Kristen Stewart Says Actresses Are 'Treated Like Puppets' In Hollywood

Kristen Stewart isn’t mincing words anymore and this time, she’s speaking from a new seat at the table. As she steps into filmmaking as a director, the actor has opened up about what she calls Hollywood’s deeply flawed treatment of women on screen, arguing that actresses are still denied basic agency in an industry shaped largely by male ideas of power and authorship.

In a recent conversation with Variety, Stewart reflected on the contrast between her years as an actor and her current experience behind the camera while directing The Chronology of Water. Addressing long-standing industry attitudes, she said, “Actresses get treated like shit, I’ve got to tell you. People think anyone could be an actress, but the first time I sat down to talk about

my movie as a director, I thought, wow, this is a different experience. They are talking to me like I’m somebody with a brain.”

Stewart pointed out how filmmakers are often placed on an elevated pedestal, while performers, especially women, are seen as interchangeable or disposable. Challenging that hierarchy, she said, “There’s this idea that directors have otherworldly abilities, which is not true. It’s an idea perpetuated by men. Not to sound like I’m complaining all the time, but it’s worse for female actors than male ones — they get treated like puppets, but they are not. Imogen Poots put her whole body and soul into this movie.”

Her remarks come as Stewart transitions into directing with The Chronology of Water, a project she has been developing for nearly eight years. Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, the film explores how a woman channels trauma into artistic expression, tracing a deeply personal and physical journey of survival and self-discovery.

The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation lasting more than six minutes, marking a significant milestone in Stewart’s evolving career. Best known for leading the Twilight franchise, Stewart has gradually carved a space for herself in independent cinema before making her directorial debut.

The Chronology of Water stars Imogen Poots in the lead role, alongside Jim Belushi and Thora Birch.