.
The series is about superpowers. If you could have one, which one would you choose and why?
Telekinesis. It would be really cool to be able to do things as simple as shutting a door or getting a glass of water without actually getting up. As busy as I am, I can also maybe be lazy.
top MIU MIU
jumpsuit SAINT LAURENT
shoes NODALETO
cover image:
suit BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
shoes NODALETO
One of your best known roles was in Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-wimning film ‘Arrival’. How did this film impact your career?
Being a part of this film was an amazing experience. I got to work with such incredibly talented and dedicated people as Denis Villeneuve, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, and learned so much from each of them about dedication, commitment and storytelling. I am so lucky I got to work with Amy as I started building my career. She is obviously an incredible actress on screen, but also her offscreen demeanor of kindness, respect and collaboration is something I admire and always try to emulate. I feel very grateful to have been part of telling that beautiful story.
How did you develop passion for acting and how would you describe your career beginnings?
When I was very young, my sister expressed an interest in acting. I tagged along as an extra on a movie with my sister and just took to it immediately. I loved being on set and telling stories. I started getting parts in whatever projects were filming in my hometown and I just grew with each project, and so did my love for acting.
dress ALEXANDER WANG
shoes DR. MARTENS
So far, which role you’ve done challenged you creatively the most?
I would say my role in ‘American Baby’ was one of the most challenging roles I’ve played. The emotional preparation was intense and pushed me to understand myself. I was so fortunate to work with the brilliant Ellen Rodnianski, who wrote and directed. She was so collaborative and creative.
What kind of roles would you love to work on next?
My dream since I was little was always to work on a dystopian and/or apocalypse movie. I’m obsessed with dystopian stories and have read my fair share of the ‘Hunger Games’. I would love to work on something like that.
Besides being an actress, you are also a dancer. How important is dance in your life and what do you love the most about it?
Dance, much like acting, is an emotional outlet for me. It helps me explore my feelings and express them in ways that I otherwise can’t. I also find that both art forms are mutually supportive. I bring acting into my dance all the time, and dance can push you out of your comfort zone, which is a necessity in acting.
top & pants DION LEE
shoes PRADA
Tell us more about your other passions and hobbies.
In my free time, I love to sketch, read and hang out with my friends. I am taking guitar and drum lessons. I’ve taken voice in the past and want to pick that up again. I’ve also taken some martial arts in the past and want to pursue more of that. Also, I have always had an interest in all things science. I used to ask for things like skeleton models and stethoscopes for gifts. I am currently especially interested in biology and marine science.
Next up, we’ll be seeing you in the independent film feature ‘American Baby’. What can you share with us about it and your other upcooming projects?
I am super proud of ‘American Baby’ as it was my first number 1 role I’ve done, and so much blood, sweat and tears went into it. Emphasis on the sweat as we taped in Austin in the summer. I don’t know the timing for a release, but I am excited to bring it to the world. I also don’t know if we will see more of ‘ME’, but I am hoping to be able to continue Max’s story.
TEAM CREDITS
talent ABIGAIL PNIOWSKY
photography EMILY SANDIFER
styling TABITHA SANCHEZ
hair CLAYTON HAWKINS
makeup LOREN CANBY