Nicole Kidman, the Academy Award-winning actress, is continuing to challenge the gender dynamics of Hollywood through her steadfast commitment to supporting female directors. Since she declared at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival her intention to work with at least one female director every 18 months, Kidman has significantly surpassed this goal, collaborating with 19 women filmmakers over the past eight years.
The push for gender parity has become increasingly urgent, especially as recent reports indicate stagnation in the representation of female directors within the industry. According to UCLA's 2024 Hollywood Diversity Report, only 14.7% of theatrically released films last year were helmed by women. Despite this, Kidman remains undeterred and vocal about the importance of changing the narrative around women filmmakers. "It can be changed," Kidman stated emphatically in a recent interview with Time. "But it can only be changed by actually being in the films of women."
Kidman's commitment to female directors also acknowledges the unique challenges they face, particularly those making their debut. She noted how first-time female directors often bear the weight of unrealistic perfectionism imposed by the male-dominated industry, which can create additional pressure. The actress is aware of the high stakes involved and wants to be part of the solution. "Realizing it is just you've got to roll up your sleeves and do it," she explained. "And being consistent and determined to do it."
Her latest collaboration, the erotic thriller Babygirl, showcases Kidman's willingness to push her own boundaries as she portrays the character of a successful CEO who embarks on an affair with a younger intern. The film, directed and written by Halina Reijn, has received attention for the depth of Kidman's performance. Reijn openly expressed her admiration, stating, "Seeing her act for me is like an exorcism; she goes beyond ego, beyond sanity and beyond fear."
Kidman's other recent projects include working with directors like Vicky Jensen and Jorge Blanco on the animated film Spellbound, as well as Karyn Kusama on the thriller Destroyer. She continues to actively seek out opportunities to work alongside women filmmakers, reinforcing her role as not only an actress but also as a producer advocating for more inclusive narratives. Her upcoming project, Holland, directed by Mimi Cave, is set to premiere at SXSW next month.
While Kidman’s achievements are commendable, they illuminate the broader dialogue about representation of women behind the camera. The disparity remains stark, and many hope Kidman's advocacy serves as inspiration for others within and outside Hollywood to join the cause. The actress's unwavering stance shines particularly bright as the industry faces increased skepticism and critiques of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Kidman's dedication to including female directors has not only brought her recognition but has sparked conversations about the roles women should play both on screen and behind it.
Critically, Kidman’s achievements are often juxtaposed with fellow actress Natalie Portman. Portman is no stranger to the topic of female representation—she famously donned a dress at the Oscars emblazoned with the names of women directors who were overlooked for nominations. Yet, some of the reactions to Portman's activism suggest dismissal and misinterpretation of her efforts compared to Kidman's. The two actresses, who are friends, have been pitted against one another by audiences who question Portman’s commitment to the cause.
It's worth noting, too, Kidman isn’t the only actress championing female directors—others like Gugu Mbatha-Raw have also significantly worked with female filmmakers throughout their careers. The focus shouldn't solely rely on individual efforts but rather on creating collective momentum to overcome systemic hurdles faced by women artists.
Reflecting on her own career and the emotional toll it can take, Kidman admitted she's faced moments of doubt and reconsideration at times, especially when projects did not stimulate her creativity or faced overwhelming criticism. This raw honesty about her struggles is indicative of the pressures many actors encounter, regardless of gender.
Kidman emphasized the importance of trust and emotional vulnerability when taking on new roles, highlighting how collaborative connections with filmmakers can fortify the acting process. "It’s how I approach all of my relationships. I’ve been hurt because of [trust], but I’m still not jaded," she remarked. Kidman's transparency highlights the significance of mutual respect and confidence as foundational elements for successfully bringing stories to life.
Overall, Kidman's contribution extends beyond her own filmography; it’s about leading by example and challenging the status quo. She embodies the notion of actively paving the way for future generations of women filmmakers, reminding us all of the necessity to champion their voices and stories. Her tireless efforts show there is room for optimism. One can hope her legacy will inspire both institutional changes and encourage other actresses to challenge themselves to support female directors as they have done for decades.