Majel Barrett Roddenberry: The First Lady of ‘Star Trek’
Honoring Majel Barrett Roddenberry's pivotal role in 'Star Trek,' this article highlights her impact on the franchise during its 60th anniversary.
Naomi Watts expressed her desire to collaborate with director Paul Thomas Anderson during a press conference at the San Sebastián Film Festival, while also discussing the advancements for older women in Hollywood.

Naomi Watts, the acclaimed British-Aussie actor, made headlines during a recent press conference at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where she will receive the honorary Donostia Award for career achievement. During the event, Watts expressed her admiration for the advancements made for older women in Hollywood and revealed her desire to collaborate with esteemed director Paul Thomas Anderson.
Watts specifically mentioned her interest in working with Paul Thomas Anderson, stating, “He is someone I’ve wanted to work with for a long time.” Her acknowledgment not only serves as a testament to her longstanding admiration for Anderson's work but also piques the interest of fans and industry insiders alike, given Anderson's reputation for distinctive storytelling and character-driven narratives.
In her remarks, Watts reflected on her career trajectory, noting that she began acting relatively late by Hollywood standards. “I started, by Hollywood standards, quite late,” she explained. She emphasized that the treatment of older women in the industry has seen significant improvements. “Look at the Emmys just last week; there were a number of women in strong categories over 50, so that's heartening to see,” she remarked. This acknowledgment highlights the increasing representation of women over 50, underlining their narratives being recognized and valued more than ever before.
Watts’ comments come as she prepares to screen her latest film, The Housewife, at the festival. Set in 1964, this film explores complex themes and character dynamics, drawing on true events. Watts described her role in the film as a challenging “mind twister” involving a woman named Hermine, navigating her seemingly normal life while confronting unsettling revelations about her husband. As her career continues to evolve, her insights into the changing portrayal of women in media resonate with audiences who value diverse storytelling.
Watts’ recognition of improvements in representation could inspire other older actresses and reinforce the significance of narrative diversity in Hollywood. This evolution benefits not only women in the industry but also reflects broader cultural shifts regarding women's roles in media. Her comments at the San Sebastián Film Festival not only spotlight her current achievements but also hint at the developments surrounding the representation of older women in film.
Watts’ interest in collaborating with Paul Thomas Anderson could pave the way for new opportunities and partnerships within the industry, furthering the conversation about inclusivity in Hollywood. As the industry embraces these changes, Watts' recognition and celebration of these advancements signify a hopeful trajectory for future generations of actresses. For more on the San Sebastián Film Festival, you can check out pieces on Cody Fern's Closing Night featuring Naomi Watts. Additionally, explore the growing representation of women in film through articles like The Female Quotient Signs With CAA for insights into changes within the industry.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Deadline. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.