‘Actresses get treated like s**t’: Kristen Stewart on gender bias in Hollywood

Actor Kristen Stewart says female actors are often “treated like puppets” in Hollywood, highlighting the gender disparities in the film industry. Stewart shared her thoughts following her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, a 2025 biographical drama based on Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir, which starred Imogen Poots.

Stewart, known for her role in the Twilight franchise, explained that her experience as a director was markedly different from being in front of the camera. “Actresses get treated like s**t, 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 told The Times of London.

She added that there is a widespread perception that directors have “otherworldly abilities,” a notion often perpetuated by men. Stewart said female actors face worse treatment compared to male actors, describing how many are treated like puppets despite their talent. “Imogen put her whole body and soul into this movie,” Stewart noted, praising the dedication of her lead actor.

The Chronology of Water premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 and was released in October. The film traces writer Lidia Yuknavitch’s journey from a troubled childhood and competitive swimming to addiction, trauma, and eventual healing. The movie also features Thora Birch.

Kristen Stewart’s comments shed light on systemic gender biases in Hollywood, highlighting the gap in how women are perceived and treated as actors versus creators.
(With PTI inputs)