LORD OF THE STINGS

Olivia Wilde Shrugs Off Gollum Comparisons After Viral Red Carpet Snub

Olivia Wilde says the viral red carpet image was distorted by a fisheye lens, shrugging off Gollum comparisons and blaming lighting and camera angle for the unflattering shot.

Key Points

  • Blamed a fisheye lens for the distorted viral red carpet image, dismissing the comparisons.
  • Posted a joking Instagram Story and video with her brother, saying "I'm not dead" about rumors.
  • Fans defended her; event photos show Wilde looking radiant while promoting The Invite.
PublishedMay 4, 2026 9:27 AM
UpdatedMay 4, 2026 10:37 AM

OLIVIA Wilde has laughed off online trolls who likened her recent red carpet appearance to Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

The actress addressed the bizarre comparison during an Instagram Story, blaming the distorted image on a fisheye lens used in her viral interview.

“Listen that is a fisheye lens,” Wilde explained, adding with a chuckle, “Was that my best-ever look? No.”

OLIVIA Wilde has laughed off online trolls who likened her recent red carpet appearance to Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

She also shared a light-hearted video with her brother, joking, “I’m not dead,” after rumours circulated about her appearance.

The star attended the San Francisco International Film Festival on April 24 to promote her new film, The Invite.

Fans quickly came to her defence, blaming the unflattering camera angle and lighting for the unusual look captured in the SFGate video.

One supporter tweeted, “It’s unflattering lighting and a bad camera lens. She otherwise looks beautiful and is aging gracefully.”

Despite the viral comparisons, photos from the event show Wilde looking radiant and very much herself.

The actress’s good humour and candid response have turned the strange moment into a talking point rather than a controversy.

It seems Olivia Wilde is more than happy to poke fun at herself and dismiss the Gollum chatter with a smile.