Beijing Premiere of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Sparks Host Kneeling Controversy

The film The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon and Charlize Theron, held its Chinese premiere on July 30 at the China Film Museum in Beijing. Shanghai Media Group bilingual presenter Chen Xuan conducted on‑stage interviews and, to hand a microphone to Nolan and Damon, briefly knelt in a half‑squat. A short video of the gesture quickly went viral on Chinese social media, prompting a heated debate. Netizens accused Chen of “kowtowing” to foreign guests, while others argued the posture was a routine broadcast technique to avoid obstructing the guests’ faces.

Chen responded that the kneeling was purely a technical move for the live‑feed camera angle and not a gesture of deference. Commentators were split: some said the action was unnecessary and unprofessional, while others defended it as standard practice at international film events. The controversy dominated online discussion, eclipsing the film’s promotion. A separate incident involved former CCTV host Yang Lan being seemingly ignored by Nolan during a post‑screening handshake, adding to the online criticism.

The episode highlights sensitivities in China over perceived foreign‑friendly gestures during high‑profile cultural events.