Nicole Kidman Has Now Worked With 27 Women Directors in 8 Years; She Urges ‘Financial Mentors’ to Invest in Unknown Female Filmmakers and ‘Take a Risk’

by

Nicole Kidman arrived at the Cannes Film Festival, ready to receive the Woman in Motion Award from François-Henri Pinault (Kering chairman and CEO), Iris Knobloch (Cannes president), and Thierry Fremaux (festival director). Before the awards ceremony, she engaged in a discussion with Angelique Jackson from EbMaster’s for the Kering Woman in Motion talk. During this talk, Kidman expressed her strong dedication to supporting female directors fervently.

Since 2017, I’ve been committed to collaborating with female directors every 18 months, a promise I made publicly. I wasn’t sure if this goal was achievable, but my determination never wavered. Over the past eight years and considering projects currently in development, I have had the privilege of working with an impressive 27 female directors across various film and television productions.

Kidman stated during the Kering talk about her commitment, ‘I intended to ensure it would happen.’ At one point, we had a conversation that revealed a significant disparity regarding options. You’d think, ‘Could a woman direct this?’ But there were few names, if any, where you could even contemplate candidates. They mentioned it was their first time, and we weren’t comfortable taking the risk.

She went on to explain that she had to begin by outlining her approach and describing her actions. ‘We’ll be willing to take the risk,’ she said, ‘and we aim to mentor, assist, and safeguard these individuals. Our goal is not only to protect them but also to provide a supportive environment so they can excel in their work. This protection will serve as a kind of shield. Simultaneously, it offers them a chance, a second opportunity if you will, as often it feels like ‘this is your one and only shot.”

In the past, I’ve openly discussed the unjust double standard faced by women directors in Hollywood. Unlike male counterparts who often get a second chance after a less-than-perfect film, women are frequently knocked down if their movie isn’t flawless. At Cannes, I emphasized that when working with emerging female directors, it’s crucial to convey that a less-than-perfect project doesn’t equate to failure. My efforts extend beyond young women; I aim to inspire and uplift all females in the industry.

At some point in life, perhaps you’ve produced an exceptional work early on that received acclaim, only to find yourself in your 40s without having built upon it or making decisions that didn’t pan out. However, you still feel vibrant and relevant, saying, “I’m not done yet! Keep faith in me and continue investing in my talent.” This aspect of persisting against ageism is crucial. The entertainment world often focuses on fresh talents, but there are those who continue to create, possessing a wealth of knowledge and experience, yet somehow falling out of favor or being deemed uncool. It’s essential to remind everyone that one can indeed have a successful second or third act in life.

Since 2017, it’s not unexpected to find that Nicola Kidman’s filmography has been a blend of established directors like Karyn Kusama and Susanne Bier, as well as fresh talents such as Halina Reijn and Mimi Cave. Her latest big-screen appearance was in Reijn’s “Babygirl,” while Cave’s suspenseful suburban drama “Holland” debuted on Amazon Prime Video this past spring. On the small screen, Kidman has been featured in Lulu Wang’s “Expats” and Susanne Bier’s “The Perfect Couple.” Susanne Bier is also set to direct Kidman in the upcoming sequel to “Practical Magic,” titled “Practical Magic 2,” co-starring Sandra Bullock.

Is there a chance that Kidman might start directing films due to her advocacy for female directors? She clarified that she does not plan to become a director herself. Instead, she finds great satisfaction in her role as a producer, helping and nurturing filmmakers. She loves the experience of surrendering to their vision as an actor, allowing them to mold and shape her character. The profound intimacy involved in this work is what keeps her engaged, making it a source of salvation for her.

Initially, back in 2017, female directors accounted for just 4% of the year’s top-earning films. However, over the past eight years, that percentage has risen. In 2024, it stood at 13.6%. Despite this increase, Nicole Kidman noted that the figure still appears minuscule. She expressed her commitment to further boosting this number by emphasizing the importance of investing in and supporting emerging female directors through financial means and seeking out mentors willing to back these risky ventures.

2017 saw Nicole Kidman gracefully attending Cannes for the presentation of the 70th Anniversary Prize. This year, she is set to be awarded the 10th Woman in Motion Honor during an evening dinner on May 18th.

Read More

2025-05-18 17:49