Media is one of the industries that hasn’t fared too well in the digital age. The stories of New York City journalists making $400,000 a year, living in two-story SoHo lofts with town cars built into their contracts, are now just that—stories. Print budgets have shrunk, mastheads whittled to a mere few names, and TikTok is the new front page.

Still, from 13 Going On 30 to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Devil Wears Prada, pop culture continues to romanticize the editorial world—and rightfully so. It’s a field that can still feel glamorous, chaotic, and absurd all at once. Think: invitations to ultra-exclusive parties with the world’s most influential people, niche gifting experiences you didn’t know existed, and managing celebrity egos the size of private jets.

To get down to the nitty gritty of what working in media really looks like now, we asked a range of journalists to dish on their strangest celebrity run-ins—whatever the context. From missing social cues with Chris Evans to mistaking two very famous Naomis, here’s what they had to say.

Kelsey, TV host

I saw Jennifer Lawerence at the Space movie premiere pee with the door open in her giant ballgown dress with like five women helping her hold it up.

Ivana, reporter

One time I was interviewing Chris Evans and Ana De Armas. As I stood up Chris went to shake my hand which I missed entirely and walked past him. He then brushed his hair back with his outstretched hand and said nothing...and we caught the whole thing on camera.

Jennifer, reporter

My weirdest run-in was with Shia Labeouf. I was a film festival intern and went up to him to check on him at the festival like, "I'm here if you need anything.” He just stared in eyes for two minutes and I kept talking to fill the silence. I will always remember that stare, it was borderline chilling.

Beth*, reporter

Mid-way through interviewing with A$AP Ferg he asked me what I did for a living. When I responded, "Well, this..." He replied, "No, you should model my merch."

Symone, director

I accidentally drank Travis Scott's pineapple soda on set but it had lean in it.

Sandra, reporter 

I was talking to a celebrity about their experience as a first-generation immigrant, but mid-conversation, things seemed to veer a bit too political for his team’s comfort. Out of nowhere, their manager hangs up the call. Then they texted me saying, “So sorry—their phone died,” and they completely cut off communication after that. We weren’t allowed to follow up, and the conversation just ended there.

Will, producer 

I was overseeing an interview Bethenny Frankel to promote her new podcast and the whole time she was trying to produce the interview. At the end of the interview we asked a couple of Housewives questions and she called us out directly for making it all about the show. Very frantic Bethenny energy. 

Katie*, reporter 

During the pandemic that a J Lo held a Zoom launch for her skincare brand, and she turned off her mic but not her video and we were all just watching her yelling at her kids.

Erika, reporter 

I was at a fashion event and told I’d be interviewing someone named Naomi. Naturally, I assumed Naomi Campbell. I waited for her to arrive for forever and she didn't show up. I was starving, so I left and walked to Chipotle. I had just taken a bite of my burrito bowl when I got the text: 'She’s here. Can you still do the interview?' I shoved the bowl in my bag and ran back. They bring me in, and this petite blonde woman sits across from me. “Erika, this is Naomi.” Turns out—it’s Naomi Watts. I'm totally unprepared, and we can both smell my burrito bowl. I ask generic questions and wrap things up, fast. Then I went back to Chipotle and ate the burrito bowl that nearly ruined my career.

Kristen, reporter 

A rapper asked to borrow my laptop and got his hair cut over my keyboard.

*Some names have been changed for privacy.