OUT100: Gregg Araki

Photography by JUCO | Retouching by Anna Glen at Wet Noodle

The Moment: March 17, 1972: John Waters's Pink Flamingos is released.

There was no escaping YA-cinema "It" girl Shailene Woodley this year, but only one director truly showcased the actress as a blooming young adult--wayward, perplexed, and taking ravenous hold of her sexuality. Angst and erogenous zones have always been Gregg Araki's specialties, and they were back in full force in his Woodley vehicle White Bird in a Blizzard, an auteuristic mystery with queer DNA. Araki says "2014 started with a bang" thanks to the movie's Sundance premiere, and while its plot has the poignant curveballs always thrown by the lifelong Californian (who'll never forget the debut of marriage equality in his state), it's streaked with camp reminiscent of his beloved John Waters. "He's my hero," Araki says. "When I die, I want to go wherever John is going." Amen.

Photographed in Los Angeles on August 19, 2014

Styling by Kyle Blackmon. Groomer: Leah Rial for Exclusive Artists

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