Kristen Stewart Slams Hollywood and Says Respect Only Came When She Stepped Behind the Camera

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Kristen Stewart has noticed a significant shift in how Hollywood treats her now that she’s directing films. In a recent interview with The Times of London, she explained that people in the industry now listen to and value her opinions in a way they didn’t when she was just an actor.

Stewart noticed a clear change in how she was treated as soon as she began promoting her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water. She bluntly stated that actresses often face disrespect, and explained that meetings felt completely different once she was seen as a director. She realized people were finally acknowledging her intelligence and treating her as an equal, something she hadn’t experienced before.

Based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir, The Chronology of Water tells the story of a woman who copes with past trauma by swimming, writing, and finding her voice. Imogen Poots stars as Yuknavitch, alongside Thora Birch, Jim Belushi, and Tom Sturridge. The film debuted at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and was released in cinemas on January 9th.

During interviews for the movie, Stewart has repeatedly discussed the dynamics of power on movie sets. She challenged the notion that directors are all-knowing or distant figures.

She explained that the idea of directors being exceptionally gifted is a misconception, and often used to maintain control within the industry. She pointed out this perception is largely promoted by men, contributing to actresses being undervalued and treated as though they lack agency. While this dynamic exists for all actors, she emphasized it’s significantly more pronounced for women, who are often seen – and treated – as mere puppets rather than the talented individuals they are.

Stewart also commended Imogen Poots’ performance, noting the role required genuine and raw emotion. She emphasized Poots’ complete dedication, saying she fully immersed herself in the part and displayed remarkable vulnerability. Stewart’s comments align with a recent New York Times interview, where she discussed the double standard often seen in Hollywood: male actors are frequently lauded for being reserved, while women face criticism for similar restraint.

Beyond her career, Kristen Stewart has had a busy year. She married Dylan Meyer in early 2025 and has called the last year incredibly exciting and full of life.

I was so excited to hear that Stewart is planning to direct again! She’s taking a little time off first, which she deserves, but she definitely wants to stay behind the camera. And get this – she even said she’d consider directing a Twilight remake! Can you believe it? That’s the series that really launched her career, so it would be amazing to see her take on that world again as a director.

Stewart wants to challenge the often-unspoken expectations around emotional expression for actors on set. In a recent interview, she explained that if male actors are allowed to be powerfully expressive – even outwardly forceful – before showing vulnerability, it creates a more comfortable environment for everyone. She feels it’s unfair when women are held to different standards.

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2026-01-26 12:48