LOS ANGELES — Amelia Dimoldenberg finds herself bracing for an exciting stint at the Oscars, hoping for a brief yet memorable interaction with actor Timothée Chalamet. For nearly ten years, Dimoldenberg has hosted the popular YouTube series “Chicken Shop Date,” where her unique, quirky interviews have attracted a large audience. Now, as an official correspondent on the Oscars red carpet, she might finally get her moment with Chalamet, who is nominated for best actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” Despite her anticipation, Dimoldenberg, aged 31, understands the unpredictable nature of red carpets, where discussions hinge on spontaneity, much like her idiosyncratic interviews on her show.
In her upcoming assignment, it will be her second consecutive year covering the Oscars, a notable opportunity she embraces with excitement. Last year’s experience saw her engage casually with celebrities such as Billie Eilish, joke around with Taylor Zakhar Perez, chat with Jennifer Lawrence about tumbles, and playfully compete in rock, paper, scissors with Dwayne Johnson. “I love the challenge it presents,” Dimoldenberg remarks. “There’s this endless parade of celebrities, making it the ultimate environment for indulging in celebrity interviews.”
This year, she has her sights set on speaking with a mix of familiar faces and new acquaintances, including nominees like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg, and Mikey Madison. Her distinct interview style stands out for its blend of exaggerated, comedic elements entwined with genuine curiosity. She often portrays a character that is an amplified version of herself—awkward, sometimes desperate, yet charmingly bold. While these characteristics shine during her YouTube episodes, red carpet interactions require her to adapt, relying on her improvisational skills to connect with each celebrity she encounters.
Her approach to interviewing, while somewhat unconventional, reflects broader changes within the media landscape, indicating a shift toward engaging more authentic and relatable audiences. “Her humorous, down-to-earth approach results in moments that audiences find relatable and genuine,” comments Jennifer Davidson, head of marketing and communications for the academy. Dimoldenberg’s content during last year’s Oscars season was met with enthusiasm, prompting her return.
Beyond “Chicken Shop Date,” Dimoldenberg is crafting a burgeoning empire under her production company, Dimz Inc. With a YouTube following over 2.8 million strong and more than 668 million views, her platform is far from the unlikely candidate it might have been for high-profile media events in the past. The transformation of her brand was marked by a significant turn in 2020, when Oscar-nominated actor Daniel Kaluuya featured on her show, heralding a shift from primarily musical guests to high-profile film stars. A subsequent red carpet exchange with Andrew Garfield went viral, further elevating her status and credibility.
Dimoldenberg continues to dream big, diligently working on future endeavors to maintain the authenticity synonymous with her personal brand. Her resolve remains firm: whatever she creates must reflect her genuine personality and humor. She recently received a feature in The New Yorker, though she prefers not to dwell on such coverage for the sake of her mental health.
As the next Oscars draws near, Dimoldenberg is energized, ready to embrace whatever opportunities arise on the red carpet. Viewers can catch her lively segments by tuning into the Academy’s social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube as the red carpet unfurls from 3:30 p.m. Eastern time onwards. “To be back at the Oscars is thrilling,” she says. “It’s a privilege to have another chance to elevate the experience beyond last year’s and keep bringing the same charm that resonates with my viewers. That freedom to stay true to what I represent is genuinely rewarding.”
