The actress and director Voices Anger Over Hollywood's Regression for Women

The renowned actress and filmmaker has stated she is “furious” that progress for female directors in the film industry have reversed after a short-lived surge of improvement post the MeToo movement.

Stewart, who helmed the forthcoming film her latest project, delivered an emotional speech at a women’s luncheon in Los Angeles organized by the Academy behind the awards.

“The backsliding from a brief moment of progress is statistically devastating,” she told the audience. “A disappointingly low figure of films from the past year have been made by women.”

An annual report that tracks the numbers of female filmmakers stated that 11 of the top 100 films of 2024 were helmed by female directors, down from 16 in 2020.

‘Male-Dominated Industry Model’

In her address, Stewart remarked: “After the MeToo movement, it appeared likely that narratives created by and for females were finally getting their due. That we might be allowed or even encouraged to express ourselves and our common stories, every aspect of our lives without filter.

“However, I can confirm to the bare-knuckle brawling that it takes every step when the content is too dark, too taboo, when the frankness with which it serves up observations about experiences routinely experienced by women, often elicits aversion and dismissal.”

She added: “We can talk about wage gaps and menstrual product taxes and measure [inequality] in many measurable forms. But the violence of silencing, it’s like we’re not even supposed to be angry. But I could devour this stand with a fork and [expletive] knife. I’m furious.”

Attendees listening to Stewart’s address featured several prominent actresses.

Stewart received several rounds of applause during the duration of her brief talk.

“I am thankful to you,” she said. “I do not thank a boys’ club business model that claims to desire to associate with us while draining our assets and belittling our true perspectives. Let’s try and not be tokenised. It’s time to create our own value.”

Upcoming projects from several female directors are in the running for the next Academy Awards, but the top directing award is anticipated again to be dominated by men.