Olivia Wilde Advocates for Female Directors and Creative Risk at Red Sea Film Festival

The actress-turned-director discusses gender bias in Hollywood, the value of risk-taking, and the need to separate art from fame.

Olivia Wilde highlighted systemic gender bias in Hollywood, emphasizing how young girls are often encouraged to act while boys are steered toward directing.
She criticized the lack of opportunities for female filmmakers, stating that the issue lies with studios and financiers unwilling to take perceived risks on women-led projects.
Wilde expressed her preference for creating challenging and potentially divisive work over conforming to mainstream expectations or seeking universal approval.
She warned about the negative impact of fame and social media on creativity, urging artists to prioritize authenticity over public acceptance.
Reflecting on her career, Wilde shared how transitioning to directing allowed her to be celebrated for her experience rather than constrained by the age-related limitations of acting.