Sharon Stone stirred a debate when she questioned whether Meryl Streep is universally regarded as the world's best actress during an interview for the premiere of her latest film, "The Laundromat: Dirty Money." Her comments on social media received both praise and criticism.
During the interview, Stone subtly challenged the prevailing Hollywood trend of placing Meryl Streep on a pedestal, stating, "I like the way you put it, that I finally got to work with Meryl Streep. You didn't say, 'Meryl finally got to work with Sharon,' or 'they finally got to work together.
The actress didn't stop there. She went on to discuss the industry's fixation on Meryl Streep and the pressure on other actresses to compete against her. Stone acknowledged Streep's talent but argued that there are numerous equally talented actresses who deserve recognition. She highlighted names such as Viola Davis, Emma Thompson, Judy Davis, Olivia Colman, and Kate Winslet, asserting that Meryl Streep's iconic status is emblematic of Hollywood's treatment of women.
In a bold statement, Stone claimed, "I'm a much better villain than Meryl, and I'm sure she would say the same. Meryl wouldn't excel in roles like those in 'Basic Instinct' or 'Casino.' It's a fact she and I both understand."
Stone also broached the #MeToo movement and Meryl Streep, suggesting that Streep likely has her own story to tell. However, Stone expressed doubt that Streep could share it without jeopardizing her career and reputation.
Following the interview, the video went viral on Twitter, sparking a wide range of reactions. While many commended Stone for her candid remarks and for addressing a topic that other actresses often avoid, some criticized her for speaking negatively about an esteemed figure like Meryl Streep.
In response to the controversy, Sharon Stone felt compelled to clarify her statements. Through Twitter, she emphasized that Meryl Streep is undoubtedly one of the greatest actresses of all time. However, she stressed the importance of not excluding other actresses from the conversation.
