Breaking Barriers: Hollywood’s Leading Actresses on Power, Growth, and Solidarity

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The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Actress Roundtable brought together six powerhouse actresses—Angelina Jolie, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, Zoe Saldaña, Tilda Swinton, and Zendaya—for a candid conversation about navigating Hollywood as women in the industry. Jolie reflected on the rarity of such communal spaces for women in the arts and shared her personal detachment from watching her performances to preserve her artistic freedom. Discussing her role in Maria, she highlighted how women are often conditioned to adjust to societal expectations, rarely expressing their full power.

Madison explored the duality of her character in Anora, emphasizing the performative nature of sex work and the deep listening it requires. Moore delved into the introspective themes of The Substance, describing the self-inflicted violence of internal criticism as the most profound struggle she has faced. Saldaña addressed the burden of representing her Latina heritage in Hollywood, explaining her decision to prioritize personal artistic growth over societal expectations. Swinton rejected the notion of competition among actresses, advocating for mutual support and camaraderie in a male-dominated industry. Zendaya reflected on her transition from teenage roles to more mature characters in Challengers, as well as the challenges of growing up in the spotlight and the desire for private self-discovery.

These voices collectively shed light on the evolving dynamics of Hollywood, offering a glimpse into the resilience, self-awareness, and solidarity shaping their journeys. Their stories inspire a reimagining of what it means to thrive in modern cinema.