Kate Winslet recently shared that her family does not partake in the tradition of watching her film “The Holiday” during the Christmas season. The 2006 romantic comedy, which features Winslet and Cameron Diaz as two women who swap homes to escape their heartaches, has become a holiday favorite for many families. However, Winslet admits, “No, we haven’t seen The Holiday for years,” explaining that she generally avoids watching her own films. “Almost everything I’ve been in I’ve only seen once. When you watch the finished product, for most actors, that’s an excruciating experience,” she said.
Winslet’s comments come as she promotes her new Christmas film “Goodbye June,” marking her first holiday-themed project in almost two decades. Co-written by her son Joe Anders and inspired by her mother Sally’s passing from ovarian cancer in 2017, the film portrays siblings coming together during Christmas to honor their mother in palliative care. Winslet believes this narrative is not solely about dying but rather about celebrating life, saying, “People have been finding it very, very uplifting.”
In addition to starring in the film alongside Dame Helen Mirren and other notable actors, “Goodbye June” also serves as Winslet’s directorial debut. She reflects on how her personal evolution and her children’s maturity have finally allowed her the space to embrace this new challenge. “I just don’t think I would have honestly had the time before now,” she remarked.
The film industry continues to face challenges regarding gender representation, with Winslet noting that only 16 of the top 100 films at the UK box office last year were directed or co-directed by women. She acknowledges the hurdles women encounter in directing roles but emphasizes the resilience and capability of women in film, stating, “If there is more of us doing it then hopefully more will follow.”
Winslet’s journey into directing not only exemplifies her growth as an artist but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female filmmakers. At 50, she feels a profound sense of purpose in taking on this role, hoping to contribute to a cultural shift in the film industry that embraces women’s perspectives. Her commitment to directing reflects a larger movement aimed at fostering greater inclusion and diversity within the field, creating opportunities for future generations of female storytellers.