Kate Winslet Has "Bitter Regrets" Over Working with Certain Men in Power

Celebrated actress and Oscar winner Kate Winslet was awarded the Dilys Powell Award for excellence in film on Sunday at London Critics Circle Film Awards. And in her acceptance speech, she referred to a number of powerful men in Hollywood with whom she regrets working, though she did not name names.

“There are directors, producers, and men of power who have for decades been awarded and applauded for their highly regarded work by both this industry and moviegoers alike," the actress began.

“As women around the world and from all walks of life marched last weekend … I realized that I wouldn’t be able to stand here this evening and keep to myself some bitter regrets that I have about poor decisions to work with individuals with whom I wish I had not,” she continued.

When the allegations of sexual misconduct against producer Harvey Weinstein broke in October, the Titanic star released the following statement: “The fact that these women are starting to speak out about the gross misconduct of one of our most important and well-regarded film producers is incredibly brave and deeply shocking to hear.”

During the press tour for Woody Allen’s Wonder Wheel, however, the actress declined to comment on the longstanding accusations against the director. “It’s just a difficult discussion. I’d rather respectfully not enter it today,” she said in an October issue of Variety.

Months later, Winslet made headlines for praising Allen’s feminine side. “I think on some level Woody is a woman. I just think he’s very in touch with that side of himself. He understands the female characters he creates exceptionally well,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Possibly atoning for her tone-deaf statement, Winslet told the audience at the London Critics Film Awards, "It has become clear to me that by not saying anything, I might be adding to the anguish of many courageous women and men. Sexual abuse is a crime. While it rests with the rule of law to pass judgment, it lies with all of us to listen to the smallest of voices and to never stop listening."

Amen, Kate.