Zoe Saldana Says More Women Must Own The Fight For Gender Equality In Hollywood
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Zoe Saldana is taking ownership of her role in the fight for gender equality in Hollywood.
The actress recently appeared as a speaker at the Kering’s Women in Motion program at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where she called for more women in leadership positions within the entertainment industry. According to Saldana, an increase in representation will mark the first step towards truly leveling the playing field for women.
“We need more female CEOs. We need more women sitting on boards,” the Avatar star said while addressing the room. “Because those are the gatekeepers. Once those women are there, don’t just be happy and feel so lucky that you’re the only woman sitting at the table. Get three men to get up.”
The Queens, NY, bred thespian continued to drive her point home, urging males in Hollywood to use their own power and leverage to help enact change, which she jokingly says adds to their attractiveness. “When women are in there, make more room for other women. That’s important. It’s on us to do it,” she said. “And for the men who are doing it right and making room for women, thank you. You’re so sexy!”
The 45-year-old mother of one recently opened up to Variety regarding her struggles with mental health and how it’s impacted her acting career and personal journey. “I’m never satisfied. I’m really really hard on myself. Sometimes I can get in my own way,” Saldana told the outlet.
“You have to follow good material wherever good material is. But it’s my fear because I know that [Sheridan] has big monologues with his characters. I’m dyslexic. Spanish is my first language. I saw ‘Sicario’ and ‘Hell or High Water.’ Like, I love his work. So, I couldn’t pass.”
Saldana’s latest role comes as Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Pérez, a musical crime comedy film in which she costars alongside Selena Gomez and Édgar Ramírez.
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