Kate Winslet, the Oscar-winning actress known for her powerful performances and versatility, has recently opened up about a family tradition—or rather, the lack thereof—surrounding one of her most beloved films, The Holiday. Despite its enduring popularity as a festive favorite, Winslet revealed that her family never watches the 2006 romantic comedy, a revelation that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the private world of a celebrated performer.
Speaking candidly, Winslet explained that the discomfort she feels watching her own performances is so profound that it has shaped her family’s viewing habits. "Almost everything I’ve been in I’ve only seen once," she admitted, according to BBC. She described the experience as "excruciating," a sentiment that resonates with many actors who find self-scrutiny on screen to be a uniquely challenging ordeal. As a result, her family has chosen to avoid The Holiday—despite its status as a global holiday staple—out of respect for her feelings.
"No, we haven’t seen The Holiday for years," Winslet stated, underscoring just how deeply this discomfort runs. The film, co-starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black, is cherished by millions for its heartwarming plot and picturesque settings. Yet, in the Winslet household, it remains conspicuously absent from the holiday playlist. This unusual family tradition highlights the personal boundaries that even the most public figures maintain within their private lives.
Winslet’s frankness about her aversion to watching herself on screen is not unique among actors. According to MixVale, many performers find viewing their finished work to be a critical, often uncomfortable process, driven by a relentless desire for perfection or a sense of detachment from their on-screen personas. For Winslet, this discomfort is so profound that it has become a defining feature of her family’s approach to her filmography. Her loved ones support her by steering clear of her movies, fostering an environment that prioritizes her personal well-being over the allure of her acclaimed work.
Interestingly, this family dynamic stands in stark contrast to the film’s cultural impact. The Holiday has maintained a strong presence in popular culture since its release, becoming a staple for many during the festive period. Its universal themes of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness continue to resonate with audiences across generations. The film’s enduring appeal is a testament to its well-crafted story and the magnetic performances of its cast, creating a festive tradition for countless households worldwide. According to MixVale, the movie’s ability to evoke specific emotions and memories has cemented its status as a modern classic, making it a cherished part of the holiday experience for many.
While The Holiday remains a perennial favorite among viewers, Winslet’s career has spanned a remarkable range of genres and roles. From her iconic turn in Titanic to her critically acclaimed performances in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Mare of Easttown, Winslet has consistently chosen projects that challenge her artistic range. Her dedication to complex, substantive narratives has earned her numerous accolades—including an Academy Award—and established her as one of her generation’s most respected performers. As MixVale notes, her versatility and commitment to authenticity shine through in every role, whether she’s portraying historical figures or modern-day detectives.
Winslet’s family is no stranger to the film industry. Two of her three children, Mia Threapleton (25) and Joe Anders (21), are forging their own paths in cinema. Mia has already made waves, starring alongside Benicio del Toro in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme and co-starring with her mother in the BAFTA-winning TV drama I Am Ruth. Joe, on the other hand, wrote the screenplay for Goodbye June and appeared with Winslet in Lee. He also had a small role in the acclaimed war film 1917, which was directed by his father, Sam Mendes.
Despite their familial ties, both Mia and Joe are determined to establish their own identities within the industry. They have chosen to work under different surnames, a deliberate move to distance themselves from the "nepo baby" label—a term that has gained traction in recent years to describe the children of celebrities who enter the same profession. Winslet finds the label offensive and insists that her children’s careers are the result of their passion and hard work, not nepotism. "The film would have been made with or without me," she asserted, praising the strength of Joe’s script for Goodbye June. Joe echoed this sentiment, stating, "I don’t want people to think this film is just being made because you’re my mum."
Goodbye June represents a significant milestone for the Winslet family. Inspired by the late mother of Kate Winslet, the film centers on siblings who come together during palliative care at Christmas to honor their mother. Winslet described the film as "very, very uplifting," emphasizing that it is not about death but about celebrating life. The project is also notable as Winslet’s directorial debut, a role she felt ready to embrace now that her children are older. "I’ve been a mum since I was 25, and that was my priority alongside acting," she reflected. Drawing from over three decades of experience in front of the camera, Winslet feels well-prepared to take on the challenges of directing. She also acknowledged the hurdles female directors face, noting the skepticism that often surrounds women in leadership roles within the industry. "I’ve learnt everything," she said, stressing the importance of more women entering directing to change the culture of filmmaking.
Goodbye June is currently available in cinemas and will premiere on Netflix on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, offering audiences an uplifting alternative to traditional holiday fare. Meanwhile, for those who wish to revisit The Holiday, the film remains accessible on BBC iPlayer. Winslet’s openness about her family’s viewing habits, her children’s independent pursuits, and her own journey from actor to director paint a picture of a family navigating the entertainment industry on their own terms, grounded in creative passion and mutual respect.
In a world where celebrity lives are often scrutinized and assumptions about privilege abound, the Winslet family stands out for their candidness, work ethic, and insistence on forging their own paths—both on and off the screen.
