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Celebrities are just like us... they also work from home during a global pandemic.
For the past few months, actors, celebrities, and politicians have been calling into virtual interviews, going live on social media, and having Zoom calls galore to do press, speak on current events, and communicate with fans. And with each celebrity Zoom call, we received small glimpses into their home lives.
Some big names like the Obamas and Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared to video chat from their home offices. Others, like Martha Stewart, Jane Fonda, and Oprah called in from an impressive kitchen or living room. But unfortunately, not everyone seems to take their backdrops into consideration before hopping on a video call.
If you haven't been meticulously keeping tabs on celebrity Zoom calls, have no fear. The Twitter account @ratemyskyperoom (aka Room Rater) is here to do all the work for you. Since April, the account has been screenshotting and rating noteworthy rooms from celebrities on video calls. Some of the most impressive receive a 10/10 rating, and some especially upsetting rooms receive scores in the negatives.
![Rater Rater](/uploads/1/1/8/6/118696348/631365785.jpeg)
In an effort to celebrate Room Rater's tireless efforts, we've compiled a list 10 of the worst celebrity Zoom backdrops, and 11 of the best. Please enjoy this carefully curated selection of the best and worst views of celebrity homes, as seen on Zoom, as seen on Twitter.
Best: Barack and Michelle Obama
Getting a peek inside the former president and first lady's house was a real honor. Barack and Michelle have made several video addresses in front of these tasteful white shelves, where they have everything from books and flowers, to dog figurines and a football displayed. 10/10!
How to president by @BarackObama 10/10 pic.twitter.com/yPsgBqAEOj
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 3, 2020
Worst: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Though AOC is one of the most influential politicians around, she didn't choose the best video background. The curtain helped a bit but still too drab.
A well lit hostage video. With curtain. Slow but steady progress. 3/10. @AOCpic.twitter.com/QjTiRnnlRW
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 5, 2020
SEE ALSO: Here's what a Zoom call would look like on 'The Office'
Best: Martha Stewart
It should surprise absolutely no one that Martha Stewart's house is gorgeous and she found a delightful background for video chatting. The queen of the kitchen gives a nice look at her open shelves and even invited her two pups to get in frame. 10/10!
Spectatular. As one would expect. Would the gate stop Ghengis Khan from invading? Made insider trading cool way before @SenatorLoeffler tried to. 10/10 @MarthaStewartpic.twitter.com/UlgcNi7676
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 7, 2020
Worst: Tom Brady
Tom Brady's early attempts at finding the perfect video chat backdrop were embarrassing. Some might say his efforts fell as flat as a deflated football. Brady tried to make a comeback, and he obviously did better, but we're still not over how awful the first try was.
New room. Looks like the lobby of a hotel. #Deflategate will live in infamy forever. Go Pack! 2/10 @TomBrady@Patriotshttps://t.co/ZlKHjXUUmXpic.twitter.com/M1IykgietS
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 8, 2020
Best: Dr. Anthony Fauci
People on Twitter fell hard for Dr. Anthony Fauci's home office. Complete with books, photos, plants, windows, medals, and more, Fauci's workspace screams 'chaotic good.' 10/10!
Looks familiar. Trying to place him. Some sort of doctor. Love the plants. What’s the medal for? 10/10 #DrFauciSaveUspic.twitter.com/U1rYR053cI
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 2, 2020
Worst: Jessica Chastain
Much like AOC, the plain white backdrop is not working here. Especially because a white sweater is also involved!
Not interstellar. Bleak. Reposition. Add color. Art. Time for a rescue mission. 4/10 @jes_chastainpic.twitter.com/lgaAud3uaF
Room Rater
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 7, 2020
Best: Jane Fonda
As always, Jane Fonda came to slay. The actress and activist called into CNN wearing a black turtleneck and beret and behind her was a gorgeous fireplace and some truly cozy decor. 10/10!
Elegant, classic room. Love the fireplace and decor. Nice hat/beret. Tends to make fascists angry. 10/10 @Janefondapic.twitter.com/stECuABM8J
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 1, 2020
Worst:Jack Dorsey
Hmm. Feels like the CEO of Twitter should be better at using technology.
‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ 1/10 @jackpic.twitter.com/i6mIX79513
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 6, 2020
Best: Bryan Stevenson
It is very possible that Bryan Stevenson — lawyer, author, social justice activist, and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative — has one of the most impressive offices of all time. Awards galore? Books galore? Papers scattered in what I assume is perfectly organized mess? We love to see it. 10/10!
A social justice advocate needs a room just like this. Thank you for your work. @cnn@FareedZakaria not cool to cut Bryan Stevenson off. 10/10 @eji_orgpic.twitter.com/sOxgkE7cOr
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) May 31, 2020
Worst: Cory Booker
Sorry Cory, but this background gives off real hostage video vibes. Try sitting truly anywhere else next time.
Cory is still being held hostage, but the kidnappers let him get changed and gave him a comfy couch. 3/10 @CoryBookerpic.twitter.com/VWcISyG1Kb
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 11, 2020
Best: Oprah
The caption says it all: 'Lighting. Framing. Flowers. Toaster.' Did you really think even for a second that Oprah would disappoint? Nancy Meyers would love. 10/10!
Lighting. Framing. Flowers. Toaster. 10/10 @Oprahpic.twitter.com/7LtL2rHCVV
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 2, 2020
Worst: Candace Bure
Listen, we're not asking to see Candace's full house, but there has to be a better spot to hop on a video call.
Need to completely reposition. Focus on the painting or change rooms. 3/10 @candacecburepic.twitter.com/JgXGZw57Wm
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 6, 2020
Best: Rep. John Lewis
An iconic backdrop for an iconic man. Great staircase, great art, great door. 10/10!
Icon. Love the stairs. Art. Composition. The whole guiding light thing works. We’d close door 10/10 @repjohnlewispic.twitter.com/3p80WLwVmh
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 4, 2020
Worst: Carole Baskin
I mean, the plain backdrop might not be so bad if she were wearing a more neutral color. Sadly, I can't look at this image without thinking of Barney the dinosaur.
It’s a jungle out there. Exotic cat hostage video. 1/10 @carole_baskinpic.twitter.com/k67AuHyaJd
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 2, 2020
Best: Pete Buttigieg (eventually)
Much like Tom Brady, Pete Buttigieg's early video call framing was rough. It's a new month, though, and Pete's reorganized his book shelves, grown back some hair, and repositioned his camera. Proud of you, sir. 10/10!
Recovered and then some. Plant. Flower (peony). Angle. Light. 10/10 @PeteButtigieghttps://t.co/2OcV0KiScmpic.twitter.com/eshoL8FAR7
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 4, 2020
Worst: Nikki Haley
I don't think it's cool to prop your own book up in the back of your shot like that — is it? Feels bad to me.
Judging by this room, it appears @NikkiHaley isn’t living her best life since selling her soul. We also frown on blatant self promotion. Safe face. 0/10. pic.twitter.com/iAtigx1rG3
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 8, 2020
Best: Jimmy Fallon
Late night host Jimmy Fallon has experience working in front of a nice backdrop, and it clearly helped him scout out some great places to video chat in his own home. You can see another winning Fallon backdrop here. 10/10!
Love the cubicles. Tone and texture. Atonement is good but no one questions your character. 10/10 @jimmyfallonpic.twitter.com/ouaZcUpNKi
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 2, 2020
Worst: Jason Sudeikis
Jason, you know what? This backdrop might not be so terrible if you get some better lighting and raise the camera a bit. Still could use a little color, though.
Nice matching hat to window frame. Sort of. Hasn’t tweeted but when he does his tweets will show up here. @jasonsudeikis 3/10 pic.twitter.com/2ax9OEobj1
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 7, 2020
Best: Taika Waititi
That mirror! That throne! That textured wall! And a real microphone in frame? This is a Zoom setting fit for royalty. 10/10!
The chair gets a 8 by itself. @TaikaWaititi reading James and the Giant Peach is 10/10. pic.twitter.com/IW0yfuyvD6
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 5, 2020
Worst: Alex O'Brien
While not technically a house, Meteorologist Alex O'Brien's an unfortunate green screen/antler incident deserves a shout out. This background is pretty bad... but like, GOOD bad.
A caughtionary tale. https://t.co/P51WrFughA
Room Rater Pine
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 12, 2020
Room Rater 10/10
Best: Matt James
On Friday, ABC announced that Matt James would become The Bachelor's first Black lede. James called into interviews all morning, and honestly? He had one of the greatest background we've ever seen. Love the sight of natural light bouncing off of a salmon-colored jacket.
What took so long? This room is like a cool breeze on a hot day. Raising the camera would be our only suggestion. Thanks, @BachelorABC. 10/10 @mattjames919pic.twitter.com/CZDhTaIrac
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) June 12, 2020
Room Rater Jonathan Lemire
So there you have it, everyone. Next time you're about to call into an online meeting or Zoom with your friends, put just a tiny bit of effort into your background. You never know who might screenshot it.