Kristen Stewart Voices Anger Over Hollywood's Backsliding for Female Professionals
Kristen Stewart has stated she is “furious” that advancements for female directors in Hollywood have reversed after a short-lived surge of improvement following the MeToo movement.
The Twilight star, who helmed the forthcoming film The Chronology of Water, gave an emotional address at a female-focused event in Los Angeles organized by the Academy behind the awards.
“The backsliding from a brief moment of progress is statistically devastating,” she told the audience. “A disappointingly low figure of films from the previous year have been made by women.”
An annual report that monitors the presence of female filmmakers revealed that 11 of the top 100 films of 2024 were directed by women, down from sixteen in the year 2020.
‘Male-Dominated Industry Model’
During her speech, Stewart said: “In a post-MeToo moment, it seemed possible that narratives made by and for women were finally getting their due. That we might be allowed or even supported to share our views and our shared experiences, all of our experiences without filter.
“However, I can confirm to the intense struggle that it takes every step when the material is too dark, too taboo, when the honesty with which it serves up observations about experiences commonly faced by females, frequently provokes aversion and dismissal.”
She added: “We can discuss pay disparities and menstrual product taxes and measure [inequality] in lots of quantifiable ways. But the violence of silencing, it’s like we’re not allowed to feel rage. But I could devour this stand with a utensil and sharp tool. I’m furious.”
Attendees listening to Stewart’s speech included a number of well-known female stars.
Stewart was met with multiple ovations over the course of her seven-minute speech.
“I appreciate you,” she said. “I do not thank a boys’ club business model that claims to desire to associate with us while siphoning our resources and belittling our true perspectives. Let’s try and not be tokenised. Let’s start printing our own currency.”
New films from several female directors are in the running for the next Academy Awards, but the best director category is once again expected to be dominated by men.
