Helen Mirren recently praised Jane Fonda for her transformative and bold approach to life during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Celebration on December 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. Mirren highlighted Fonda’s remarkable journey and her unwavering commitment to various causes, describing her as “radical and controversial but always committed to life.”
The event marked the 20th anniversary of the Women of Worth program, which honors women who have made significant contributions to their communities. This year’s celebration recognized ten exceptional honorees, including Yasmine Arrington Brooks, Amy Bowers Cordalis, and Olivia Zhang, among others.
Celebrating Female Innovators
During the celebration at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Mirren expressed her admiration for Fonda, who is also a L’Oréal ambassador. “I’ve always thought what a remarkable life she’s had with an incredible expanse of different things,” Mirren stated. She went on to emphasize Fonda’s energetic commitment to life and her ability to tackle controversial issues, labeling her as one of her own “Women of Worth.”
The event featured several prominent figures, including fellow L’Oréal ambassadors Andie MacDowell, Kendall Jenner, and Gillian Anderson, who came together to celebrate two decades of female leadership and innovation.
Mirren’s Personal Insights and Upcoming Projects
At the event, Mirren also candidly shared her personal struggles with confidence. “I don’t have confidence. I have absolutely no confidence whatsoever. But I pretend I do,” she revealed. This admission resonated with many, as it highlights the ongoing challenges even established figures face in their careers.
Looking ahead, Mirren is set to star in Kate Winslet’s directorial debut, Goodbye June, which is scheduled for release in select theaters on December 12, 2023, and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting Christmas Eve. The film features a star-studded cast, including Toni Collette and Andrea Riseborough, and revolves around a family confronting their past as they support their terminally ill matriarch.
Winslet, who wrote the film alongside her son, Joe Anders, expressed her excitement about stepping into the role of director. “I found myself in a moment of realization, having spent so much of my life advocating for other women in male-dominated spaces,” she stated. Winslet emphasized the importance of taking action to change the cultural landscape, especially as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.
The Women of Worth event not only celebrated individual achievements but also served as a reminder of the power of women supporting one another in their respective journeys. As Mirren and Fonda continue to inspire with their work and life choices, the legacy of the Women of Worth program continues to shine a light on those making a difference.
