Nicole Kidman’s Commitment to Uplifting Female Directors at Cannes 2024

Nicole Kidman has made a grand return to the Cannes Film Festival, set to receive the prestigious Woman in Motion Award from Kering’s chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault, alongside Cannes’ president, Iris Knobloch, and festival director Thierry Fremaux. This recognition highlights her unwavering commitment to championing female directors in a historically male-dominated industry.

A Vow to Collaborate with Women Directors

In 2017, Kidman took a bold step by pledging to work with a female director every 18 months. At the time, she questioned whether this initiative would even be feasible, yet her determination has led her to collaborate with 27 female directors across various film and television projects over the last eight years. During a recent Kering Woman in Motion talk with Variety‘s Angelique Jackson, Kidman reflected on her resolve:

“I was at a point where we had a discussion where there was such a disparity in terms of the choice. You’d go, ‘Could a woman direct this?’ And there wasn’t a number of names where you could even consider people,” she shared. This initiative has not only elevated emerging talent but has also sparked conversations about the need for more inclusive opportunities within the industry.

Support and Mentorship: Building Opportunities for Women

In her heartfelt commentary, Kidman further emphasized the importance of mentorship for young female directors. “We will take the risk and we are going to mentor and support and help and then really protect,” she stated. Her desire to create a “forcefield of protection” around women in the industry reflects a larger need to combat the unjust standards that disproportionately affect them.

Men in the industry often receive second chances after missteps, whereas women are frequently given only one opportunity. Kidman’s commitment to reshaping this narrative is crucial; she makes it a point to reassure young female filmmakers that a less-than-perfect outcome does not equate to failure.

Challenging Ageism in Hollywood

Kidman’s advocacy doesn’t stop with emerging talent. She recognizes the barriers older female directors face as well. “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,” Kidman noted. Her commitment to combatting ageism is as vital as her focus on uplifting younger talento.

Her collaborations, including those with seasoned directors like Karyn Kusama and Susanne Bier, showcase her belief that experience is an asset, not a limitation. Kidman’s impressive filmography features works from industry stalwarts as well as emerging voices, such as Halina Reijn and Mimi Cave, demonstrating her dedication to creating a diverse cinematic landscape.

Latest Endeavors and Future Projects

Kidman’s recent projects include Reijn’s Babygirl and Cave’s suburban thriller Holland, which started streaming on Prime Video this spring. Additionally, she has worked on innovative television projects like Lulu Wang’s Expats and Bier’s The Perfect Couple, with Bier also set to helm the much-anticipated Practical Magic 2 alongside Sandra Bullock.

Despite her extensive commitment to female filmmakers, Kidman has no desire to venture into directing herself. “I find it incredibly fulfilling supporting filmmakers in a producer capacity,” she expressed, emphasizing her passion for the collaborative nature of acting.

The Progress of Women in Film

When Kidman made her commitment in 2017, women directed just 4% of the top-grossing films. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has risen to 13.6%, a positive trend but one that Kidman believes still needs improvement. “That still seems incredibly low,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of continued effort in supporting female filmmakers.

Kidman’s focus on finding financial mentors willing to invest in unknown directors further demonstrates her commitment to changing the narrative around women in the industry.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Advocacy

As Nicole Kidman prepares to accept the 10th Woman in Motion Award on May 18, her legacy as an advocate for female directors is undeniable. By sharing her platform and commitment to mentorship, she is not only reshaping the industry for women today but is laying the groundwork for future generations of filmmakers.

Through her actions and words, Kidman continues to challenge the status quo, reminding us all that the fight for equality in Hollywood is far from over. Let’s hope her influence leads to lasting change, encouraging more women to tell their stories and claim their rightful place in cinema.

For more on the impact of women in film, check out our features on female filmmakers, Cannes Film Festival highlights, and Nicole Kidman’s career.