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Veteran actor and Oscar-winning filmmaker Jodie Foster says she is increasingly enjoying working outside the United States, pointing to Europe’s creative flexibility, support for women directors, and her own personal freedom now that her children are grown. Foster shared her thoughts in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday during the Cannes Film Festival, where she appeared for the premiere of her new film, A Private Life.
Foster, now 61, has had a long-standing relationship with Cannes, having first walked its red carpet at just 13 years old when she starred in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver — a film that won the festival’s Palme d’Or in 1976. Decades later, her bond with European cinema appears stronger than ever.
“I’m really enjoying working outside the United States,” she said. “I’m not as tied down to the U.S. now that my kids are grown. It gives me the freedom to travel and work with filmmakers who are doing more unconventional and exciting things.”
Europe Offers Creative Freedom That Hollywood Restricts, Says Foster
In A Private Life, directed by French filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski, Foster plays a psychiatrist entangled in a psychological investigation after the mysterious death of her patient, portrayed by Virginie Efira. The film premiered in southern France, blending psychological thriller and drama in a genre-bending style that Foster claims would have been difficult to get off the ground in the United States.
“In the U.S., studios want a film to be either a thriller or a comedy, not both,” Foster explained. “There’s a rigid expectation of what genres are supposed to be. Blending tones is rare — and often discouraged.”
Foster praised the European approach to filmmaking, which often gives directors more artistic control and less interference from studios.
“In France, the director still has authority. That’s why filmmakers love to come here — there’s more respect for the art of storytelling,” she said.
Gender Bias in Hollywood: ‘I Barely Worked with Women Directors’
Beyond genre and creative freedom, Foster pointed to another stark contrast between Europe and the U.S.: gender representation in filmmaking. As both an actor and director, Foster noted that female filmmakers in Europe have historically enjoyed more opportunities than their counterparts in Hollywood.
“I’d only worked with one female director until just a few years ago,” Foster revealed. “Isn’t that kind of amazing? After making 60 movies, I’ve barely ever worked with another woman.”
Foster’s comments underscore long-standing concerns about gender inequality in Hollywood, where male directors have long dominated studio productions, particularly in genres like action, thriller, and high-budget drama.
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She commended Europe’s more inclusive filmmaking culture, stating that female directors are not treated as an anomaly there.
“Europe has had a female tradition in cinema — not perfect, but at least there’s some precedent. In America, the bias is deeply entrenched,” she said.
Motherhood and Newfound Freedom
Now that Foster’s children are adults, the acclaimed actress says she finally feels liberated to choose projects based on passion, not practicality.
“When my kids were young, I had to stay close to home. I chose roles that kept me in Los Angeles or limited my time on set. That phase of life was about balance,” she said.
But now, she’s embracing the freedom to travel, experiment, and collaborate internationally — something that many women in the industry find difficult during their child-rearing years.
“This is a new chapter for me — not just professionally, but personally,” she said. “I can explore, challenge myself, and support voices I believe in.”
Cannes: A Full-Circle Moment
Returning to Cannes, where her career first gained international attention, Foster reflected on how the festival continues to spotlight global cinema and amplify diverse voices — something that still lags behind in parts of the U.S. industry.
Foster was previously honored at Cannes in 2021 with an Honorary Palme d’Or, celebrating her lifetime contributions to cinema. Her appearance this year reaffirms her place among a generation of artists committed to pushing boundaries in an ever-evolving industry.
What’s Next for Foster?
While A Private Life marks her latest return to the big screen, Foster has also taken on several recent directorial projects, including episodes of Black Mirror and Tales from the Loop, along with helming the film Money Monster (2016), starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
When asked if she plans to direct more films in Europe, Foster smiled:
“Absolutely. There’s a sense of discovery and respect here that I find deeply inspiring. I feel at home.”
A Voice for Change in Cinema
Jodie Foster’s candid reflections at Cannes add to the growing chorus of artists calling for greater diversity, inclusion, and creative autonomy in global filmmaking. Whether in front of or behind the camera, she continues to challenge norms and champion stories that matter — both inside and outside Hollywood.
