Meet the interpreters who help make film press tours global

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You may see them onstage during a Q&A or at an awards show speaking someone else’s words, yet you rarely learn their names.As Americans more readily embrace world cinema and non-English languages, The Envelope spoke with six interpreters about the complexities of a role that has become increasingly visible and valuable — and, for a change, turned the spotlight on their underappreciated work.Growing up in Argentina, Tidona never imagined she’d work in Hollywood.

Moving to Los Angeles at 23, she initially served as a clinical interpreter and court interpreter.But then she was asked to assist Argentine actor Griselda Siciliani during the promotional campaign for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 2022 dark comedy “Bardo.” Suddenly, she found herself onstage at the TCL Chinese Theatre.“I think it seats a thousand people,” she recalls.

“There’s very powerful lights.It’s packed.

I’m not an actress, I’m not trained to be onstage.” But Tidona wasn’t nervous — she relished the experience.“I was like, ‘I’d love to do more of this — I think I’m good at it.’”In subsequent years, she’s interpreted for directors like Rodrigo Moreno and the Oscar-nominated sound team from “Sirāt.” Before interpreting for film professionals, she had never been whisked to places like the Chateau Marmont.

“It’s like you’re a fly on the wall, especially if you’re riding in the car with the talent,” says Tidona.“But you have to be invisible.

Your job doesn’t begin until they start giving an interview.You’re just, literally, along for the ride.

They let their guard down — they’re being their natural selves.But I am used to interpreting for big corporations, people that are in jail for homicide.

So whatever happens, their secrets are safe with me.”This Oscar season, Dayani was a fixture alongside Jafar Panahi at Q&As and awards even...