- Meryl Streep is perhaps the best actress in the world
- Once again she was impeccable at Cannes
- She has given high praise to THESE stars
At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep (73, Actress) not only received the Honorary Palme d’Or but also delivered a masterclass in empowerment, sharing her awe for actresses-turned-producers and reflecting on the seismic shifts for women in Hollywood over her illustrious 50-year career.
Hollywood's Leading Ladies Take Charge!
Let's take a look at the highlights of her candid onstage conversation, from her admiration for Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman's production prowess to her personal choice of producing a "company of babies" over late-night business calls.
In a packed Debussy Theatre, Meryl Streep, the epitome of grace and talent, took the stage to express her admiration for the fierce females of Hollywood who've taken the reins of their careers.
"There are so many women producing for themselves," Streep marveled, name-dropping powerhouses like Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Natalie Portman. Despite her own choice to prioritize family time over late-night business deals, Streep's respect for these multitasking mavens is palpable. "I'm in awe of people who do that," she confessed.
After bagging the Honorary Palme d’Or, Streep was anything but conventional, staying up till the wee hours of 3 a.m., immersed in the festival's vibrant scene. Discussing Quentin Dupieux’s opener, 'The Second Act,' Streep's candidness about her late-night adventures added a dash of relatability to her superstar persona.
Reflecting on her groundbreaking career, Streep highlighted the transformative power of female executives in the industry. "The biggest stars in the world are women right now," she stated, acknowledging the uphill battle for equitable pay and diverse roles.
Streep's insights into the changing landscape of Hollywood, where women are finally seeing themselves in the protagonist's chair, were both enlightening and inspiring.
"The biggest stars in the world are women right now … although … there’s Tom Cruise. It’s a lot different from when I started … how they did the deals, there was a lot of leveraging, trading … you know, ‘I’ll give you this big male star…’ I not sure how it worked back then but we were undercut in those negotiations."
"Movies are a projection of people’s dreams, even executives have dreams… before there were women in a greenlight position at the studios, it was very difficult for men to see themselves in a female protagonist role… it’s a personal thing… it’s not just about money… they just didn’t get it."
Streep didn't hold back on praising the directors who've shaped her career.
From Mike Nichols' laughter-inducing sets to Steven Spielberg's visionary genius and Clint Eastwood's efficient filmmaking, Streep offered a peek into the minds of cinema's greatest. Her anecdotes painted a picture of a collaborative and joyful filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of a director's confidence and vision.
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Meryl Streep's masterclass at Cannes was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was a powerful statement on the evolution of women's roles in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. As Streep continues to inspire and awe, her reflections serve as a beacon for future generations of women in cinema.