Washington DC [US], May 4 (ANI): Actor-filmmaker Olivia Wilde has responded to online criticism of her appearance during an interview at the San Francisco International Film Festival, where she was promoting her upcoming film The Invite, reported People.

Wilde addressed the viral moment on her Instagram Stories, sharing a clip that juxtaposed her interview image with Gollum from The Lord of the Rings.

'Leave it to your little brother to give you the maximum amount....,' she captioned the video, featuring her brother Charlie Cockburn teasing her about the comparisons.

In the clip, Cockburn jokingly asked, 'Olivia Wilde, do you care to address recent rumors that you're a resurrected corpse?,' reported People.

Responding with humour, Wilde attributed the unusual look to camera distortion. 'Listen, that's a fish-eye lens. And I admit, is that my best angle? Was that my best-ever look? No. No, it's startling. It's a startling image,' she said.

She further explained that the lens and her proximity to the camera contributed to the effect. 'It was a fish-eye lens. I don't know why I was so close to the camera. I didn't have to be. That's not the truth,' she added, laughing.

The original interview, conducted by the San Francisco Chronicle, drew widespread attention online, with social media users commenting on her appearance. Some compared her look to having 'found the one ring,' referencing the iconic fantasy franchise.

The Invite marks Wilde's third directorial venture after Booksmart and Don't Worry Darling. The film, adapted from the Spanish movie The People Upstairs, follows a troubled couple hosting a dinner party that takes an unexpected turn, reported People.

The project opened the film festival and earlier received a standing ovation at the Sundance Film Festival in January, reported People.

Wilde also stars in the film alongside Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. The screenplay is written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, as reported by People. (ANI)