“I entered the film industry later than most,” Naomi Watts shared during a press conference at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where she discussed the evolving treatment of older women in Hollywood. The British-Australian actress is at the festival to accept the prestigious Donostia Award in recognition of her extensive career.
“My breakthrough came with Mulholland Drive when I was around 30 or 31 years old,” Watts elaborated. “I was warned to hurry as careers supposedly end at 40. Yet, here I am, approaching my late 50s.”
Watts went on to commend the positive changes within the Hollywood industry that have helped extend the careers of female actors.
“Just look at the recent Emmys; several nominees in major categories were women over 50. It’s encouraging,” she observed. “I believe there has been a shift. Women are major consumers of movies and television. Their lives and experiences deserve representation. It’s essential that everyone sees their realities echoed in the media, and I’m proud to contribute to this change.”
At the San Sebastián event, Watts is accompanied by her castmates and the director, Ben Shirinian, from her latest film, Housewife. The movie is scheduled for screening later today after the award ceremony.
Set in 1964, The Housewife stars Watts as Hermine and Luke Evans as her industrious husband, Russel. They appear to lead a typical New York City life until Hermine encounters a journalist, Joseph Lelyveld (played by Tye Sheridan), from The New York Times. Joseph, following a lead from a Holocaust survivor, suspects Russel of being a concealed Nazi. As Joseph’s investigation deepens, and his interactions with Hermine grow more personal, he uncovers truths that are much more intricate and shocking than he initially thought.
Watts described her role in the film as a complex “psychological puzzle.”
“The plot was fascinating. It’s rooted in real historical events, which really attracted me to it,” she explained.
When asked about her future career aspirations and any directors she hoped to collaborate with, Watts mentioned, “I’ve always wanted to work with Paul Thomas Anderson.”
Anderson is set to premiere his next film, a concert movie recorded at Carnegie Hall featuring Geese’s lead singer Cameron Winter, at the New York Film Festival next month. The film will be distributed by A24 in theaters.
The San Sebastián Film Festival will continue through September 26.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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