Kristen Stewart has recently voiced strong criticism against Hollywood's treatment of female actors, asserting that they are often "treated like puppets" within the film industry. The actor-turned-director shared her views in a recent interview with Variety, highlighting a perceived disparity in how actresses and directors are regarded.

Stewart, known for her role in the "Twilight" saga, drew on her own experiences to illustrate the industry's double standard. She noted that upon stepping into the role of director for her latest project, "The Chronology of Water," she experienced a significant shift in how she was perceived and treated by industry professionals. "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 stated.

"The Chronology of Water," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 and received a standing ovation, is based on Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir and stars Imogen Poots, Jim Belushi, and Thora Birch. The film narrates a woman's journey of turning trauma into art. Stewart dedicated eight years to developing the project.

Stewart contrasted the respect and agency afforded to directors with the treatment of actresses, who she believes are often relegated to the background and deprived of their creative input. She argued that the industry often places directors on a pedestal, attributing "otherworldly abilities" to them, a notion she believes is "perpetuated by men". She emphasized that this disparity is particularly pronounced for female actors, who she says are often treated as if they lack creative agency.

"Actresses get treated like sh*t, I've got to tell you," Stewart said. "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 put her whole body and soul into this movie".

Stewart's remarks have resonated within the industry, sparking conversations about the representation and treatment of women in Hollywood. This isn't the first time Stewart has spoken out about the challenges women face in the industry. Her latest comments arrive amidst ongoing discussions regarding gender equality and the need for greater inclusivity behind and in front of the camera.