Kristen Stewart Says Hollywood Treats Actresses Like ‘Puppets’

Actor-turned-director Kristen Stewart has criticised Hollywood for the way it treats female actors, saying the film industry often strips them of agency. In a recent interview with Variety, she described actresses as being treated like “puppets” in the industry.

Speaking Out on Gender Inequality

Stewart, who is making her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, reflected on the stark contrast between being an actor and a director.

“Actresses get treated like shit, I’ve got to tell you. People think anyone could be an actress, but the first time I sat down to talk about my movie as a director, I thought, wow, this is a different experience. They are talking to me like I’m somebody with a brain,” she said.

Drawing from her experience, Stewart pointed out the industry’s double standards. “Directors are put on a pedestal, but actors are relegated to the background. There’s this idea that directors have otherworldly abilities, which is not true — it’s an idea perpetuated by men. And it’s worse for female actors than male ones — they get treated like puppets, but they are not. Imogen Poots put her whole body and soul into this movie,” she added.

Directorial Debut: The Chronology of Water

Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, receiving a standing ovation lasting over six minutes.

Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, the film tells the story of a woman turning trauma into art. Stewart spent eight years developing the project. The film stars Imogen Poots, Jim Belushi, and Thora Birch.