Reese Witherspoon has hit out at Hollywood saying that it is a century behind when it comes to gender equality.
There has been a lot of talk about the different opportunities for men and women in Hollywood this year, and Witherspoon is the latest A-list star to wade into the debate. The Oscar winner went to say that gender disparity was a ‘huge’ problem in the film industry.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress said: "Obviously I'm a feminist, and I'm incredibly aware of the huge, huge problems [with gender disparity] in Hollywood. I mean, it's like, are we a century behind there in that world?"
Witherspoon may have a problem with Hollywood, but she did not have a problem with director Jean Marc Vallee and writer Nick Hornby when they presented her with the script for her new movie Wild.
The actress will take on the central role of Cheryl Strayed in a biopic that follows a journey of self-discovery as she sets out on a solo trek of over 1000 miles. The movie is based On Strayed’s own book about her experiences.
Witherspoon continued: "But I think Nick and Jean-Marc have feminist sensibilities. They're men, but they are comfortable really both helping and allowing women to tell their stories."
Wild marks the first time that Witherspoon has teamed up with director Vallee, as he returns to the director’s chair for the first time since the success of Dallas Buyers Club at the beginning of the year - a movie that went home with the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.
And Oscar success could come the way of Wild, as Witherspoon is tipped to be in the Best Actress race after her central performance. This would be her first Oscar nomination since she triumphed for Walk The Line.
Wild whipped up a storm on the festival circuit when it received a gala screening at the BFI London Film Festival back in October - where it and Witherspoon’s performance were met with glowing reviews.
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