Sandra Bullock Says She Still Feels ‘Panicked’ on Red Carpets: ‘Like a Deer in Headlights’

**Sandra Bullock Opens Up About Red Carpet Anxieties in Candid Interview**

Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock has shared her struggles with anxiety associated with red carpet events during a recent conversation with friend and fellow actress Jennifer Aniston. The two discussed the topic in an interview featured in Interview Magazine, where Bullock candidly revealed her discomfort and feelings of panic when faced with the media spotlight.

At 62 years old, Bullock admitted that the thought of stepping onto a red carpet often leaves her feeling overwhelmed. “I’m like a deer in the headlights, sweating and trying not to make stupid faces,” she remarked, referencing her ongoing anxieties despite her extensive experience in the industry. Her comments reflect a very human side of celebrity life, often overlooked amidst the glitz and glamour.

Bullock, who starred alongside Nicole Kidman in the original *Practical Magic* film in 1998, noted that she has hardly seen her co-star at red carpet events since their initial collaboration. This feeling of isolation at these high-pressure gatherings is evident in her remarks, where she quipped about her admiration for younger stars like Zendaya, stating, “I want to be Zendaya, but I will never be Zendaya. I’m like Zendaya’s shoe polisher. She’s glorious.”

Despite her fear of public appearances, Bullock acknowledged the importance of the red carpet and interviews in promoting projects. While Aniston expressed her difficulties with public interactions, Bullock specified that her real struggle lies with posing for photographs. “It’s the posing,” she stated, highlighting the awkwardness she often feels in front of cameras.

This isn’t the first time Bullock has opened up about her anxieties regarding public appearances. Back in 2018, she confided in *InStyle* about the challenges of feeling confident while being photographed. “I’m not that person who knows how to work it,” she admitted, noting that she tries to channel the confidence of icons like Beyoncé, opting for consistent poses to alleviate some of her worries.

In a more recent discussion with actress Amy Poehler on the podcast *Good Hang*, Bullock reiterated her discomfort with red carpet events, calling the experience “a nightmare.” Although Poehler acknowledged the actress’s scepticism, she insisted that Bullock does indeed belong on the red carpet, pointing out her relevance in Hollywood.

The actress’s return to the red carpet for the promotion of *Practical Magic 2* comes after a notable hiatus from the public eye. The mother of two stepped back from the limelight to support her partner, Bryan Randall, during his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which ultimately claimed his life in August 2023 at the age of 57. This personal loss has understandably shifted Bullock’s outlook on her career and public appearances.

*Practical Magic 2*, which features a star-studded cast including Bullock, Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Lee Pace, Joey King, and Maisie Williams, is set to hit theatres on September 10. With her personal experiences shaping her professional journey, Bullock’s honest musings about red carpet anxiety shed light on the complexities that accompany fame.

As the film’s release approaches, fans and fellow actors alike can relate not only to her triumphant return but also to her willingness to share her vulnerabilities, making her a more relatable figure in an often superficial industry. Bullock’s reflections remind us that even the most celebrated stars experience moments of self-doubt, echoing the sentiments of people from all walks of life.