Ticket to Hollywood: An Interview with Multi-Media Journalist, Arienne Thompson

If ever there was a physical definition for “MOXIE,” USA TODAY entertainment reporter, Arienne Thompson, is it! 

A University of Notre Dame and American University alum, she moved to Washington, D.C. in 2004. Since 2006, she has covered all things entertainment including countless red carpets and high profile events like the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, New York Fashion Week and so much more. In one word, Arienne is just AWESOME! The epitome of industry excellence, she is unapologetically serious about her craft and takes pride in spilling tea to the masses.

I recently got a chance to sit down with the favored pop-culture expert, and needless to say, I was hanging on every exciting detail of our conversation. It only proved that Arienne’s grind to success is one to be admired and envied. Read on for a brief peek into our chat and see why her moxie is more than enough for me, you and the world!

CM: What’s a typical day like for you?

AT: A typical day for me is to go into the newsroom and write about two to three articles along with radio and TV appearances. I also have print and website obligations with USA Today that includes interviews, book reviews and travel. This is an average day.

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CM: You have been on the Today show, Entertainment Tonight and Extra. Do you ever get camera shy or experience stage fright?

AT: My mother said I was shy (chuckles). When I first began to shoot my videos for USA Today, I remember about five people being in the room and it was so nerve-wrecking that I asked them to leave! After I did it for a while, I was able to just go with it. It's something that has to be done and I just do what I have to do.

Arienne with the cast of the Today show.

CM: It takes a lot of courage to speak out on topics about race and gender equality. You were quite vocal regarding the snub that the movie Selma received at the Oscars.

AT: I don’t know any other way to be. Journalists are to speak to the things that we uncover. It's no secret that Hollywood has a blatant diversity problem. We need to look into this because it needs everyone’s attention. I am in a position where I can speak on this subject and bring some attention to a very serious situation.


CM: What advice do you have for women who desire to get into media and entertainment?

AT: You have to become an expert in current events and celebrity news. You have to live and breathe celebrity and have to make it a point to know of everyone in the business. There is a lot of research that needs to be done. You have to read many blogs and magazines every day and be in the know to be respected in this industry. You have to be genuine about it. I can't stress it enough: you cannot just love it, you have to live it. You will definitely have to work hard for the red carpet.

On set with Lady Gaga

Arienne at The Oscars

Interviewing Brad Pitt

At the Today show wearing the iconic Pharrell Williams hat.

Arienne is also an on-air personality, appearing regularly as a celebrity news contributor on NBC’s Today show and on Washington D.C.’s CBS affiliate, WUSA9, for her weekly “Buzz by Arienne” segment. She has also appeared on MSNBC, CNN, Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. 

There is so much more in store for this Memphis, Tennessee native - more exciting coverage and even an upcoming wedding to her beloved fiancé, Chris! You can follow Arienne, all of her happenings and her celebrity-buzz online at USA Today, on Twitter, or on Facebook!