On Wednesday afternoon, a few days ahead of television’s biggest night, a group of women — including industry veterans and rising stars — met up on the storied Sunset Strip to attend The Cut’s inaugural Emmys Breakout Brunch presented by La Mer in the connecting indoor and outdoor spaces of Ardor, a vegetable-forward restaurant located in the West Hollywood Edition. Every room was perfumed with an elevated musk composed of distinct bergamot and cedar notes (an aroma guests couldn’t stop gushing about). Copies of The Cut’s 2025 “Fall Fashion” issue featuring cover star Sarah Paulson dotted nearly every available table surface, and overflowing sculptural flower-scapes in the event’s white-and-green palette were brightened with select flamingo lilies doused in a metallic coating (which created a reflective sheen evocative of award statuettes) and arranged to welcome guests to a photo wall flanked by La Mer, followed by an intimate seated lunch with editor-in-chief Lindsay Peoples.
Also overflowing was the conversation. Every corner of the party lit up with happy noise as the actresses dropped in and out of chats with each other feting themselves and their successful projects while pop throwbacks like Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” and Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” blasted over the speakers. Katie Lowes hyped up her The Hunting Wives castmate Malin Akerman as she showed off the scooped back of her dress (which perfectly framed her lotus tattoo) in front of the main photo wall, Liza Soberano and 1923’s Michelle Randolph hung out at the duskily lit bar where specialty spritzes provided by St-Germain were topped with flowers to stay on theme, and Emmy nominee Jessica Williams excitedly caught up with Aidy Bryant before rushing to find her friend and The Daily Show correspondent Desi Lydic to gossip about the day’s political headlines.
Before sitting down for lunch, the actors spoke with The Cut to shed light on their careers, their core values, and, naturally, their favorite TV shows.
What’s one rule you live by?
Don’t let work or leisure be too much that either consumes you. I feel very healthy and balanced. Also, always be kind. Don’t be a dick. I feel like as a sensitive person every day is an exercise of me going outside and trying not to get my feelings hurt so it’d be really nice if everyone was just super nice all the time.
Jessica Williams
Who’s the Shrinking co-star that makes you laugh the most?
Michael Urie playing Brian, but out of character, I’d say Jessica Williams being the incredible Jessica Williams.
Lukita Maxwell
Chloe East
Emilia Jones
What’s the most romantic moment on The Hunting Wives?
Definitely the steamy, steamy love scene between Margo and Sophie. I’m sure everyone rewound that multiple times. Or you could say it was between Jill and her son, Brad, but that’s really twisted.
Katie Lowes
Rhea Seehorn
You’ve been a really outspoken advocate for women’s issues in the industry from pay parity to safety on set. What’s the value of speaking up for these causes?
Not everyone sees the same information. When we’re talking about things like pay parity, workplace discrimination, paid leave, women’s health, we’ve got to make sure people are armed with facts. When you can speak on things and invite people to join you in activism or organizing you can make the world around you a better place.
Sophia Bush
With Foxsplains, you have to get into a very specific headspace to do that show. How do you unwind from that?
Therapy. An ungodly amount of therapy. And sometimes a little Xanax.
Desi Lydic
What’s the hardest you’ve laughed on set of Nobody Wants This?
When Kristen Bell and I go off as siblings and get into really big fights. There’s something so funny about that sibling dynamic, the brattiness and reducing yourself back to your high-school self that sisters do, like you automatically regress into being, like, 14. I find when people get bratty incredibly funny. —Justine Lupe
Desi Lydic and Sophia Bush
What’s the last show you binge-watched?
Long Story Short, the Paul Reiser animation on Netflix and … Farmer Wants a Wife. It’s just my truth. Dakota Johnson recommended it on Amy Poehler’s podcast so I was like “Okay,” so I can’t take all of the blame.
Natasha Rothwell
What’s the last show you binge-watched?
I’m really into The Summer I Turned Pretty. I’m really deep into it right now. I’m team Conrad. Connie baby, all day! If you’re team Jeremiah, just wait a couple years. You’ll come around.
Stephanie Suganami
Katie Lowes and Malin Akerman
Tracy Ifeachor and Natasha Rothwell
If you were in an underground bunker like the characters on Paradise, what would you miss from the real world?
Gorgeous sunlight. There’s something about that vitamin D. There is no substitute for the real thing.
Krys Marshall
You’ve played a lot of moms on TV. Which one is closest to your actual parenting style?
Probably Tammie Taylor from Friday Night Lights. You know, she’s a pretty good mom. She had her moments, but she’s a good mom!
Connie Britton
Sophia Bush and Lindsay Peoples
Every episode of The Hunting Wives was directed by a woman. Do you think that influenced the work or set culture?
Absolutely. It was a joy to be surrounded by strong, wonderful women. We spoke a lot about the scenes that we were making and looking at it from a female gaze that’s really special and beautiful. We all have a vision of what was sexy in our own worlds so to create that together was really fun. I’ve never had that before. It’s usually more mechanical and this just felt like it flowed — as it does when women get together and chat.
Malin Akerman
Photographs by BFA/Jojo Korsh
What’s one rule you live by?
Don’t let work or leisure be too much that either consumes you. I feel very healthy and balanced. Also, always be kind. Don’t be a dick. I feel like as a sensitive person every day is an exercise of me going outside and trying not to get my feelings hurt so it’d be really nice if everyone was just super nice all the time.
Jessica Williams
Who’s the Shrinking co-star that makes you laugh the most?
Michael Urie playing Brian, but out of character, I’d say Jessica Williams being the incredible Jessica Williams.
Lukita Maxwell
Chloe East
Emilia Jones
What’s the most romantic moment on The Hunting Wives?
Definitely the steamy, steamy love scene between Margo and Sophie. I’m sure everyone rewound that multiple times. Or you could say it was between Jill and her son, Brad, but that’s really twisted.
Katie Lowes
Rhea Seehorn
You’ve been a really outspoken advocate for women’s issues in the industry from pay parity to safety on set. What’s the value of speaking up for these causes?
Not everyone sees the same information. When we’re talking about things like pay parity, workplace discrimination, paid leave, women’s health, we’ve got to make sure people are armed with facts. When you can speak on things and invite people to join you in activism or organizing you can make the world around you a better place.
Sophia Bush
With Foxsplains, you have to get into a very specific headspace to do that show. How do you unwind from that?
Therapy. An ungodly amount of therapy. And sometimes a little Xanax.
Desi Lydic
What’s the hardest you’ve laughed on set of Nobody Wants This?
When Kristen Bell and I go off as siblings and get into really big fights. There’s something so funny about that sibling dynamic, the brattiness and reducing yourself back to your high-school self that sisters do, like you automatically regress into being, like, 14. I find when people get bratty incredibly funny. —Justine Lupe
Desi Lydic and Sophia Bush
What’s the last show you binge-watched?
Long Story Short, the Paul Reiser animation on Netflix and … Farmer Wants a Wife. It’s just my truth. Dakota Johnson recommended it on Amy Poehler’s podcast so I was like “Okay,” so I can’t take all of the blame.
Natasha Rothwell
What’s the last show you binge-watched?
I’m really into The Summer I Turned Pretty. I’m really deep into it right now. I’m team Conrad. Connie baby, all day! If you’re team Jeremiah, just wait a couple years. You’ll come around.
Stephanie Suganami
Katie Lowes and Malin Akerman
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Tracy Ifeachor and Natasha Rothwell
If you were in an underground bunker like the characters on Paradise, what would you miss from the real world?
Gorgeous sunlight. There’s something about that vitamin D. There is no substitute for the real thing.
Krys Marshall
You’ve played a lot of moms on TV. Which one is closest to your actual parenting style?
Probably Tammie Taylor from Friday Night Lights. You know, she’s a pretty good mom. She had her moments, but she’s a good mom!
Connie Britton
Sophia Bush and Lindsay Peoples
Every episode of The Hunting Wives was directed by a woman. Do you think that influenced the work or set culture?
Absolutely. It was a joy to be surrounded by strong, wonderful women. We spoke a lot about the scenes that we were making and looking at it from a female gaze that’s really special and beautiful. We all have a vision of what was sexy in our own worlds so to create that together was really fun. I’ve never had that before. It’s usually more mechanical and this just felt like it flowed — as it does when women get together and chat.
Malin Akerman
Photographs by BFA/Jojo Korsh
You are part of the iconic first season of The Pitt, what’s that like?
To be such an integral part of the first season of a show that’s gone on to be nominated for 13 Emmys is a wonderful privilege to have, an honor. My character, Dr. Collins, has been so warmly received and it’s really been a humbling experience because you do the work and you hope that it even gets watched.
Tracy Ifeachor
Jessica Williams and Lukita Maxwell
What was it like to be on Abbott Elementary? You were put into a love triangle on that show, do you love them or hate them?
Quinta Brunson is an absolute genius. It was amazing to see all of the different hats she wears. And I love love triangles. Why not have a little fun!
Lana Condor
Krys Marshall, Tracy Ifeachor, and Brandee Evans
What’s your go-to pre-red-carpet ritual?
Honestly, right now, it’s just spending time with my baby right beforehand, getting all my love in from him. I love to play music, dance, and feel silly. At the end of the day, it’s all fun. Life is so short, why not have a good time?
Samantha Hanratty
Katie Lowes, Connie Britton, Sophia Bush, Malin Akerman
The Studio has so many great guest stars. Have you fangirled over anyone on set?
Every single one. Not even just guest stars, the main cast too. There’s not a day on set I’m not nervous. In that sense it’s very easy for my character. I’m like Yeah girl, this is wild, I feel it too. I’m not doing some major character work, like this is crazy.
Keyla Monterroso Mejia
Natasha Rothwell and Sophia Bush
Jessica Williams and Aidy Bryant
Congratulations on Overcompensating being renewed for a second season. Is there anything in your life that you’ve felt the need to overcompensate for?
Oh, oh my gosh I feel the need to overcompensate constantly, all the time. Do you hear my voice?
Wally Baram
Luciane Buchanan and Wally Baram
Sophia Bush, Connie Britton, and Lindsay Peoples
How has your background as a dancer helped you as an actor on P-Valley?
Okay, so, dancing background for Katy Perry is not the same as dancing in Chucalissa, y’all. It helped me with my stamina and being able to pick up choreography and just wanting to go after it like, okay, I haven’t done pole but I’m going to go take classes and learn. That’s what was most helpful.
Brandee Evans
Photographs by Jojo Korsh/BFA.com
You are part of the iconic first season of The Pitt, what’s that like?
To be such an integral part of the first season of a show that’s gone on to be nominated for 13 Emmys is a wonderful privilege to have, an honor. My character, Dr. Collins, has been so warmly received and it’s really been a humbling experience because you do the work and you hope that it even gets watched.
Tracy Ifeachor
Jessica Williams and Lukita Maxwell
What was it like to be on Abbott Elementary? You were put into a love triangle on that show, do you love them or hate them?
Quinta Brunson is an absolute genius. It was amazing to see all of the different hats she wears. And I love love triangles. Why not have a little fun!
Lana Condor
Krys Marshall, Tracy Ifeachor, and Brandee Evans
What’s your go-to pre-red-carpet ritual?
Honestly, right now, it’s just spending time with my baby right beforehand, getting all my love in from him. I love to play music, dance, and feel silly. At the end of the day, it’s all fun. Life is so short, why not have a good time?
Samantha Hanratty
Katie Lowes, Connie Britton, Sophia Bush, Malin Akerman
The Studio has so many great guest stars. Have you fangirled over anyone on set?
Every single one. Not even just guest stars, the main cast too. There’s not a day on set I’m not nervous. In that sense it’s very easy for my character. I’m like Yeah girl, this is wild, I feel it too. I’m not doing some major character work, like this is crazy.
Keyla Monterroso Mejia
Natasha Rothwell and Sophia Bush
Jessica Williams and Aidy Bryant
Congratulations on Overcompensating being renewed for a second season. Is there anything in your life that you’ve felt the need to overcompensate for?
Oh, oh my gosh I feel the need to overcompensate constantly, all the time. Do you hear my voice?
Wally Baram
Luciane Buchanan and Wally Baram
Sophia Bush, Connie Britton, and Lindsay Peoples
How has your background as a dancer helped you as an actor on P-Valley?
Okay, so, dancing background for Katy Perry is not the same as dancing in Chucalissa, y’all. It helped me with my stamina and being able to pick up choreography and just wanting to go after it like, okay, I haven’t done pole but I’m going to go take classes and learn. That’s what was most helpful.
Brandee Evans
Photographs by Jojo Korsh/BFA.com
Lana Condor and Samantha Hanratty
Desi Lydic and Rhea Seahorn
What’s the last show that you binged?
I need to stick to prestige TV. But I find myself chilling with the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. My catchphrase would probably be, “What’s up everybody? I’m a housewife.”
Aidy Bryant
Sophia Bush and Malin Akerman
Jessica Williams and Krys Marshall
Justine Lupe and Katie Lowes
Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Lukita Maxwell
You’ve done a lot of rom-coms. What’s your favorite rom-com trope?
I’ve done a lot of stories like this: When you find a rich powerful man and the girl is more from a humble background, and then there’s a reversal where the girl is powerful and the guy yearns for a more simple life. —Liza Soberano
Liza Soberano and Michelle Randolph
Katie Lowes and Malin Akerman
Jessica Williams and Connie Britton
Photographs by Jojo Korsh/BFA.com
Lana Condor and Samantha Hanratty
Desi Lydic and Rhea Seahorn
What’s the last show that you binged?
I need to stick to prestige TV. But I find myself chilling with the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. My catchphrase would probably be, “What’s up everybody? I’m a housewife.”
Aidy Bryant
Sophia Bush and Malin Akerman
Jessica Williams and Krys Marshall
Justine Lupe and Katie Lowes
Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Lukita Maxwell
You’ve done a lot of rom-coms. What’s your favorite rom-com trope?
I’ve done a lot of stories like this: When you find a rich powerful man and the girl is more from a humble background, and then there’s a reversal where the girl is powerful and the guy yearns for a more simple life. —Liza Soberano
Liza Soberano and Michelle Randolph
Katie Lowes and Malin Akerman
Jessica Williams and Connie Britton
Photographs by Jojo Korsh/BFA.com
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