Meet Actress, Filmmaker, & Model Livia Pillmann
The Hungarian-born beauty stuns in a new photo shoot by Maxim photographer Antoine Verglas.
Anyone can declare themself an aspiring actress or screenwriter. But when you’ve taken film festival awards, appeared on-screen alongside an A-lister, and landed a role in a legendary filmmaker’s upcoming project, no declarations are needed.
Such is the case with Livia Pillmann, a Hungarian-born actress, writer, and filmmaker in her own right. She played the female lead in 2024’s The Contract opposite a devilish Kevin Spacey and prolific character actor Eric Roberts. She took Best Actress and Best Rising Star at the Madrid International Short Film Festival, as well as the Rising Star Award at the Capri Hollywood Film Festival.
She also slays in these photo selects captured by veteran Maxim photographer Antoine Verglas. But her crowning achievement has to be a role in an upcoming film by auteur Oliver Stone. She can’t give many details yet, but read on to find out which of Stone’s pictures she loves and more:
You write, direct, and act. Which duty do you find most fulfilling?
Acting will always be my first love. There is something magical about stepping into another person’s world and bringing a character to life. That said, writing is incredibly fulfilling because it allows me to create worlds and characters from nothing. Directing combines both sides of the process and gives me the opportunity to shape the overall vision. If I had to choose one, acting is what excites me the most. It’s where I feel the most connected and alive.
Can you tell us a little about your process for each?
As an actor, I begin by understanding the character’s emotional life—what they want, what they’re afraid of, and what drives them. I spend a lot of time building their backstory, even if it never appears on screen. As a writer, I usually start with a character or a powerful image that won’t leave my mind. From there, I build the story around emotional truth and conflict. When directing, I focus on collaboration. I enjoy working closely with actors and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. My goal is always to serve the story.
Which filmmakers inspire you the most?
Oliver Stone is one of my biggest inspirations. I’ve admired his work for years because of the courage, intelligence, and emotional intensity he brings to his films. He isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and his storytelling always feels bold and deeply human. I’m also inspired by Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Kathryn Bigelow, Christopher Nolan, and Steven Spielberg. Each of them has a unique voice and an incredible ability to immerse audiences in their worlds.
What are your favorite films?
Some of my favorite films include Interview with the Vampire, Natural Born Killers, Platoon, Gladiator, The Silence of the Lambs, The Departed, Inception, and The Hunger. I love films that combine strong storytelling with memorable characters and emotional depth. The movies that stay with me are the ones that make me feel something profound while also entertaining me.
You’ve been cast in an Oliver Stone movie. Can you tell me about that project? How did you get the part?
Working on an Oliver Stone film is truly a dream come true for me. Oliver Stone has been one of my favorite filmmakers for many years, so having the opportunity to work with him is incredibly special and something I am deeply grateful for. At the moment, I can’t share too many details about the project, but I can say that I’m extremely excited to be involved. Like most opportunities in this industry, it came through a combination of preparation, persistence, and being ready when the opportunity presented itself. As an actor, you spend years working toward moments like this, and I’m honored to be part of it.
What’s your favorite Oliver Stone film and why?
Natural Born Killers has always stood out to me because of how fearless and original it is. The film takes creative risks, pushes boundaries, and has a visual style and energy that is completely unique. I admire films that challenge audiences while remaining entertaining, and Oliver Stone accomplished that brilliantly. I love films that combine strong storytelling with memorable characters and emotional depth. The movies that stay with me are the ones that make me feel something profound while also transporting me into another world. I also love Platoon because of its emotional honesty and the way it explores the human cost of war.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far, but I feel like I’m only getting started. My goal is to continue telling meaningful stories, whether that’s through acting, writing, or producing. I want to create work that inspires people, challenges perspectives, and leaves a lasting impact. Most importantly, I hope my journey encourages others to keep pursuing their dreams, even when the path seems difficult. The best stories often come from perseverance.
