Helen Mirren Criticises Sam Mendes For His All-male Inspiration List At Empire Awards
Hitchcock star berated Skyfall director for failing to mention any women as influences in his acceptance speech
Hitchcock star berated Skyfall director for failing to mention any women as influences in his acceptance speech
Helen Mirren criticised Skyfall director Sam Mendes last night after he failed to mention any women as influences during an acceptance speech at the Empire awards.
As she picked up her 'Legend' award, the Hitchcock star berated Mendes for citing Paul Thomas Anderson, François Truffaut, Martin Scorsese and Ingmar Bergman as his inspirations in his speech while ignoring Hollywood female film directors.
She said: 'I don't want to unduly pick on Sam Mendes, but when he spoke about his inspirations earlier this evening, I'm afraid not a single one of the people he mentioned was a woman.
'Hopefully in five or 10 years, when Sam's successor is collecting their Inspiration award, the list will be slightly more balanced in terms of its sexual make-up. In the meantime, this one is for the girls.'
Mendes won Best Director, Best Film and the 'Inspiration' award at the ceremony. The award winners are voted for by the film magazine's readers.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Sabrina Carpenter has a surprisingly A-list family - here's what we know about the 'Espresso' singer
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Keen to get strong? These are the best YouTube workouts for beginners to boost fitness and tone from home
A stronger you starts here.
By Rebecca Shepherd
-
I'm a big lactic acid fan and this is the best product I've found for super smooth and soft skin in just 3 minutes
One of my best buys of the year
By Rebecca Fearn