At every opportunity, Havana Rose Liu has zigged when she could have zagged, going from the bawdy comedy Bottoms in 2023 to the parasocial thriller Lurker in 2025. She’s about to be the face you can’t look away from: Power Ballad with Paul Rudd is out this year, alongside four projects already in post.
What’s one work of art that got you through an important moment in your life?
In my late teens, Yoko Ono’s instructional piece/book Grapefruit, 1964, was medicinal. Her work holds so much conceptual depth and purpose, but is imagined in such a light and free tone. This piece in particular felt like an exercise in playing with the reality around you versus letting it play you. I don’t know if this will make sense, but I think she helped me make my mundane a flirty place.
What’s something people get wrong about you?
That I was conceived in Havana. In truth I am named after a sweaty, Cuban jazz club in DC where my parents had their first date (and I am very happy to say I don’t know the places my parents have had sex).
What question do you ask yourself most often while you’re making work?
Do I suck? Does this absolutely suck? Am I sucking?
Name an influence of yours that might surprise people.
Ratatouille? “Anyone can cook” is a perfect mantra, no matter the context. My impostor syndrome hears it and bolts.
What grounds you, and what invigorates you?
Not to be so angsty and freaky, but death does both. I’ve lost a lot of loved ones in the past five years, and the grief has given me some age-old wisdom. I know it’s cliché, but it’s helped me hold the right things sacred and appreciate the passion and vibrancy of the little things. Ultimately this perspective comes and goes, but I appreciate questions like this that help me remember myself.
When’s the last time you laughed hysterically?
Genuinely every day on the project I am filming right now. I’ve never experienced this to this degree. I’m very scared we are having too many giggles. Everyone is so clever and sweet. We keep cry-laughing the makeup off. Can’t be healthy.
What keeps you up at night?
Sleep can be so boring. It’s much more fun to procrastinateandhelplesslylayfrozenwatchingtheworldcrumblebutdeepdownwonderifwearepowerfulbeyondmeasureandhavebeentrickedtofeellittle?andthengetoverwhelmedaboutwhatthatpowermightevenlooklikeormeansoultimatelynumboutbygabbingwithmyfriendsorwatchingsweetshortformdopaminehitsorpressingnextepisodeuntilIrememberIamabodythatneedsrestandthatIwillnotbeabletodoanythingaboutanythingat allorevenjustenjoyalltheloveandjoyoflifeifIonlyhaveonetinysleepyeyeopen.
What are you looking forward to this year?
My littlest brother Dublin turns 18. I can’t wait to see him use his wings.
Where do you feel most at home?
By the water.
What is your biggest vice? Your greatest virtue?
Relentless hope. Relentless hope.
What would you wear to meet your greatest enemy?
Their mama’s clothes.
What’s been the hardest part of your career so far?
The strain on my relationships. I hate missing birthdays and graduations and reunions. I’m so grateful for what I spend my time on, but I never want to live so many other lives that I miss out on my own.
To read more from the 2026 CULT100 honorees, see the full list here.
in your life?
