A'zion: The Rise of a Versatile Screen Talent
From her early days as a supporting actress to her emergence as a critically acclaimed lead, A'zion has carved out a distinct space in modern cinema and television. Known for her ability to navigate diverse genres—ranging from gritty teen dramas to psychological horror—she has quickly become a name to watch in the entertainment industry.
Key Facts
- Early Credit: Initially credited as Odessa Adlon.
- Breakout Role: Starred as Joey Del Marco in the Netflix series Grand Army.
- Award Recognition: Nominated for the Astra Film Award and the 32nd Actor Awards for her work in Marty Supreme.
- Genre Range: Extensive work in horror (Hellraiser, The Inhabitant), comedy (Fam), and crime thrillers.
Early Career and Breakthrough
A'zion's professional journey began in 2017, where she was credited as Odessa Adlon. Her first notable appearance was as Liv in the fifth season of the series Nashville. She further honed her craft with roles in the 2018 film Ladyworld, the 2020 one-shot horror film Let's Scare Julie, and a brief appearance in two episodes of Wayne.
Her transition into more prominent roles began in 2019 when she joined the CBS sitcom Fam as Shannon, the younger sister of the character played by Nina Dobrev. However, it was her casting as Joey Del Marco in the 2020 Netflix series Grand Army—a role based on the lead character from Slut: The Play—that brought her widespread critical acclaim alongside co-star Odley Jean.
Expanding into Film and Horror
Following her success on television, A'zion expanded her filmography into independent cinema and the horror genre. In 2021, she appeared as Lana in the independent comedy Mark, Mary & Some Other People. The following year, 2022, marked a significant shift toward lead roles, starring in the Hellraiser reboot and The Inhabitant, while also providing supporting performances in Am I Ok? and Good Girl Jane.
In 2023, she demonstrated her versatility in the comedy-drama Sitting in Bars with Cake, starring opposite Yara Shahidi. Her commitment to diverse storytelling continued with her casting in Fresh Kills, a project written and directed by Jennifer Esposito.
Recent Projects and Critical Acclaim
A'zion has continued to take on high-profile roles, including playing Nina Riley in the film adaptation of the popular video game Until Dawn, released on April 25, 2025. Her recent work also includes the crime thriller She Rides Shotgun, directed by Nick Rowland, and a starring role in the HBO series I Love LA, created by Rachel Sennott.
One of her most prestigious roles came in Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme, appearing alongside Timothee Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tyler, the Creator. This performance earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Astra Film Award. Additionally, at the 32nd Actor Awards, she received nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
| Year | Project | Role | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Fam | Shannon | TV Series |
| 2020 | Grand Army | Joey Del Marco | TV Series |
| 2022 | Hellraiser | Lead Role | Film |
| 2025 | Until Dawn | Nina Riley | Film |
| 2025 | Marty Supreme | Supporting Role | Film |
Industry Integrity and Casting
In January 2026, A'zion was cast as Zoe Gutierrez in Sean Durkin's film adaptation of Deep Cuts. However, the casting sparked controversy as the character was written as Mexican, leading to accusations of whitewashing (the practice of casting white actors in roles intended for people of color). A'zion addressed the backlash, stating she was unaware of the character's ethnicity, and subsequently withdrew from the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was A'zion's first notable role?
Her first notable role was playing Liv in season 5 of the series Nashville in 2017, during which she was credited as Odessa Adlon.
Which role brought A'zion critical acclaim?
She received significant critical acclaim for her portrayal of Joey Del Marco in the 2020 Netflix series Grand Army.
What awards has A'zion been nominated for?
For her role in Marty Supreme, she was nominated for the Astra Film Award for Best Supporting Actress and received two nominations at the 32nd Actor Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
Why did A'zion leave the project Deep Cuts?
She backed out of the project after it was revealed that her character, Zoe Gutierrez, was written as Mexican, as she had been unaware of the character's ethnicity and wished to address concerns regarding whitewashing.
In which video game adaptation does A'zion star?
A'zion plays the character Nina Riley in the film Until Dawn, which is based on the popular video game of the same name.