Actresses face harsh realities in Hollywood, with Kristen Stewart revealing that they are often "treated like shit." The Twilight star made this statement during an interview with The Times of London while promoting her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water.
Stewart's comments come as a stark contrast to the experience she had after being recognized as a director. According to her, people started treating her with respect and engaging in intelligent conversations once she was seen in that light. "They're talking to me like I'm somebody with a brain," Stewart said, highlighting the disparity between how actors are perceived as individuals versus those behind the camera.
The veteran actress noted that this perception is often perpetuated by men, who seem to have an otherworldly ability to direct. However, this notion is far from the truth. Stewart emphasized that female actors face a unique set of challenges, being "treated like puppets" rather than being acknowledged as individuals with agency and skill.
The directorial debut of The Chronology of Water marks a significant shift for Stewart, who has made a name for herself in Hollywood playing complex characters. The film, which premiered at Cannes 2025, stars Imogen Poots as Lidia, a woman navigating her traumatic past through competitive swimming and writing. Stewart's own journey from actress to director was marked by a newfound sense of respect and recognition from industry professionals.
This statement from Stewart is not an isolated incident. She has previously spoken out about the experiences of women in Hollywood, highlighting the disparity between how male actors are perceived versus female ones. In a recent profile with the New York Times, she noted that men are often "aggrandized for retaining self" in their craft, while women don't receive the same treatment.
Ultimately, Stewart's comments serve as a powerful reminder of the need to challenge these biases and recognize the value and skill of women behind the camera. As she navigates her new role as a director, Stewart is helping to pave the way for future generations of female filmmakers.
Stewart's comments come as a stark contrast to the experience she had after being recognized as a director. According to her, people started treating her with respect and engaging in intelligent conversations once she was seen in that light. "They're talking to me like I'm somebody with a brain," Stewart said, highlighting the disparity between how actors are perceived as individuals versus those behind the camera.
The veteran actress noted that this perception is often perpetuated by men, who seem to have an otherworldly ability to direct. However, this notion is far from the truth. Stewart emphasized that female actors face a unique set of challenges, being "treated like puppets" rather than being acknowledged as individuals with agency and skill.
The directorial debut of The Chronology of Water marks a significant shift for Stewart, who has made a name for herself in Hollywood playing complex characters. The film, which premiered at Cannes 2025, stars Imogen Poots as Lidia, a woman navigating her traumatic past through competitive swimming and writing. Stewart's own journey from actress to director was marked by a newfound sense of respect and recognition from industry professionals.
This statement from Stewart is not an isolated incident. She has previously spoken out about the experiences of women in Hollywood, highlighting the disparity between how male actors are perceived versus female ones. In a recent profile with the New York Times, she noted that men are often "aggrandized for retaining self" in their craft, while women don't receive the same treatment.
Ultimately, Stewart's comments serve as a powerful reminder of the need to challenge these biases and recognize the value and skill of women behind the camera. As she navigates her new role as a director, Stewart is helping to pave the way for future generations of female filmmakers.