Three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep expressed her admiration for actresses who transition into production roles during an on-stage conversation at the Cannes Film Festival. Streep, who received the Honorary Palme d'Or at the festival, praised actresses such as Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Natalie Portman for establishing their own production companies.

Speaking to a packed audience at the Debussy Theatre, Streep revealed that she chose not to venture into production because she wanted to avoid phone calls after seven o'clock in the evening. However, she expressed awe towards those who successfully balance their acting careers and production responsibilities. Streep, a mother of four and grandmother of five, described her role as a producer as being dedicated to her "production company of babies."

The veteran actress also discussed the changing landscape for women in the industry throughout her 50-year career, highlighting the significant impact of female executives. Streep emphasized how the emergence of women in decision-making positions has positively influenced both pay and the range of roles offered to actresses. She reflected on the challenges faced in the early days of her career, where male stars were frequently prioritized in negotiations.

Streep emphasized the importance of representation and how movies serve as a projection of people's dreams. The actress noted the difficulty for men to see themselves in female protagonist roles. However, Streep mentioned the film "The Devil Wears Prada," where several men approached her and expressed that they understood what it felt like to make decisions. She explained that men find it easier to empathize with male characters, whereas women are more versatile in relating to characters of any gender.

During the conversation, Streep also shared fond memories of working with acclaimed directors such as Mike Nichols, Steven Spielberg, and Clint Eastwood. She described Nichols as a director who would laugh and shed tears when watching his actors perform, making them feel empowered and excellent. Spielberg, on the other hand, had a strong understanding of the overall composition of a film, while Eastwood proved to be an efficient and fast director during the making of "The Bridges of Madison County."

Streep concluded the discussion by stating that a good director must exude confidence and have a clear vision of what they want to convey. She emphasized that the best directors create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere on set.

Meryl Streep's insights shed light on the evolving role of women in the film industry and the impact they have as both actresses and producers. As the Cannes Film Festival celebrates groundbreaking cinema, Streep's words serve as a reminder of the ongoing progress and challenges faced by women in Hollywood.