Nicole Kidman advocates for women filmmakers at Cannes 2025

Oscar winner Nicole Kidman has been awarded the Kering Women in Motion award at Cannes Film Festival. The actress, known to make a difference in the world of cinema, is the 10th recipient of the Women in Motion award.  She has particularly emphasised opening doors for women filmmakers that would only result in the growth of the industry.

Back in 2017, Kidman had publicly vowed to work with female filmmakers every 18 months. Not only has she kept her word, but she has consistently worked in 27 films directed by women in the last 8 years. Kidman told Variety that beyond the stereotype, she was determined to make it possible.  

Supporting women directors

The discussion also opened eyes towards setting a platform for the women ready to make a debut. "It requires a lot of protection and support. Enabling them to do their best also allows them an opportunity to believe they have more chances and not just a trial," Kidman told Variety.

Additionally, Kidman stated her attitude while collaborating with young women directors: not making the perfection of the project a priority doesn’t mean failure. However, Kidman’s focus is not just on young women.

Resisting Ageism

Kidman brought a firm ground on resisting ageism in cinema. Ageism could be a villain in a passionate artist’s journey. Kidman spoke on the fresh and emerging ones thriving in the industry as well as seasoned artists, thereby maintaining a balance in the industry and ultimately providing enough opportunities for all.

“You get to a certain age and maybe you had made a great film in your 20s that got lauded and then suddenly you’re in your 40s and you haven’t followed it up or made choices that didn’t succeed,” Kidman told Variety. “But you’re like, ‘I’m not over! Please still keep believing in me and investing in me.’ That is important too, resisting ageism. There are the emerging talents and then there are the ones with a wealth of knowledge and experience who have somehow been cast out or are not the cool person anymore. It’s about going, ‘No, you actually can have a second or third chapter.'”

Additionally, many other women celebrities have actively spoken against ageism, overcoming the barrier that makes women think twice about their choices. Oprah Winfrey recently backed Tina Arena’s fight against ageism in the music industry. "This talk that I do around the world, I love it so much because I see so many women who reach a certain age and they think, 'Oh well it's over,' or 'I have to fit into the box that the world has said I belong in,' but you get to decide. Until you take your last breath you get to decide." said Oprah in the program Seven’s Sunrise. 

Jamie Lee Curtis, too, known for her stand against ageism has not only inspired many but given them the chance to see beyond. “65 is a moment of reflection and excitement. I’m much less hard on myself. I’m very much in acceptance of what I look like, and I own what I think and feel.” she said in an interview with entertainment outlet, Today.

Kate Hudson, in a conversation with Sheknows, addressed why the question of ageing is pointed at only women. “The focus is much more from the outside than it is from the inside, I think, which says a lot about how we’re programmed,” she explained. “Because the only time I think about ageing is when I’m asked about how I think about ageing.” 

With all the support witnessed for women to continue and succeed in the industry, there is a significant growth in their presence on screen. More women filmmakers are gradually leaving a mark through their films. 

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