“Kate Winslet Highlights Gender Inequality in Acting; Kevin Costner Discusses His Film Length Choices”
Kate Winslet is embracing her “life is too short” era, and fans couldn’t be more supportive. As she promotes her upcoming biopic Lee, in which she plays celebrated photojournalist Lee Miller, the Oscar-winning actress has been making headlines for her candid remarks. Recently, she went viral after rejecting advice from a crew member to suck in her stomach during a topless scene, emphasizing that such a reaction shouldn’t be labeled “bravery.”
At the History Channel’s History Talks event at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Winslet further addressed the disparities in how male and female actors are perceived. “I’m at a point where I just think, you know what? Life is too short,” she stated. She pointed out the double standards: “People often tell me, ‘You were so brave without makeup, you looked kind of crappy.’ But do we say to men, ‘You were brave for growing a beard?’”
Winslet also highlighted the different questions posed to mothers versus fathers in the industry, urging a shift in this dynamic. “We need to change how we talk about these things,” she asserted.
Alongside Winslet, Hollywood stars like Kevin Costner, Kerry Washington, Eva Longoria, and John Legend participated in the event, which also featured former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Costner, known for his epic Westerns, discussed the lengthy nature of his films, including the 3-hour Dances with Wolves and the two parts of his current saga, Horizon, which clock in at over three hours each.
Reflecting on his childhood, Costner recounted watching How the West Was Won at a young age. “It felt like a 4-hour movie to me,” he joked, recalling how captivated he was by the visuals. This early exposure sparked his love for filmmaking, making him eager to capture that “magic” in his own work.
He also shared how films like Giant inspired him, particularly a powerful scene that shaped his understanding of heroism. “I watched that, and I knew who I wanted to be,” he said. Costner emphasized that films made with the right details can have a lasting impact, stating, “It’s not hard to be popular; it’s very difficult to be relevant.”
The event kicked off with a lively conversation between George W. Bush and his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, followed by Barack Obama, who reflected on historical figures and their lasting influence on society. “Stories matter,” he remarked, highlighting their role in shaping our understanding of ourselves.
Obama also shared anecdotes from his presidency, showcasing his characteristic humor while teasing his upcoming memoir’s second volume.
Additionally, Nicole Avant and Kerry Washington spoke about their upcoming Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, while Eva Longoria and John Legend discussed the intersection of art and activism. Legend closed the event with a three-song performance, including his hit “All of Me.”
History Talks, a brainchild of A+E Networks Group president Paul Buccieri, aims to inspire students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in film and television. This year’s Los Angeles edition brought together industry leaders and about 200 students from the recently launched Roybal Film and Television Magnet, co-founded by George Clooney and others.
Notable attendees included Bob Iger, Dana Walden, and Ted Sarandos, who was there to support his wife, Nicole Avant.
