At Cannes, Nicole Kidman uses her fame to champion a cause close to her heart: the place of women behind the camera. Eight years after pledging to actively support female directors, she delivers a clear-eyed but determined assessment. Invited to receive the 10th Women in Motion award, the actress reminds us that the path to equality is still long.
An actress committed to women in film
In 2017, Nicole Kidman made a simple promise: to work with a female director at least every 18 months. Since then, she has collaborated with 27 of them in eight years. Her goal has not only been met — it’s been exceeded. This decision was more than symbolic. It addressed a troubling reality at the time: studios offered very few opportunities to women. “There just weren’t enough female names on the lists,” she pointed out in Cannes. To push for gender parity in film, Kidman chose action over words — leading by example.
Her approach also includes a commitment behind the scenes. The acclaimed actress shifted roles, becoming a key player as a producer. She has supported several major projects led by women and champions stories focused on strong female characters — as seen in Big Little Lies. The series, partially directed by Andrea Arnold, marked a turning point in on-screen representation. After years of advocacy and action for female filmmakers, her efforts have been honored: luxury group Kering, owner of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, awarded her the Women in Motion prize. Given each year to someone making a difference for women in film, the award recognizes her meaningful contribution.
Progress, but still a long road ahead
Despite these efforts, the numbers remain disheartening. In 2023, only 16% of the directors of the 100 highest-grossing films in the U.S. were women. At Cannes this year, 7 out of 22 films in competition are directed by women. That’s an improvement compared to a decade ago — but the gap is still striking. To change that, Kidman emphasizes the importance of sustained support. “We need to mentor, support, and help women over the long term,” she states. She also calls for stronger financial backing, so female directors can thrive without fearing each film will be their only shot.
She also applauds the inclusion of Sound of Falling, a film by German director Mascha Schilinski, in the competition. The work explores how pain is passed down between women over generations. For Kidman, this film proves that women’s voices are gaining power and complexity. At 57, the actress continues to use her platform to shift the landscape. Her message is clear: female talent is real. It deserves the space to fully exist.