Kristen Stewart opens up about respect shift behind the camera

Kristen Stewart has sparked widespread discussion after opening up about how her experience in Hollywood shifted once she stepped into the director’s chair. While promoting her feature directorial debut The Chronology of Water, the actor spoke candidly about the way actresses are treated and how the industry’s attitude towards her changed almost overnight.

Speaking to The Times of London, Stewart said, “Actresses get treated like shit,” adding that people began “talking to me like I’m somebody with a brain” once she was viewed as a filmmaker rather than only a performer. She explained that the difference in tone and respect was immediate and deeply noticeable, highlighting what she described as a long standing imbalance in how creative authority is perceived on set.

Stewart also criticised the myth that directors possess some rare and untouchable talent. She said the idea is often upheld by men and argued that female actors are frequently treated like puppets despite the emotional and physical work they bring to their roles. While discussing The Chronology of Water, she praised lead actor Imogen Poots, saying the performance demanded total commitment and emotional vulnerability that deserved recognition and respect.

The Twilight star has gradually reshaped her career over the past decade, moving from blockbuster fame to critically acclaimed performances in films such as Spencer, Seberg and Love Lies Bleeding. Her transition into directing marked a new chapter, with The Chronology of Water premiering at Cannes in 2025 before its cinema release earlier this year. The film follows a woman confronting trauma through competitive swimming and writing, a story Stewart has described as deeply personal and emotionally demanding.

Online reaction to Stewart’s comments was swift. Many fans and fellow creatives voiced support across social media platforms, praising her honesty and applauding her for addressing long standing gender issues in the industry. Some users shared their own experiences of unequal treatment in creative fields, while others highlighted the importance of more women moving into directing and producing roles to shift power dynamics.

Stewart has previously spoken about gender inequality in Hollywood, including how male actors are often celebrated for emotional expression while women are judged more harshly.