Naomi Watts, a highly respected actress, has unapologetically voiced her concerns about the toxic culture within Hollywood.
While Watts initially gained prominence in her native Australia, it wasn't until her thirties that she became an international sensation, thanks to David Lynch, who discovered her talent in 'Mulholland Drive,' a film that marked a transformative moment in her career.
Despite her status as a renowned figure in the industry, Watts recently opened up about the disheartening comments she received from Hollywood authorities upon her arrival in the cinematic Mecca. "They told me: 'You better work hard because everything ends at 40 when you're no longer f***able,'" the actress revealed in an interview with EW.
Perplexed by the statement, Watts questioned the underlying meaning of such a blatant remark. "What does that mean exactly?" she pondered. The two-time Oscar nominee expressed her disbelief, especially as it was her first exposure to the influential yet unforgiving world of Hollywood. "I asked myself, 'What? What exactly does that mean?' Then you think about it and you say, 'Oh, okay. When you're no longer reproductive, when those organs no longer function, you're not s-xy, and that's why they don't hire you.' That really pissed me off," she asserted.
Watts emphasized that women should embrace pride in their bodies as they age, considering it a natural and uncontrollable process. "It's a very strange conversation because, from day one, we begin our aging process. It's something we all have to learn to be comfortable with."
Finally, she drew attention to the stark contrast between the stringent expectations imposed on women's bodies in the film industry and the leniency given to men. "We almost never talk about a man getting older. We don't talk about his gray hair. We have important and powerful experiences also at this age, and we should feel proud."
