Nicole Kidman found a classy way to shade Martin Scorsese about his lack of female stars

Nicole Kidman, an Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in films like The Hours and Moulin Rouge!, recently gave an interview that had fans buzzing for more than just her usual candid insights. In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Kidman was asked about her AFI Lifetime Achievement Award speech, during which she listed some of the legendary directors she’s had the privilege to work with, including Jane Campion, Sofia Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, and Gus Van Sant. The question that followed, though, was a little more pointed: Who is the one director you haven’t worked with yet and would like to?

Kidman’s response was straightforward but laced with a sharp comment about one of the most celebrated directors in cinema history—Martin Scorsese. Her answer? “I’ve always said I want to work with [Martin] Scorsese, if he does a film with women.”

It was a simple statement, but one that carried with it a subtle critique of Scorsese’s track record when it comes to casting female leads. Scorsese, widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time, is known for his iconic films like Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, and The Irishman, all of which have centered on male protagonists. While the director has helmed a handful of films with female leads—most notably Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), which earned Ellen Burstyn an Academy Award for Best Actress, and New York, New York (1977), starring Liza Minnelli—these represent only a small fraction of his extensive body of work. The majority of Scorsese’s films, particularly those of recent years, focus on male-dominated stories and characters.

Kidman’s remark about Scorsese’s reluctance to cast women in leading roles speaks volumes, especially in an industry where women often face challenges in securing prominent roles in major films. It’s not lost on audiences that Kidman, who has worked with a diverse group of influential directors throughout her career, has consistently portrayed complex and powerful women. From her role as Virginia Woolf in The Hours to her portrayal of Celeste Wright in the HBO series Big Little Lies, Kidman has continually embraced roles that showcase the depth and nuance of female characters. Her comment about Scorsese, therefore, can be seen as a gentle critique of the gender imbalance in his films, which often prioritize male-driven narratives.

Following her statement on Scorsese, Kidman went on to name a list of other filmmakers she would love to work with, including Kathryn Bigelow, Spike Jonze, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Michael Haneke. Bigelow, notably, made history as the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker (2009), while Jonze’s films, such as Her, are celebrated for their creative storytelling and strong emotional depth. Anderson, too, is known for working with a wide range of actors, while Haneke’s films often explore complex psychological themes, frequently giving equal weight to both male and female characters.

While Kidman’s list of desired directors certainly spans a diverse range of talents, her mention of Scorsese was the one that caused the most stir. It’s rare for an actress of Kidman’s stature to directly call out such a beloved and established filmmaker, and yet her response was tactfully delivered. She didn’t dwell on the negative; instead, she simply acknowledged that she would be interested in working with Scorsese—if he were to cast a woman in a leading role. This comment serves as a reminder that even the most respected figures in Hollywood, like Scorsese, are not exempt from scrutiny, especially when it comes to the ongoing discussion around gender inequality in film.

For Scorsese, who has long been an advocate for pushing boundaries in filmmaking, this could be a valuable moment for reflection. While his contributions to cinema are undeniable, Kidman’s remark serves as a reminder of the power of diverse stories and the importance of offering women the same opportunities that have long been afforded to their male counterparts.

As for Kidman, her career continues to thrive, and she remains a vocal advocate for women in the entertainment industry. Whether or not Scorsese will take her suggestion to heart remains to be seen, but for now, Kidman’s comment has sparked important conversations about the role of women in film—conversations that are necessary for moving the industry forward.