Naomi Watts has reflected on the changing opportunities for older women in Hollywood, saying the entertainment industry has made meaningful progress since the early years of her career. The British actor, who is in Spain to receive the prestigious Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, pointed to the growing visibility of women over 50 in major television and film roles as a positive sign.
Watts recalled that when she was beginning her career, she was warned that opportunities for actresses would become increasingly limited once they reached a certain age. Looking back from her late 50s, she said the situation today appears different, particularly when considering the recognition older female performers are receiving at major award ceremonies.
“I was told at the beginning that I better get my skates on because it all finishes at the age of 40. And here we are today. I’m in my late 50s. Look at the Emmys last week and the number of women in strong categories over 50. That’s heartening to see,” Watts said.
Among the actresses over 50 receiving Emmy nominations were Rhea Seehorn for “Pluribus,” Jean Smart for “Hacks” and Allison Janney for “The Diplomat.” For Watts, their recognition reflects a broader shift in how the entertainment industry views women and the kinds of stories audiences want to see.
“I do think things have changed,” Watts said. “Women are consumers of film and TV, and their stories should be reflected. That narrative had to be shifted. And I am grateful to be a small part of that shift.”
Watts is attending the Basque festival alongside director Ben Shirinian for “The Housewife,” his feature directorial debut. The film features Watts alongside Tye Sheridan, Luke Evans, Michael Imperioli and Lena Olin. Set in 1964 and inspired by a true story, the film follows a young journalist investigating a possible Nazi officer secretly living in New York. During the investigation, the journalist becomes acquainted with the suspect’s charismatic wife, Hermine.
The historical setting of “The Housewife” also gave Watts an opportunity to explore difficult questions surrounding identity, secrecy and the way individuals can hide disturbing aspects of their past while appearing completely ordinary to those around them. She described the role as one of the most challenging characters she has taken on because of the contradiction at its centre.
“It’s a very, very scary time what is going on in the world globally,” she said.
Watts said she hopes the film can encourage audiences to think about how horrific events can happen and how societies respond to them. Rather than presenting simple answers, she believes stories dealing with difficult periods in history can create space for discussion and reflection.
“We must be vigilant, we must pay attention, and not let that happen again. Hopefully this film sparks a dialogue. We don’t give answers; we hopefully send you away with questions of how did this happen and, who do you relate with in this story, and how we can avoid happening this ever again,” she added.
The actor also spoke about the importance of representation and storytelling during a period she described as difficult for minority communities. Watts said she intends to continue supporting greater representation on screen and expressed a personal connection to the issue.
“We have to tell these stories; storytelling is important, particularly now,” she said.
“I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ community. Minorities are being attacked right now, and it’s frightful and unacceptable. My heart is with these communities, particularly my family. I’ll do whatever I can to stick up for minorities,” Watts said.
Watts also reflected on her own journey as an immigrant who moved to the United States with professional ambitions. She said her experience in America has ultimately taken her further than she originally expected, while acknowledging that the country’s current circumstances have made her think more deeply about the future.
Discussing her character Hermine, Watts described her as a woman attempting to create a new life in post-World War II America while leaving behind a deeply troubling past. The contrast between Hermine’s outwardly ordinary life and the crimes associated with her past became one of the aspects of the role that most interested Watts.
“In terms of me, I have American children, I do love America, and what’s going on today is complicated and certainly nerve-wracking, but I have faith that things will work out in time,” Watts said when asked about the current political climate in the United States.
Watts said portraying Hermine required her to confront emotions and circumstances unlike those she had previously explored as an actor. The character’s ability to appear like an ordinary member of society while carrying a disturbing secret created what Watts described as a particularly compelling contradiction.
“It was like nothing I ever played before: this duality of this woman who had done horrific things, heinous crimes, and yet blending into society as a normal person – very much a good citizen, a good wife, baking cookies, showing up to church. That duality and living with that secret was interesting to me as an actor,” she said.
The role also fits with Watts’ continuing interest in characters dealing with complex themes such as grief, identity and psychological conflict. Although she acknowledged that some elements of those themes have appeared repeatedly throughout her career, she said Hermine represented an especially unusual challenge.
“I am always looking to do new things even though I might have a repetitive theme in my work – grief and identity- things that are meaningful to me,” Watts added. “This character is like nothing I’ve ever played. I’m at an age now when some might joke I’m in my villain era, but this is an extreme one and not a joke. I felt compelled to play this story.”
Her comments also brought her career full circle as she reflected on one of her most celebrated performances in David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive.” Watts said both films required her to explore psychologically demanding material, but her memories of working with Lynch remain particularly positive.
