Director Olivia Wilde discusses Booksmart

June 2, 2019

A DGA Q&A in Los Angeles

Two overachieving girls decide to take their high school days out in a blaze of glory in Director Olivia Wilde’s new comedy, Booksmart.

Wilde’s film tells the story of best friends Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), two academic superstars who’ve spent their teenage years keeping their noses to the grindstone. But on the eve of their graduation, they suddenly realize that they may have missed out on some special moments and decide to make up for lost time and cram four years of fun into one night.

Following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles on June 2, Wilde sat down with Director Nicole Holofcener (The Land of Steady Habits) to discuss the making of Booksmart.

Booksmart is Wilde's feature directorial debut. Her other directorial projects include music videos for Red Hot Chili Peppers and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and the short film Free Hugs. Wilde became a DGA member in 2018.

You can listen to Wilde's Q&A by clicking the podcast episode embedded below. You can find more DGA podcast episodes here.

Pictures

Event photos by Elisa Haber - Print courtesy of United Artists Releasing.

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Director Olivia Wilde speaks about the making of her new comedy, Booksmart, following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Beanie Feldstein as Molly and Kaitlyn Dever as Amy in Director Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart.

Director Olivia Wilde (right) speaks about the making of Booksmart with Director Nicole Holofcener (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Nico Hiraga as Tanner and Billie Lourd as Gigi in Director Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart.

Director Nicole Holofcener (moderator) asks Director Olivia Wilde a question about the making of Wilde’s new comedy, Booksmart, following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Beanie Feldstein as Molly and Kaitlyn Dever as Amy in Director Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart.

Directors Nicole Holofcener (moderator) and Olivia Wilde pose for a photo following the Los Angeles DGA membership screening of Wilde’s new comedy, Booksmart.

Nico Hiraga as Tanner in Director Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart.

Director Spike Jonze chats with Director Olivia Wilde following the Los Angeles DGA membership screening of Wilde’s new comedy, Booksmart.

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9/1/2025 - 9/7/2025