Los Angeles, CA — In a candid and thought-provoking interview, Hollywood A-lister Julia Roberts addressed the ongoing gender imbalance in the film industry, calling Hollywood a “male-dominated” space and advocating for greater equality in film production, casting, and leadership roles.
The Oscar-winning actress, known for her iconic roles in Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and My Best Friend’s Wedding, made the comments during a recent press tour for her new film Leave the World Behind, where she reflected on her career and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
“Hollywood has historically been a male-dominated industry, and while we’ve seen progress over the years, there’s still so much work to be done,” Roberts said. “It’s not just about the roles for women in front of the camera. It’s about the power structures behind the scenes—producers, directors, writers, and executives. Women need to have an equal seat at the table.”
Her remarks echo a growing conversation about gender disparity in Hollywood, with numerous female stars, directors, and producers highlighting the challenges faced by women in the industry. From pay gaps to underrepresentation in leadership roles, the struggle for gender equality in Hollywood has been a focal point for activists and industry insiders alike.
Advocating for Equal Representation
Roberts, who has spent over three decades in the film industry, has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and equality. In 2020, she joined the cast of the highly anticipated Secret Garden reboot, which will be directed by a female filmmaker. The film’s production has been hailed as a step toward diversifying leadership roles in major film projects.
“I think about how much more impactful stories could be if we had more women calling the shots behind the scenes,” Roberts continued. “It’s time to create an environment where women don’t have to fight for the same opportunities as men. We’ve seen what female-driven films can do at the box office, so it’s clear there’s an audience for it. Now we need to ensure that the people making the decisions are as diverse as the stories we want to tell.”