Julia Stiles Breaks Down After Dancing With the Stars Judges’ Criticism as Ezra Sosa Offers Support

Julia Stiles found herself facing an emotional moment backstage after receiving a disappointing score on Dancing With the Stars — but her professional partner, Ezra Sosa, was there to help her through it.

The 10 Things I Hate About You and Save the Last Dance star revealed that she had a “big old cry fest” in her trailer after she and Sosa earned 16 out of 30 points for their tango.

Despite the difficult night, Stiles said she is determined to learn from the judges’ criticism and return to the dance floor with a renewed focus.

Julia Stiles Admits the DWTS Score Hit Hard

Following Tuesday’s live episode, Stiles spoke with E! News about her reaction to the judges’ assessment.

She admitted that she was struggling to process the result after putting significant effort into rehearsals.

“To be completely honest, I’m not feeling great,” Stiles said.

The actress explained that one of the most challenging aspects of Dancing With the Stars is that preparation does not necessarily determine how a performance will be received on live television.

“The crazy thing about this show — which I knew going into it — is that you can have great run-throughs, you can have great rehearsals, but really, all that matters is what ends up on television,” she said.

Stiles Had a ‘Big Old Cry Fest’ in Her Trailer

After receiving the judges’ feedback, Stiles said she needed some time away from the cameras to process what had happened.

“I had a big old cry fest in my trailer,” she revealed.

Fortunately, she did not have to deal with the disappointment alone.

Stiles said Sosa stayed by her side and offered comfort while she worked through her emotions.

“And he was right there with me, so patiently and so sympathetically,” she said.

Sosa also returned the compliment, making it clear that he felt equally fortunate to have Stiles as his celebrity partner.

“She says ‘I have a fantastic partner,’ I’m gonna say the same thing. I have a great partner,” Sosa said.

He then reassured Stiles directly.

“And you were so good tonight. You were incredible,” he told her.

Why Did Julia Stiles Receive 16 Out of 30?

Stiles and Sosa performed a tango to Teddy Swims’ “The Door.”

The pair received scores of 5, 6 and 5, bringing their combined judges’ score to 16 out of 30.

The judges acknowledged aspects of the performance while pointing out areas where Stiles still needed to improve.

Bruno Tonioli praised Stiles for embracing a different persona and compared the character she was channeling to Sharon Stone.

However, he also noted that the routine contained some mistakes.

“There were a few stumbles,” Tonioli said, adding that Stiles had “lost the flow a little bit” at points during the tango.

He nevertheless encouraged her not to become discouraged, emphasizing that attempting unfamiliar things is part of the learning process.

Carrie Ann Inaba Addresses Stiles’ Posture

Carrie Ann Inaba focused on Stiles’ physicality during the routine, particularly her posture.

Inaba said Stiles’ approach could sometimes work against her because she appeared stiff during moments when she needed to relax and release some of that tension.

“It is so amazing and it’s special, but it’s also working against you,” Inaba explained.

At the same time, Inaba acknowledged Stiles’ willingness to challenge herself.

“I appreciate that you are going for it,” she told the actress.

Stiles and Sosa Avoid Elimination

Although the 16-point score was disappointing for Stiles, she and Sosa were not eliminated from the competition.

Instead, Giada De Laurentiis and professional partner Alan Bersten were sent home.

That gives Stiles and Sosa another opportunity to apply the judges’ advice and demonstrate improvement in the next round.

For Stiles, the experience appears to have reinforced the importance of staying open rather than allowing criticism to shut her down.

Julia Stiles Wants to Keep Learning

Looking ahead to Week 3, Stiles and Sosa are preparing a routine set to a yacht-rock song.

The actress said her main goal is no longer simply to achieve a particular score. Instead, she wants to remain receptive to the experience and continue developing as a dancer.

“It’s all a learning process,” Stiles said.

“My goal now is really to just keep letting people in and not shut down.”

That mindset could prove important as Stiles continues her Dancing With the Stars journey, particularly as she adjusts to performing live under the scrutiny of the judges and viewers.

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams on Disney+.