Zoe Saldaña and Kate Winslet share a warm connection, reminiscent of colleagues reuniting after some time apart. These two actors recently worked together on James Cameron’s epic sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, which debuted in 2022, and are set to reprise their roles for the upcoming third installment, Fire and Ash, slated for release next year. Saldaña originally created the iconic role of Neytiri for the first Avatar film back in 2009, and Winslet, known for her long-standing collaboration with Cameron from Titanic, joined the franchise to portray Ronal, a shaman and warrior.
During their conversation, Winslet reminiscences about the collaborative environment Cameron fosters. “I think about what he’s created,” she shares, “that sense of collaboration and willingness to share and listen and to invite ideas.” Saldaña echoes this sentiment, adding, “It’s crazy what you can do when you’re provided with unlimited resources to put together a character. It’s the most rewarding process.” Both actresses feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the portrayal of the Na’vi, the indigenous people of Pandora, depicting their rich culture alongside Cameron.
The competition on set was light-heartedly acknowledged by Saldaña as she jokes with Winslet about the filming challenges. “You have to be in the room every time he talks about you. He’s like, ‘Well, Kate can hold her breath for seven minutes.’ And he goes, ‘Sigourney came in second with almost six minutes. Zoe allegedly says she did it for five.’ And I’m like, ‘I did it for five!’” Their camaraderie shines through as they trade anecdotes, showing the respect they have for each other’s craft.
This year, both actresses ventured beyond the fantasy world of Pandora to tackle vastly different themes with their respective films. Winslet stars as war photographer Lee Miller, who broke gender barriers to capture the horrors of World War II, for which she had dedicated years of research. Conversely, Saldaña plays Rita, portrayed as a complex character embroiled with Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón) in the film Emilia Pérez, delving deep—quite literally and figuratively—into her past as she assists Emilia, who seeks redemption after leaving her life of crime behind, all set within the framework of opera.
The conversation truly captures the actresses' respect for each other’s work, which is particularly evident when Winslet lights up as she discusses her film, Lee. “When I was told I’d be speaking with you today, my heart just jumped for joy,” Winslet exclaims with enthusiasm. Saldaña reciprocates the excitement, expressing how deeply moved she was after watching Winslet's portrayal. “I was very emotional. There’s something really rewarding about discovering women who throughout history have affected the fabric of life for the greater good. Thank you for telling her story.”
Winslet appreciates Saldaña’s sentiment, asserting their bond forged through this celebration of strong women’s histories. “The reason I wanted to tell Lee's story was precisely because of what you just identified: You didn’t know who she was. So many people don’t know the names and faces behind iconic World War II photography.” Winslet explains her motives clearly, emphasizing the undervalued contributions of women like Lee Miller, previously relegated to the background. Winslet’s depiction serves as not just entertainment but as educational storytelling.
Speaking about her own endeavor, Saldaña digs deep about her character and how the universe seemed to align for her involvement. “It was through my agents,” she begins, sharing the serendipity of the project coming piecemeal; she had initially never imagined herself taking on such roles, feeling pressure from stereotypes. Yet, she turned the pressure around with powerful self-affirmation. “I had been married, started my family, and there was very little time for me to be...,” she trails off, confirming the conflict many women face when balancing career and personal life.
Winslet and Saldaña seem to reflect on their journeys through the lens of femininity. Winslet notes the societal pressures women often encounter, stating, “We are trying to redefine femininity to mean resilience, power, courage, and compassion.” It serves as both their individual portraits and collective subjects of their restored ambitions as they chase expressive roles, relaying stories bound by emotions and societal themes.
Looking at Winslet’s transition to producing, she describes the inception of Lee as coming from deep personal motivation. “I bought this table,” she recalls, “and thought, ‘Why hasn’t anyone made a movie about Lee Miller?’” With her passionate drive, she explains, “This was the first time I actively produced something right from the ground up.” This personal touch to her craft connects their lifelike portrayals with fervent depth across cinematic realms.
A particularly pivotal exchange arose when Winslet pressed Saldaña about her role as Rita. “I had deliberately not read anything knowing I was coming to speak to you,” Winslet noted. This openness fosters authentic discussion surrounding ownership of their work. Saldaña continues to share her own vulnerabilities—“self-sabotage” and doubts appear when new challenges present themselves. Yet, she praises director Jacques Audiard for making the film both operatic and realistic, bringing raw tales to life through song.
To Winslet, the merging of fragility and resilience speaks volumes about the narratives they represent today. “It’s so true to now!” she claims, noting how these themes resonate deeply with audiences. An unwavering acknowledgment of powerful female characters reminds viewers it’s never too late for women to reclaim their stories.
Winslet and Saldaña’s conversation brims with renewals of spirit and passion as they champion female-driven storytelling. Their mutual respect paints vibrant futures not just for them, but for the characters they portray and audiences they inspire.
