The actress and director Expresses Fury Over Hollywood's Regression for Female Professionals
The renowned actress and filmmaker has stated she is “so angry” that progress for women in the film industry have reversed after a brief period of positive change following the MeToo movement.
Stewart, who helmed the upcoming film her latest project, gave an impassioned address at a women’s luncheon in Los Angeles organized by the Academy behind the awards.
“The backsliding from a brief moment of advancement is statistically devastating,” she told the audience. “A disappointingly low figure of films from the past year have been made by women.”
A yearly study that monitors the presence of women directors revealed that eleven of the top 100 films of last year were helmed by female directors, a decrease from 16 in 2020.
‘Boys’ Club Business Model’
During her speech, Stewart remarked: “In a post-MeToo moment, it appeared likely that narratives made by and for women were finally getting their due. That we could be permitted or even encouraged to share our views and our common stories, all of our experiences without filter.
“However, I can confirm to the intense struggle that it requires at each stage when the content is too dark, too taboo, when the frankness with which it serves up observations about situations routinely experienced by women, often elicits aversion and dismissal.”
She added: “We can talk about wage gaps and taxes on tampons and measure [inequality] in lots of quantifiable ways. But the violence of silencing, it’s like we’re not even supposed to be angry. But I can eat this podium with a utensil and sharp tool. I’m so angry.”
Attendees hearing Stewart’s address included several prominent actresses.
Stewart received several rounds of applause during the duration of her seven-minute speech.
“I appreciate you,” she stated. “I do not thank a male-centric industry framework that claims to desire to hang out with us while draining our assets and belittling our true perspectives. Let’s try and not be tokenised. It’s time to create our own value.”
New films from several female directors are among those for the next Academy Awards, but the best director category is once again expected to be dominated by men.
