Kristen Stewart: Actresses 'Treated Like Puppets' in Hollywood, Directors Get Respect

• Kristen Stewart, now directing, criticizes Hollywood's treatment of actresses, stating they are often denied agency and seen as interchangeable.
• She highlights a stark contrast between her experience as an actor and her current role as a director, where she feels treated with more intellect.
• Stewart argues that the perception of directors having 'otherworldly abilities' is a male-perpetuated idea, leading to actresses being 'treated like puppets'.
• Her directorial debut, "The Chronology of Water," adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, explores trauma and artistic expression.
• The film, starring Imogen Poots, Jim Belushi, and Thora Birch, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival to a six-minute standing ovation.

Why It Matters: Kristen Stewart exposes Hollywood's gender disparity, advocating for better treatment and recognition of actresses' intellect.