If you’re on TikTok at all, you might recognise the name Paloma Diamond. The character is the creation of New Zealand TikToker Julian Sewell, who has been posing as Diamond ever since October last year.
In a TikTok that currently has over 19 million views, Sewell aped the Academy Awards with a flawless parody called “Every Best Actress Award Intro”. In it, an announcer introduces five fictional actresses and their (impeccably named) non-existent films, including Paloma Diamond.
The hilarious TikTok went viral, spawning countless write-ups around the world, and has caused Sewell’s following to surge across various platforms.
In an interviewer with Sunday Magazine via The Post, Sewell commented that he didn’t mean to create a new cinematic universe, but is happy with the response he’s gotten so far.
“I [get] an influx of really kind and supportive messages from people I’ve never met before, saying ‘oh my god you make my day,’ or ‘I was having an awful day until I saw your video and it made me laugh’ - and that’s all that matters.”
Since his first video, Sewell’s best actress characters have developed their own currency online, with users across Instagram, X and TikTok all desperate to see more from the likes of Lorelai Lynch and Taylor Witherfork.
But none are more sought after than Diamond, who Sewell has really run with, posting parodies of the Meryl Streep-esque performer taking part in Vogue’s 73 Questions and The Hollywood Reporter’s Actress Roundtable series.
One of the ongoing gags in the Paloma Diamond universe is the fact that the “actress” has been nominated for an Oscar 18 times, but has never won one. Well, as of 2024, Diamond has another nomination, and fans are keen to see her finally take home the coveted award.
Here’s how some X users have reacted online to Diamond’s nomination...
Here’s hoping Diamond gets her much-deserved flowers at this year’s ceremony on 10 March.