Kate Winslet has experienced the harsh realities of being judged for her appearance. Following the success of her film Titanic, she faced relentless scrutiny about her body that extended throughout her Hollywood career. Even recently, the director of Mare of Easttown suggested altering her belly digitally to fit a certain standard.
No one should face such treatment, but it has driven Winslet, now 50, to advocate passionately for women, beauty, body image, self-esteem, and self-love.
In a recent conversation with The Times about her Netflix directorial debut, Goodbye June, she shared her strong views on the increasing trend of cosmetic alterations like Botox, lip fillers, and weight-loss drugs.
When discussing women’s natural beauty, she remarked, “I feel like nobody cares anymore. Everyone’s so absorbed in achieving an ideal of perfection for likes on Instagram. It deeply saddens me.”
Winslet expressed similar sentiments regarding the use of procedures such as Botox and lip fillers, as well as weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. “Oh, it’s alarming,” she noted. “I think no, not you! Why?”
She has even more to say on the subject.
“It’s devastating. If someone’s self-worth is tied to their looks, it’s frightening. I do see moments that feel positive when I watch actresses embrace their unique styles, yet so many are turning to weight-loss drugs. Some choose to be their authentic selves, while others do everything possible to hide theirs. Do they realize the risks to their health? This disregard is unnerving. The chaos out there is overwhelming.”
Winslet emphasized that this issue extends beyond actresses. She recounted seeing a news segment featuring a woman who epitomized the countless individuals choosing cosmetic surgery to conform to an idealized image.
“She looked cartoonish,” Winslet stated. “You cannot truly know what that person looks like. From the eyebrows to the mouth to the lashes and hair, that young woman is terrified of showing her authentic self. What ideal of perfection are we pursuing? Social media is a major contributor to this mental health crisis.”
It is essential to acknowledge Winslet’s privilege — she can afford the best healthcare and beauty treatments, including healthy food options and personal trainers.
She then pivoted to the beauty of aging.
“My favorite part is when your hands age,” she told The Times. “That’s life’s story in your hands. Some of the most stunning women I know are over 70, and it troubles me that younger women often lack a true understanding of what beauty means.”
Her key takeaway?
“We must continue to be authentic.”
This isn’t the first time Winslet has shared her candid thoughts on beauty and aging.
Last year, she made headlines for her comments regarding Ozempic in The New York Times Magazine.
“Oh, my God,” Winslet, who has faced her own struggles with eating disorders, said. “This sounds terrible. Let’s enjoy some real food!”
On BBC Women’s Hour, she commented that women often become more attractive in their 40s.
“When women hit their 40s — especially mid-40s — they start thinking, ‘Oh no, this is the start of the decline,’” she said. “Changes happen, things start to shift in ways we don’t prefer. I’ve just decided, no. We become more ourselves, more empowered, more alluring. We are growing into our full potential. We can voice our opinions without fear and care less about our looks. That’s incredible. Let’s embrace it, ladies. Let’s own our power.”
Goodbye June will be available on Netflix starting Friday, December 12.
You can read the full interview in The Times here.
