The Dancing with the Stars cohost reflects on her awkward red carpet exchange, but says being “cringe” means putting yourself out there
Julianne Hough is looking back — and laughing — at one of her most awkward public moments.
The Dancing with the Stars cohost, 37, revisited her now-viral Oscars interview with Timothée Chalamet during a guest appearance on the Chicks in the Office podcast on Friday, Sept. 5. The moment, which unfolded at the 2025 Academy Awards in March, left Hough both amused and mortified.
“The most cringe moment of my life, thank you,” Hough admitted with a laugh when asked about her brief red carpet exchange with the Dune star, 29. “Oh my gosh, that truly, that was horrible.”
The “Body Roll” Exchange
During the interview, Hough asked Chalamet if he had a go-to dance move. After a pause, the actor shot back with, “Um, do you?” Hough demonstrated a “little body roll, body roll action,” joking about “spinal adjustments” while Chalamet, visibly confused, simply responded, “Okay, facts, fair.”
Clips of the encounter quickly circulated online, with many fans calling the interaction random and awkward. But as the podcast hosts noted, Hough’s question was fitting given her background as a professional dancer.
Owning the Moment
Reflecting on the viral moment, Hough said she tries to embrace the lessons that come with public vulnerability.
“You know what? Be cringe. You’re at least putting yourself out there. Whatever,” she said.
Chalamet’s Big Oscars Night
While the exchange sparked plenty of memes, Chalamet had much bigger moments at the 97th Academy Awards. The A Complete Unknown star earned his second Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, making him the youngest two-time nominee since James Dean.
Although the Oscar ultimately went to Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, Chalamet received a heartfelt video tribute from his former high school drama teacher, Harry Shifman. “You’ve earned your keep and the recognition of your artistry in bringing humanity to life with wit and passion and grace,” Shifman told his former student, quoting Bob Dylan with: “Keep a good head and always carry a lightbulb.”
For Hough, however, the night will always be remembered as the one that gave her a moment she now calls “cringe,” but also one that reminds her of the value of stepping outside her comfort zone.
