Oliver Trevena‘s latest film, The Paradox Effect, has solidified his reputation as a versatile talent, earning him the prestigious “Breakout Actor” Award at the Rome Film Festival.
Starring alongside legendary actor Harvey Keitel, Trevena’s performance in the action-packed thriller has captivated audiences and critics alike, positioning him as a rising force in Hollywood. This latest success is just one milestone in a career marked by a series of dynamic and eclectic roles.
In The Paradox Effect, Trevena plays a central character who is thrust into a high-stakes situation, a role that perfectly blends intensity with complexity. The film, a gripping tale of moral dilemmas and unexpected twists, has showcased his ability to bring depth to action-driven plots, allowing Trevena to shine in a genre that demands both physicality and emotional nuance. With his recent accolade and growing body of work, Trevena is quickly becoming a name to watch, proving that his multifaceted career is only just beginning to hit its stride.
You’ve had a diverse career spanning acting, hosting, producing, and entrepreneurship. How do you manage to balance these different roles, and do you find that one influences the other?
Balancing these different roles comes down to staying organized and prioritizing what’s important. Each role requires a different set of skills, but they all feed into one another. Hosting taught me how to be present and listen, which helps with acting. Producing has given me a broader understanding of the industry, allowing me to approach acting from a more holistic perspective. My entrepreneurial ventures, like co-founding Caliwater, allow me to apply creativity and management skills in a different realm, but with a similar passion and drive.
You’ve worked with some big names in Hollywood such as Bruce Willis, Nicolas Cage, and Gerard Butler. What have you learned from collaborating with such established actors?
Working with legends like Bruce Willis, Nicolas Cage, and Gerard Butler has been an incredible experience. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of humility and treating everyone with respect. Whether it’s the crew or the top-billed actors, respect makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Each of these actors brings an undeniable energy to the set, and being able to observe and collaborate with them has certainly helped shape my approach to my craft.
Your recent work in The Paradox Effect earned you the “Breakout Actor” Award at the Rome Film Festival. How did it feel to receive that recognition and what does this role mean to you?
Receiving the “Breakout Actor” award at the Rome Film Festival was a complete surprise and an honor. I don’t expect awards, but to be recognized for something I’m passionate about, especially alongside someone like Harvey Keitel, was amazing. To also have my dear friend Gerard Butler present me the award was the icing on the cake!
You’ve been involved in a variety of film genres, from action thrillers to dramedies. How do you choose your roles, and is there a particular genre you feel most at home in?
I’ve been fortunate to work in a wide range of genres, but I’m always drawn to roles that challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s action, drama, or comedy, I try to find something in the character that resonates with me. I’ve had a lot of fun with action-packed thrillers, but I’m equally excited by period pieces and zany characters. The diversity of roles is what keeps it interesting for me.
As a producer on Misdirection, how did your role behind the camera differ from your experiences in front of it? What challenges did you face and what did you enjoy about the process?
Producing “Misdirection” was a whole new challenge. I was involved in every aspect of the film, from finding the script to casting and securing financing. The biggest difference from acting was the level of control I had. As a producer, you’re responsible for the entire project from start to finish. It was rewarding to have that creative oversight, but it also came with a lot of pressure. That said, the entrepreneurial side of me loved being involved in all the details.
You recently launched Caliwater with Vanessa Hudgens. What inspired you to dive into the beverage industry, and what has been the most rewarding part of building this brand?
Vanessa and I have been friends for over 15-years, and we share a passion for health and wellness. Caliwater is a reflection of that passion. It’s a cactus-based health drink, offering an alternative to coconut water, with fewer calories and a unique, delicious taste. The most rewarding part has been seeing how well the product has been received and knowing that we’ve created something that people genuinely love and benefit from. It’s exciting to be part of the wellness industry and see where we can take it.
As the global brand ambassador for AllSaints and John Varvatos, how do you approach this role, and how do you see fashion intersecting with your work in film?
Fashion and film have always been closely connected. As a global brand ambassador for AllSaints and John Varvatos, I get to merge these two worlds. Fashion helps define characters on screen and also gives me a way to express myself off-screen. Both brands align with my personal style, which makes the partnership feel natural. The intersection of fashion and film allows me to explore creativity from a different angle.
Looking back on your career so far, what has been the most pivotal moment for you, and what are your goals moving forward in both Hollywood and your entrepreneurial ventures?
One of the most pivotal moments for me was transitioning from hosting to acting full-time. It was a risk, but it opened up so many opportunities and led me to where I am today. Moving forward, I want to continue exploring new genres and projects that challenge me creatively. On the entrepreneurial side, I’m excited about expanding Caliwater and other ventures, but my heart will always be in storytelling—whether that’s through film, TV, or other creative outlets.
PHOTOGRAPHY: MANFRED BAUMANN
MAKE-UP: NELLY BAUMANN
