Timothée Supreme: Not all is completely known about Timothée Chalamet, the enigmatic role player who is reshaping stardom

Timothée Chalamet is one of those rare figures in contemporary cinema whose presence feels simultaneously effortless and charged – drawing audiences in with softness but holding them with surprising force. His ascent from precocious indie favourite to bona-fide global star has been remarkably swift, unfurling as his characters often do: with emotional transparency, a touch of vulnerability, and an unspoken confidence that makes even his quietest performances resonate loudly.

There is a certain paradox to Chalamet, and it is one that filmmakers and fans alike find compelling. He embodies a new masculinity while remaining in dialogue with the old, playing vulnerable boys who are somehow never fragile, romantic leads who don’t chase conquest, and sensitive young men who hold a gaze without claiming dominance. Balancing this tension has become his signature, whether he is navigating the sun-soaked ache of first love in Call Me by Your Name (2017) or uniting tempest and restraint as Paul Atreides in the tri-blockbuster magnitude of Dune (2021, 2024 and, likely, December 2026).

But the 30-year-old’s appeal cannot be pinned to a single film or era. He emerged at a time when the language of fame itself was shifting. Social media had already reconfigured celebrity, dismantling the polished distance that once defined the idea of a movie star. Chalamet didn’t actively resist this new paradigm, but he didn’t wholly embrace it either. Instead, he sidestepped it, cultivating a persona that remains accessible yet elusive.

Early Artistry

His early roles hinted at this. In Lady Bird (2017), he delivered a sly, detached charm that skewered the pretentious teen archetype with uncanny precision. In Beautiful Boy (2018), he portrayed addiction with a quiet, intimate realism that refused melodrama. These performances proved he could shift emotional registers without ever abandoning authenticity. At a time when audiences are increasingly adept at detecting artifice, this quality set him apart.

Chalamet’s red carpet evolution has been nothing short of cultural shorthand. The fluid silhouettes, the boundary-testing suits, and the unexpected textures have all contributed to a sartorial vocabulary that rejects traditional rules. Fashion critics have called him a ‘modern muse’, and designers, from Haider Ackermann to Louis Vuitton, have often seemed to shape runway dreams with his frame in mind.

Yet behind this aesthetic impact lies a deeper artistic seriousness. Chalamet’s filmography continues to swing between large-scale epics and intimate dramas, suggesting a long-term vision that prioritises challenge over comfort. “I don’t want to play people that are written in a broad way,” he said in an interview. “The gift to my career is to play projects where sometimes it’s … morally ambiguous … You want to play real, real people, real life.”

The cannibalistic romance Bones and All (2022) reasserted his willingness to venture into the strange and uncomfortable, while the following year, in Wonka, he combined whimsy with earnest charm. But it’s his future that fascinates Hollywood most.

As he enters what many consider the defining decade of an actor’s career, Chalamet stands at a crossroads lined with potential: auteur-driven cinema, tentpole franchises, stage work, perhaps even producing or directing. “I’ve always given it my all; that’s evident in my early work,” he has shared. “But I do believe my artistry is growing. It’s in formation. My foundation has gotten stronger as an artist.

Adult Complexity

His performances suggest that his best roles are ahead of him. Chalamet’s instincts – those subtle shifts in posture, the micro expressions that hold emotional weight – hint at an actor who will grow more layered with age. He has the traits of a performer built not just for youthful intensity but for adult complexity. He once said in an interview: “As an actor, you sort of live at a dining-room table in your head, and you have about 30 personalities at the table, and you’re trying to attend to them without going crazy.”

Off-screen, Chalamet remains enigmatic. He is present and visible but not overexposed – it was only last year that he and his beau, social-media star Kylie Jenner, began to be more open about their three-year relationship, famously posting photos in matching orange outfits to promote his most recent film, the table-tennis hit Marty Supreme.

He speaks carefully in interviews, sometimes with philosophical curiosity, as though he is still working out how to balance inner and outer worlds. That introspection is part of what keeps his fans invested. They root for him the way audiences once rooted for the great cinematic icons – not because of perfection, but because of possibility.

There is also a sense that Chalamet is increasingly aware of his influence. He muses on the responsibilities of visibility, the need for creative intention, and the desire to work with filmmakers who challenge him. He talks about craft with the same earnestness he brings to roles, emphasising process over persona.

Great Expectations

When collecting a Screen Actors’ Guild best actor award last year for portraying the young Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown (2024), he announced: “The truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats.” That confidence, rooted not in bravado but in careful attention to character in his work, is rewriting the template for what stardom looks like in the 2020s.

Asked about his bold self-belief in an interview, he shared, “You know, it ebbs and flows. And I feel like that’s kind of what keeps me on my toes. It’s my New York mentality insofar as if I’m in a movie or in a social situation, if things are going well, you feel great. And if not, the world’s falling apart.”

If the golden age of Hollywood built stars through distance, and the internet age flattened them through availability, Chalamet exists in a curated in between: human, expressive, but still elevated by a faint touch of mystery. He is at once the guy in the hoodie walking through New York City and the international leading man whose face appears 15 metres tall on an IMAX screen.

Emotional Resonance

As his career expands, so does his cultural footprint. He is a touchpoint in discussions about identity, representation, fashion and the evolving language of modern masculinity. His fans project onto him because he embodies a version of complexity they see reflected in themselves.

Whether he is stepping into the colossal shadow of science-fiction epics or charismatically playing a ping-pong prodigy in Marty Supreme, Chalamet carries a kind of emotional resonance that feels uniquely suited to the moment. He reminds us that performance can be both grand and intimate, that vulnerability need not be small, and that a whisper can sometimes hold more power than a roar.

A Bird in Hand: After her mesmerising turn in The Penguin, Cristin Milioti’s eclectic career will fly higher and wilder

Cristin Milioti doesn’t just play characters, she inhabits them. Whether she’s singing her heart out on Broadway, unravelling emotional trauma in a sci-fi dystopia, or stealing scenes in a dark crime drama – and winning an Emmy for it – Milioti brings a rare blend of vulnerability, wit and intensity to every role. Her career is a masterclass in versatility, and her story is one of quiet persistence, artistic risk-taking and a refusal to be typecast.

Born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey in 1985, young Cristin grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family. Her love for performance began early; she sang in bands, acted in school plays and spent summers at Long Lake Camp for the Arts in upstate New York, where she first realised that acting was more than a hobby – it was her calling. After high school, she briefly attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, dropping out to devote herself full-time to her career.

She began with a patchwork of commercials, guest spots on The Sopranos (2006-7), and regional theatre gigs. It was the stage that truly shaped her. Off-Broadway productions like Stunning (2009) and That Face (2010) showcased her emotional range and magnetic presence. She wasn’t just another aspiring actress; she was a performer with a distinct voice and a fearless approach to character work.

Once Upon a Tune

Milioti’s breakthrough came in 2011 with the Broadway musical Once, where she played ‘Girl’, a Czech pianist, opposite Steve Kazee’s ‘Guy’. The show was a runaway hit, earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Her portrayal was luminous – equal parts quirky and heartbreaking – and it solidified her reputation as a singular talent with both vocal and dramatic chops.

Although she has now gravitated from musicals to dramas, she says: “I wish I were singing more. I really miss it a lot. It is the most open you can be.”

In 2013, she landed the role that would introduce her to millions: Tracy McConnell, a.k.a. ‘The Mother’, on CBS’s fan-favourite sitcom How I Met Your Mother. For years, viewers had speculated about the identity of Ted Mosby’s future wife, and Milioti’s arrival in the latter stages of the long-running saga was met with both excitement and scrutiny. She brought warmth, humour and emotional resonance to the role, and helped give the series a bittersweet, memorable conclusion.

From Street to Sci-fi

Milioti’s film career kicked into gear with a supporting role in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). She held her own opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, delivering a performance that was both grounded and emotionally charged.

Continuing to choose eclectic projects, she starred opposite Andy Samberg in the critically acclaimed romantic comedy Palm Springs (2020) as a cynical wedding guest trapped in a time loop. Balancing existential dread with comedic timing, her performance was a revelation – funny, fierce and deeply human. “I do love something that has its tentacles in many genres,” she said of the movie.

In the HBO Max series Made for Love (2021–2022), she played a woman whose tech billionaire husband implanted a chip in her brain. Relaying grit and vulnerability, her performance anchored a show blending satire, sci-fi and emotional drama.

Milioti’s affinity for complex, genre-bending roles also found a perfect outlet in Black Mirror. In the 2017 episode USS Callister, her portrayal of a programmer reclaiming agency in a digital nightmare was widely praised, and she was excited to reprise it earlier this year in USS Callister: Into Infinity.

A Mad Part

Last year, she took on her most ambitious part yet: Sofia Falcone in HBO’s The Penguin, a spin-off from the 2022 film The Batman, with a prosthetics-disguised Colin Farrell in the titular role. She imbued Sofia – a cunning, ruthless player in Gotham’s criminal underworld – with layers of complexity. She wasn’t just a villain; she was a woman navigating power, legacy and survival.

“I’m such a huge Batman fan, so to just even be in this universe was a thrill, but to get to play this multi-layered villain, it was a dream,” she says. “Sofia is such a wonderful example where you get to see how she’s driven mad and how the world can drive someone mad, and how pain can drive people to do terrible things. I mean, that’s the world that we’re living in.”

Asked by the media during the show’s run how she felt her character was being received, she replied coyly: “I don’t read reviews. I’m too much of a scaredy cat. But I heard a general weather report that people like the show, and that was enough. Then, I stuck my head back in the sand. It’s always very nerve-racking to share your work with the world.”

Power & Passion

Earning a Critics’ Choice Award, a Golden Globe nomination, and her first Emmy win for Best Actress in a Limited Series for The Penguin was a career-defining moment that confirmed what her fans had long known: Milioti is a powerhouse. She doesn’t just meet expectations; she exceeds them, often in unexpected ways.

Off-screen, she is a passionate advocate for animal adoption. She has worked with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to promote rescue efforts and is the proud owner of Rupert, a mixed-breed West Highland White Terrier. Her social media occasionally features Rupert’s antics, offering a glimpse into her personal life and her love for animals.

Camera Shy

Adding to her creative footprint, Milioti has contributed to various soundtracks and musical projects, as well as animated series and audiobooks. Whether singing or narrating, her voice carries a distinct emotional texture that adds depth to every project. What she doesn’t like is watching her own performances or indulging in self-reflection: “It’s uncomfortable to ruminate on oneself in a public setting – but I find it uncomfortable even if it’s not public.”

She begins every new acting challenge, she says, “with a lot of anxiety over the possibility that I would be unable to meet the role or the project or the writing. I can get in a little bit of a tailspin. It’s an imposter syndrome thing, I think.”

Flight & Fight

Post-Penguin, Cristin Milioti is poised for even higher-profile roles. Leads in the indie horror film Buddy and the FX series Seven Sisters are known to be on the horizon. What makes her so compelling is her refusal to be boxed in. At 40, she is not chasing fame or formulaic roles – she’s chasing stories that challenge her, characters that defy expectations, and projects that blur genre lines.

Drawn to narratives that explore the human condition in all its messy glory, and gravitating towards brilliant, damaged women fighting for control in chaotic worlds, she does it all with a mix of humour, heartbreak and steel.

Armas Moment: From Havana’s quiet shores to Hollywood’s bright lights, Ana de Armas mesmerises all

When Ana de Armas landed in Los Angeles a decade ago, she spoke little English, could barely communicate with her co-stars, and had to recite her lines by rote. Today, she’s the talk of the town and the first Cuban to earn an Academy Award for Best Actress nod. It has been an instinctive rise, and the avenging assassin of Ballerina has the world at her feet.

Ana Celia de Armas Caso was born on 30 April 1988, in Havana, Cuba, and raised in the small coastal town of Santa Cruz del Norte. Her early years were shaped by the economic hardships of Cuba’s Special Period, yet her imagination flourished. She watched Hollywood films at a neighbour’s house and memorised monologues in front of a mirror, dreaming of a life far beyond the island.

By age 14, she had successfully auditioned to train at the National Theatre of Havana. Her determination was fierce – she sometimes hitchhiked to classes and filmed three movies while still a student. However, she left the programme early, knowing that Cuban graduates were required to complete three years of community service before being allowed to leave the country. At 18, she made a move to Madrid to chase her dream.

“I was fortunate to also have Spanish nationality [through her maternal grandparents], and with that freedom, I could come to Spain. I don’t know what I’d have done if I hadn’t had this advantage,” she acknowledges.

Her luck continued – within weeks of arriving, she met casting director Luis San Narciso and scored a place in hit boarding-school drama series El Internado (2007–2010). Though the show brought her fame in Spain, she felt creatively boxed in and left before its final season, seeking more diverse roles.

De Armas had appeared in several Spanish films, but by 2014 was ready for a bigger leap. She moved to LA and began intensive English-language lessons. Her first English-speaking role came in Knock Knock (2015), a psychological thriller opposite Keanu Reeves.

Despite the language barrier, she and Reeves shared a connection. She recalls: “I still managed to … bond with him and show him who I am to him and the kind of artist that I am. And that’s how we created that friendship and how all the other jobs came after.

“I just learned so much from [Keanu] just by watching him. He’s just nonstop. He’s like me: we are perfectionists. We want to do it again and again and again, and it’s never enough. So it is tough to say ‘cut’ when we’re filming.”

The parts that followed were in War Dogs (2016), Hands of Stone (2016), and Overdrive (2017). But her breakout role was Joi, a holographic AI companion in Blade Runner 2049 (2017), which showcased her emotional depth and screen presence, even in a futuristic, digitally enhanced form.

Then came Knives Out (2019), Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit. Her performance as a kind-hearted nurse entangled in a wealthy family’s murder mystery was widely praised, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and catapulting her into the A-list. She held her own alongside acting heavyweights like Daniel Craig and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Her career continued to soar in the early 2020s. She reunited with Craig in No Time to Die (2021), playing a charismatic CIA agent and stealing the scene with her blend of elegance, humour and lethal skill. In Deep Water (2022), she starred opposite Ben Affleck in a tense erotic thriller that blurred the lines between fiction and real life, as the two actors were romantically linked off-screen.

But it was her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde (2022), Andrew Dominik’s adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’ fictionalised novel, that became her most daring and controversial role. “[My] job wasn’t to imitate [Monroe],” she notes. “I was interested in her feelings, her journey, her insecurities, and her voice, in the sense that she didn’t really have one.” The film polarised critics, but her Oscar-nominated performance was acknowledged as fearless and transformative.

Commenting at the time, she says: “[The nomination] was a reminder of ‘look at the career I’m having, look at all the things I can do. This is exactly what I wanted.’ It’s usually that you are either only an action star … or you are doing indie low-budget films that not many people get to see. … So to be able to manage both sides of it and have it all in my own way, it’s amazing.”

Her personal life has often drawn media attention. She was married to Spanish actor Marc Clotet from 2011 to 2013. Following her highly publicised relationship with Affleck, she dated Tinder executive Paul Boukadakis. Rumours swirled this summer about a budding romance with Tom Cruise. Despite the speculation, she remains fiercely private, preferring to let her work speak louder than her personal life.

De Armas has spoken candidly about the challenges of being a Latina in Hollywood. She’s turned down roles that felt stereotypical and has advocated for more nuanced, authentic representation. Her fluency in both Spanish and English, combined with her global appeal, has made her a bridge between cultures and industries.

In 2023, she starred in Ghosted, an action-romantic comedy with Chris Evans, and in 2024, appeared in Eden, directed by Ron Howard. This year, she took centre stage in Ballerina, a spin-off from the John Wick universe. As a ballerina-turned-assassin, she brought grace and grit to a role that demanded both physical intensity and emotional complexity.

Beyond the screen, de Armas has become a fashion icon, gracing the covers of Vogue, Elle and Vanity Fair. She’s been the face of luxury brands like Estée Lauder and Louis Vuitton, embodying a blend of classic glamour and modern edge.

Despite her meteoric rise, she remains grounded. Having bought a home near Woodstock, Vermont, in 2022, she finds tranquillity away from the limelight. “It became a little bit too much,” she says of life in LA. “There’s no escape. There’s no way out. … It’s always the feeling of something that you don’t have, something missing. It’s a city that keeps you anxious.”

She frequently visits her family in Cuba and has spoken about the importance of staying connected to her roots. Her brother, Javier Caso, is a photographer and activist based in New York, and the two share a close bond.

De Armas’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention and relentless ambition. From a small town in Cuba to the heights of Hollywood, she has defied expectations and carved a path uniquely her own. With each role, she continues to surprise audiences, bringing a rare authenticity to every frame. Not just a pretty face or a rising star, she’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. In a world that often demands conformity, Ana de Armas dares to be unforgettable.

All About Pugh: From Lady Macbeth to the Black Widow, Florence Pugh brings charisma to a marvellously varied cast of characters

Florence Pugh is one of the most compelling and dynamic actors of her generation. Her performances are powerful, nuanced and filled with a depth that keeps audiences captivated. Since her breakout role in Lady Macbeth almost a decade ago, the 29-year-old from Oxford, England, has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most exciting and versatile talents, appearing in acclaimed dramas, horror films, indie projects and blockbuster franchises. From her emotionally intense roles to her charismatic presence on- and off-screen, she is impossible to overlook.

Born on 3 January 1996, Florence Rose Pugh was raised in a creative household alongside her artistic sisters and brother, the actor and musician Toby Sebastian. Her father, Clinton Pugh, was a successful restaurateur; her mother, Deborah Mackin, had trained as a ballerina and taught aerobics and dance. Her upbringing encouraged self-expression, which later became an essential part of her identity as an actress.

A sickly child, Florence was diagnosed with tracheomalacia, a condition causing respiratory difficulties. Hoping the warmer climate would improve her health, the family temporarily relocated to Spain. Though they soon returned to Oxford, this experience shaped her early years and her resilience.

She began exploring acting in school plays and developed a fascination with emotional storytelling. Yet when posting cover versions of popular songs on YouTube under the name Flossie Rose, she first imagined her breakthrough would come as a singer. It’s an ambition that she still harbours. “I intend to release music. It’s something I’ve been so conscious of ever since my acting career [took off] … I do miss it,” she says.

Rise from Falling

Pugh was encouraged by her mother to audition for a key role in British filmmaker Carol Morley’s 2014 The Falling, apsychological dramaset in an English boarding school. She got the part, and as an unknown shared co-star billing with Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones fame. Her performance was widely praised for its subtle complexity.

Her remarkable natural talent compensated for a lack of acting training. She recalls: “Every single job at the beginning of my career, [I was] working with unbelievable actors and directors. I was constantly learning.”

After a failed pilot show for US television, it was Lady Macbeth (2016) that really got Pugh noticed, showcasing her ability to embody complicated, morally ambiguous characters. Playing a young woman forced into an oppressive marriage in bleak northeast England circa 1865, she commanded the screen with her fierce presence. The film received critical acclaim, and her performance earned her several nominations and awards.

The role involved nudity, which the teenager handled with maturity beyond her years. “I wasn’t nervous about taking my clothes off, but I thought, ‘If this is done well, it will be a really powerful and horrible way to set up the rest of the story’,” she has said. “I remember thinking, ‘If I do this right, if the shot is right, this film should be amazing.’”

After Lady Macbeth, Pugh continued to take on diverse roles. In 2018, she starred in The Little Drummer Girl, a BBC miniseries based on John le Carré’s novel. That same year, she appeared in King Lear alongside Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, further cementing her place in British cinema.

Year of Acting Famously

However, 2019 was the year that catapulted her into global stardom. She appeared in three vastly different films, each highlighting her extraordinary range. In the biographical sports comedy. Fighting with My Family, she demonstrated comedic timing, emotional depth and commitment to physical training, as she had to embody the complexities of a young professional wrestler’s life.

Ari Aster’s folk horror film Midsommar saw her take on the role of a grieving woman caught in a terrifying Swedish cult. Her performance was hauntingly raw, with many critics praising her ability to express grief, vulnerability and psychological distress with chilling realism.

Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women introduced a new side of Pugh as she portrayed the ambitious and complicated Amy March. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to her ability to transform classic characters into fresh and compelling figures.

Speaking of the era in which both Lady Macbeth and Little Women are set, she comments: “Something I love about the 1800s … is that there were obviously always powerful women and strong-minded, opinionated women, but they were dealing with a completely different set of cards. A set of cards that were against them.”

Marvels Never Cease

With her growing success, Pugh was cast as Yelena Belova opposite Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow (2021), the film that introduced her to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Her portrayal of the witty, resilient assassin was widely praised, leading to her return in Hawkeye, a Disney+ series, that same year.

Pugh’s involvement in the MCU continued this spring with Thunderbolts*, where her character becomes part of a team of antiheroes. The film has been hailed as the best Marvel outing in years, with its lead earning plaudits for her charisma. The adventure continues next year with Avengers: Doomsday.

Beyond Marvel, Pugh has tackled a variety of ambitious projects. She appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023), playing Jean Tatlock, a pivotal figure in the story of the atomic bomb, and joined the glitzy cast for Dune: Part Two (2024). Last year’s romantic drama We Live in Time, alongside Andrew Garfield, was also a success.

Personal Passions

Off-screen, Pugh has gained admiration for her authenticity and approachability. She has been outspoken about body positivity, rejecting Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards and embracing natural representation. Her candid discussions on social media about self-confidence and the challenges of fame have made her a role model for many young actors and fans.

Her relationship with actor-director Zach Braff, which ended in 2022, drew public interest, and she is now reported to be dating fellow 29-year-old British actor Finn Cole, but Pugh has consistently advocated for privacy in her personal life. Rather than allowing media scrutiny to dictate her narrative, she remains grounded, focusing on her career and passions.

Florence Pugh represents a generation of performers who prioritise raw emotion, authenticity and versatility. She has refused to be confined to any single genre, and with each project, her presence in the film industry continues to expand. Whether delivering heart-wrenching performances in psychological dramas or bringing fierce energy to action-packed blockbusters, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Head Over Heels: From horse riding to pole dancing, Anora actor Mikey Madison is assured and authentic in everything she does

Once a shy girl who devoted much of her time to her beloved horse, Mikey Madison is now riding the wave of Hollywood success. While labelling herself an introvert, the Anora star enjoys occupying the headspace of extroverts. “If I play these [extreme] characters, then I’m going to get to experience so much life and living through them. And it doesn’t have to be me, you know? I get to have a safety net.” When collecting her Best Actress Academy Award statuette in March this year, Madison stepped up, aged 25, as the first Gen Z Oscar winner for acting.

Mikaela Madison Rosberg was born in Los Angeles on 25 March 1999, alongside her twin brother, into a family with a past claim to fame – one of her relatives was Clarence Hailey Long Jr, a rugged Texas cowboy who appeared on the cover of the August 1949 issue of Life magazine and was the inspiration for the iconic cigarette-advertising ‘Marlboro Man’.

Although growing up in a vibrant city known for its performance arts, young Mikey initially inherited Long’s passion for riding. Her parents, both psychologists and supportive of her ambitions, allowed her to be homeschooled so could dedicate herself to equestrianism. It wasn’t until she was 14 that her head was turned toward acting. “I loved the ritual of getting to the barn and taking care of my horse, but it’s kind of an isolating sport,” she says of horse riding. “I felt called in another direction.”

LA Spirit

Having enrolled in acting classes, she made the pivotal decision to focus on acting full-time, forgoing college to immerse herself in auditions. It was then that her upbringing in Los Angeles, amid a backdrop of aspiring artists and established stars, provided her with a unique perspective on the entertainment world.

She first caught the eye at 17 as the eldest, and often angry, daughter in the television family assembled by Pamela Adlon for the comedy-drama series Better Things (2016-2020). “That show was my film school, my college, and I learned a lot about acting too, certainly,” she says.

Her film breakthrough came in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), which examines the changing dynamics of Tinseltown in the late 1960s. She shone among a large ensemble cast which included big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, playing the small but pivotal role of Susan ‘Sadie’ Atkins, one of Charles Manson’s notorious ‘family’ who murdered actress Sharon Tate and four others on 9 August 1969. Praised by critics for her authenticity and emotional depth, the young actor demonstrated her versatility and positioned herself as a new talent to watch.

The main takeaway for Madison herself, though, was the opportunity to be directed by one of her heroes. “It was a dream come true,” she exclaims of working with Tarantino. “It was completely unbelievable and the greatest entry into film for me. But it was also, ‘OK, well, f***, I just worked with my hero at 19. What am I going to do now?’”

Brooklyn Bound

Nabbing the titular role in the Palme d’Or and Oscar triumph Anora (2024) was her answer. In fact, she didn’t even have to audition for the part since writer-director-producer-editor Sean Baker had spotted her in Scream (2022), the fifth instalment of the iconic slasher series, and recalled her work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He wrote this hard-edged, modern American romance centring on a bold, brassy stripper-cum-occasional sex worker with Madison in mind.

In turn, the actor threw herself into the role, casting off her inner California girl. Displaying her strong work ethic and thirst for perfection, she visited strip clubs, learnt pole dancing and basic Russian, and even lived in Brighton Beach for a month to acquire a thick Brooklyn accent.

As she collected a cache of trophies for Anora, Madison dedicated them to the women who earn their living as sex workers. “I’ve made friends who are dancers,” she relates. “I wanted every aspect of Ani’s career and what she does to be realistic – but also [to show] that’s not her entire life; that’s just her job. I didn’t want [her line of work] to be sensationalised or dramatised in a negative way. I just wanted it to be what it was.”

Slow & Shy

She says of the character: “[Ani’s] very boisterous and scrappy and has so much attitude. And she has this incredible fighting spirit that I really admire, and I don’t think that’s me at all. In terms of energy, I’m a lower-energy person. I just move through the world in a slower manner.” A rare celebrity who eschews social media and doesn’t like to talk about herself, the actor prefers to live “in her own little world”.

Madison has been open about her struggles with shyness and social difficulties as a child, when she found solace spending time with animals. She encourages others to prioritise their mental wellbeing, reinforcing her commitment to authenticity.

As a relatively inexperienced actor, she has been inspired by the women who have paved the way in Hollywood. She acknowledges the importance of representation in film and television, advocating for diverse stories and complex characters. Her passion for storytelling aligns with her desire to contribute meaningfully to the industry.

“I would like to see more men in power being outspoken about women’s issues in Hollywood… the kind of world we live in, men are in a position of power – actors, producers, directors. They should be uplifting women. I think that should be a man’s role,” she says.

Emotional Ride

Looking ahead to surely an even more glittering future, she is eager to explore new opportunities that challenge her as an actress. She is keen on taking on diverse roles that push her boundaries and projects that resonate with her values, whether in film or television. “[Acting] is an emotional job, and so for me, I approach it in an emotional way,” she stresses. “I’m taking my time [committing to a new project, and] I’m grateful that I have the luxury of being able to do right now.”

She acknowledges that making Anora was a “crazy, life-changing” experience. The low-key star views acting as “creating something together” and takes pleasure in the fact “that whatever I make, for at least one person it will be their favourite thing”. With her first headlining role, Mikey Madison has touched the hearts of millions.

Avatar Hurrah: From sci-fi to Emilia Pérez to Lioness, Zoe Saldaña embraces each role with a roar of cultural pride

With a gripping personal narrative and a career that continually elevates her to unfathomable heights, Zoe Saldaña is a voice for those who dare to dream beyond limitations. Having swept the awards board with her Best Supporting Actress spin in Emilia Pérez, she is set for an Avatar return by year’s end, and her remarkable journey from loss to triumph is a testament to the power of the human spirit.

Born in New Jersey to a Dominican father and a Puerto Rican-Dominican mother, Saldaña quickly assimilated the notions of passion and tenacity. Her secure childhood in a community steeped in dual cultural identities was shattered at age nine by the loss of her father in a car accident. The family was thrust into tumultuous times, with Zoe and her two sisters, Cisely and Mariel, shifting to live with relatives in the Dominican Republic in a search of stability.

She would return to the US in her teens to finish her education in Queens, New York and find her calling in acting. “I learned in a very innocent, unconscious way when I was very young that I need to live in art because I find peace,” reflects the 46-year-old star.

Unbreakable Bonds

Throughout interviews, Saldaña expresses that this early adversity shaped her understanding of strength and love. “When my father passed away, we all went straight into survival mode,” she says, revealing how such formative experiences helped her cultivate bonds with her sisters. “You can’t expect them to have the same capacity and to understand what you’re going through.”

This connection ignited a passion for dance, which offered her solace. She trained in ballet, a discipline that requires not only skill but also a remarkable level of focus, something she struggled to maintain. She eventually quit due to doubts about her own capabilities: “I did not have the feet, but I had too much pride.” While she turned to the theatre, dance would remain a crucial element of her career; she broke into movies playing a dancer in Center Stage (2000) and ultimately found expression in roles that required her to merge her artistic talents with her powerful storytelling abilities.

Saldaña’s first on-screen role, at age 22, in the long-running TV show Law & Order (1999) laid the groundwork for a career characterised by remarkable versatility. While critics often deride the juvenile antics of films from the early 2000s, she regards these experiences as stepping stones to her illustrious career. “I have been pushed and pulled in a shocking number of directions, and I’m grateful for every single one,” she affirms, facing the challenges of Hollywood with grace.

Cosmic Force

As Saldaña’s popularity soared, she transitioned into blockbuster territory with key roles in the Star Trek reboot and Avatar, films that would solidify her place among the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Arguably, her industry inflection came from portraying powerful women in sci-fi films. As communications officer Uhura in Star Trek and warrior Neytiri in Avatar, she exemplified strength, intelligence and vulnerability.

“I like the fact that there’s more than one female in an action movie,” she shares, advocating for inclusivity within her roles. At a time when many women found themselves pigeonholed, she navigated through uncharted space, delivering memorable performances that would transcend the screen.

Portraying Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise further established Saldaña as a leading female figure in Hollywood. The complex nature of her character – an assassin turned protector – mirrored her own journey toward empowerment, emphasising that feminism comes in myriad voices. “There is a certain freedom of the imagination in science fiction,” she asserts. “You have to project yourself into a world that you’re unfamiliar with.” Her ability to bring this voice to life ignited conversations about representation in media and inspired countless fans.

Claiming Her Identity

While the spotlight has been a constant companion, Saldaña has carefully curated a personal life filled with integrity. She married Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013 after a whirlwind romance and raises three boys in a trilingual household. The actress is intriguing not only for her roles but also for her candidness regarding her own struggles, including with the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In an age where perfectionism reigns supreme, her humility is refreshing.

At the core of her narrative lies the desire to connect and inspire through her art. “My life has always been saved, over and over again, by people who have taken me in, by guiding me, raising me, and educating me,” muses the mother of three, attributing her success not just to hard work, but to the rich support network of family, friends and mentors. This gives depth to her actions and dignity to her voice, especially as she champions causes close to her heart, like diversity in media.

Vision for the Future

Her Academy Award-winning role in Emilia Pérez centres on camaraderie and the complexity of human connection. As the main thread propelling a story steeped in themes of empowerment and social commentary, Saldaña sheds layers as a performer, demonstrating her ability to redefine herself throughout her career. “For Emilia, every scene felt like reconnecting with parts of me throughout my life where I felt that kind of desperation,” she shares, emphasising the emotional weight of her work.

Her evolving roles signal a shift from merely occupying space in Hollywood to creating it. Avatar: Fire and Ash’s scheduled December release and her participation in prolific American TV creator Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness further display her commitment to exploring neglected narratives within the female experience. As she looks forward to new challenges, Saldaña appears more than ever equipped to navigate the highs and lows of showbiz without losing her essence. “What if I just f**king go all in?” she readily contemplates, a mantra of sorts that underlines her fearless approach to life.

Against the backdrop of a dazzling industry, Zoe Saldaña emerges as a multi-faceted force who wields her creativity to empower others. Embracing her Latino heritage, challenging the status quo, and redefining the notion of femininity in her work, she sets the stage for a brighter future – one where women no longer just break barriers, but dismantle them entirely.

A Bridgerton Hurrah: There’s no falling down for Jonathan Bailey, whose charisma has carried him from stage prodigy to Hollywood sensation

Few performers mirror the complexity of human experience with as much raw talent and charm as Jonathan Bailey. Celebrating his 37th birthday this month, the Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers star can credit an abundance of perseverance and passion for his successful move from child actor to major stage and screen presence. With accolades lining the walls of his career ¬– including a Laurence Olivier Award and a Critics’ Choice Television Award, Bailey’s trajectory signifies more than just talent; it represents the evolution of an artist willing to transcend boundaries.

His childhood in the countryside of Oxfordshire, England, amid the nurturing gazes of four remarkable women – his mother and three elder sisters – and a father with unwavering resolve shaped Bailey’s outlook on life. His passion for acting ignited at the tender age of five when a family outing to London to see a production of Oliver! planted the seed of ambition in his young mind. “That was my awakening moment,” he recalls. “I was transfixed by the magic of storytelling and the ability to transport people into different worlds.”

His early years were marked by performances that honed his craft, starting with primary-school plays and continuing onto stage roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He starred as Gavroche in a West End production of Les Misérables at the age of eight. Enveloped in a cocoon of creativity and ambition, he headed to the bright lights of greater stages – a path he decided to embrace fully, forgoing drama school in favour of real-world experience.

“I’ve never gone in as the overdog, and that’s liberating,” he reflects. “I want my experiences to drive my performances. I think that’s what keeps me grounded.”

Diverse Roles and Dramatic Range

Bailey’s ascent in the acting world gained momentum through a host of versatile portrayals. He broke into British television playing a university freshman in the comedy Off the Hook (2009) and a teenage Leonardo da Vinci in Leonardo (2012-12), but it was his role as the earnest journalist Olly Stevens in the critically acclaimed series Broadchurch (2013-15) that saw him capture hearts. While that show bolstered his reputation as a dynamic actor, it was the theatre that truly showcased the depth of his artistry.

Appearances in classic plays like Othello (2013) and contemporary works such as The York Realist (2018) served to solidify his status as a leading man of modern theatre. “The theatre is where I feel most secure,” he explains. “There’s a tangible energy from the audience that compels me. I thrive off their reactions.”

It was also in 2018 that Bailey took a significant leap, stepping into the gender-swapped role of Jamie in a new production of the 1970 Stephen Sondheim musical, Company. His award-winning performance dazzled critics, marking him as a swift and nimble presence on stage. “Performing Getting Married Today every night felt exhilarating – it was my playground,” he recalls.

Finding Freedom in Fame

Yet, it was portraying Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the ongoing Netflix series Bridgerton that catapulted Bailey to global fame, serving as both a blessing and a complicating chapter of his life. The first season (2020) took social media by storm, garnering massive viewership and shadows of adoration mixed with scrutiny.

“Initially, I was overwhelmed by the fame,” he admits candidly. “It felt hard-hitting, like being thrust into this whirlwind. But the support system around me has been vital.”

With newfound celebrity status, he tackled the challenges of public adoration, learning to adapt and maintain a sense of normalcy amid chaos. “I’m really good now at saying no to photos, for my sanity’s sake,” he adds with a chuckle.

Safe Haven on Stage

As he navigates the glamorous yet complicated world of stardom, Bailey remains firmly rooted in his passion for storytelling and finds safety once again in a return to the theatre. He plays the titular role in Richard II, which runs at London’s Bridge Theatre until 10 May. “The stage has this protective aura – it’s immersive and liberating,” he reflects. “You get to explore life through characters, almost like dress-rehearsing your own existence.”

His collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner marks a significant homecoming for the actor, and one that has been a foundational part of his career. “Nicholas gave me my biggest break as Cassio in Othello. His mentorship has shaped me significantly. I feel like I’m coming back to a safe space where I can grow and shine,” he enthuses.

Bailey possesses a deep understanding of Shakespeare, bringing the flawed and complex character of King Richard to life with an acute sense of vulnerability. “How do you portray someone utterly inadequate ruling in such powerful circumstances? That’s the journey I’m eager to embrace,” he shares. Reminding the world why he has cemented his place in the hearts of theatre enthusiasts and television viewers alike, Bailey’s performance has been hailed by critics as luminous and charismatic.

Offstage Dreams

With his career at an all-time high, conversations naturally drift towards the future – specifically, the possibility of starting a family. The generally private Bailey, who came out publicly as gay in 2018, reveals: “Yes, I desire children – it’s such a privilege for a man. But I’m conscious of my current [busy] lifestyle. I want to ensure that if and when the time comes, I can be present.”

In a world that often prioritises ambition, he yearns for a balance that could offer a reimagined sense of home. “I’ve been reading about adoption and the prospects of co-parenting. I want a family, but I want to do it thoughtfully,” he emphasises.

Man Behind the Actor

Amid the glamour of fame, Bailey emphasises the importance of giving back to the community. Through his charitable efforts with Just Like Us and The Shameless Fund, which he launched last summer, he strives to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ issues globally. “If I can fill the spaces that I didn’t have while growing up, I feel that’s a brilliant thing,” he states.

When Bailey isn’t acting, he finds solace in nature – cycling, paddleboarding and mountaineering are among his favourite pursuits. He embodies a grounded spirit, finding time to enjoy life outside the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

And clearly, this is just beginning. With a commitment to authentic storytelling, an admirable camaraderie with his fellow creatives, and a heart steadfastly directed towards making the world a better place, Jonathan Bailey’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire many generations of actors yet to come.

Reel Deal: The most anticipated movies released this September

Halloween may be a month away but the cinemas are already ready to set your mood for the holiday with some new chilling horror films. If that is not your genre of choice, don’t worry because, in September 2023, you will have it all – romance, comedy, science fiction, drama, history, fantasy and more. Ready to make your movie night plans for the month, here are some of the must-watch films releasing in September 2023.

A Time Called You

Following the death of her boyfriend, a sad Han Jun-hee somehow time-travels to the year 1998 where she comes across a man who looks exactly like her boyfriend. What follows as Jun-hee finds herself as a high schooler in this new setting is the primary plot of this feel-good Korean film that any K-movie fan can look forward to.

Release Date: September 8
Language: Korean
Where to watch: Netflix

Egoist

Egoist is a romantic tale of two people who are pole opposites from one another. One is a magazine editor who often surrounds himself with an elite crowd. Another – his personal trainer – is a high school dropout who has to do several part-time jobs to make ends meet. This BL is certainly a fun and refreshing take on the forced proximity love trope.

Release Date: September 14
Language: Japanese
Where to watch: Theatres

Stand Up Story

Out of ways to make his audience laugh, one standup comedian discovers that the hardships he faced growing up and being his neurodivergent father’s primary caregiver at a very young age are the best inspirations for his script. Stand Up Story is emotional and throws light into the ups and downs of looking at past struggles from a new perspective.

Release Date: September 14
Language: Cantonese
Where to watch: Theatres

Back Home

Displeased with his ability to see ghosts, Heung Wing decides to leave Hong Kong and live in Canada where he can forget all his past miseries. However, his mother’s suicide attempt brings him back to his home where nothing feels familiar any more and to make things worse, the spirits of his neighbours who have killed themselves appear in front of him. What lies behind these mysterious suicides is the gripping question that will have you hooked throughout the movie.

Release Date: September 14
Language: Cantonese
Where to watch: Theatres

Talk To Me

Releasing on the same day is another horror film, but the protagonists are fascinated by their newfound ability to communicate with ghosts. However, this overexcitement leads one of them to make an impulsive decision that blurs the lines between the living and the dead. Talk To Me is a nerve-wracking supernatural film that is interesting until the very last shot.

Release Date: September 14
Language: English
Where to watch: Theatres

Love at First Sight

A perfect movie for the romantic heart, Love at First Sight begins an enticing love story between two people who meet briefly during their flight from New York to London. Whether or not, they will cross each other’s path once again is the premise of this romantic drama that follows the “what is meant to be will always find its way to you” philosophy. Also, don’t forget to grab some tissues.

Release Date: September 15
Language: English
Where to watch: Netflix

The Forger

As a young Jewish man living in 1940s Berlin, Cioma Schönhaus’s only way to survive and not get deported is by committing identity fraud. He decides to live as a German marine specialist instead of hiding away but given the political turmoil in the country, just a new identity won’t be enough. Inspired by historical events, The Forger is a beautifully written holocaust movie that is unique and charming in its own way.

Release Date: September 21
Language: German
Where to watch: Theatres

The Creator

Set in a futuristic timeline, The Creator follows a group of people deployed on a mission to find and kill the architect behind artificial intelligence after the invention puts the entire human race in danger. Unexpectedly, the enemy they have set to destroy is an AI looking like a small child. Described as “a really insane, rich, visual journey.” by its director, Gareth Edwards, The Creator is a sci-fi not to be missed for its plot and cinematography.

Release Date: September 28
Language: English
Where to watch: Theatres

The Moon

When a solar glare causes a South Korean spacecraft headed to the moon to malfunction, one astronaut, Hwang Sun-woo, is stuck in outer space by himself. With the help of a former flight director, the team behind the lunar expedition have to save Sun Woo before his oxygen supply finishes. The Moon is an emotionally intriguing and intellectually enlightening picture that will have you hooked.

Release Date: September 28
Language: Korean
Where to watch: Theatres

More New September 2023 Movies

The Nun II – English – September 7 – Theatres
Prison Flowers – Cantonese – September 7 – Theatres
Father of the Milkway Railroad – Japanese – September 7 – Theatres
Ransomed – Korean – September 7 – Theatres
Sitting in Bars With Cake – English – September 8 – Amazon Prime
A Haunting in Venice – English – September 14 – Theatres
Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween-Destiny – Japanese – September 14 – Theatres
Expendables 4 – English – September 21 – Theatres
Bad Education – Taiwanese – September 28 – Theatres

Gosling the Great: Whether a psychopath, action hero or action figure, there is no character Ryan Gosling cannot master

Ryan Gosling has generally preferred to keep his cards close to his chest offscreen, in contrast to the thrilling and diverse parade of characters he has portrayed onscreen. From Jewish neo-Nazi in the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning The Believer (2001) and teen psycho-killer in Murder by Numbers (2002) to the romantic lead in The Notebook (2004) and a drug-addicted teacher in Half Nelson (2006), the former child actor showed a mesmerising range at the start of his adult career.

Half Nelson earned him the first of two Academy Award Best Actor nominations; the second came a decade later for the musical La La Land, which landed him a Golden Globe. Nominations for the latter trophy have been plentiful – Lars and the Real Girl (2007), Blue Valentine (2010), The Ides of March and Crazy, Stupid, Love (both 2011). Critics and fans alike hail his standout performance as Ken in this year’s Barbie, opposite Margot Robbie, as deserving of the highest acting accolade.

Rambo Moment

Gosling’s fascination with all things dramatic, action-packed and comedic began early in life. Reared in Cornwall, Ontario, the young Canadian watched Sylvester Stallone’s primal and vicious revenge epic First Blood, the original Rambo movie, on videocassette one evening when he was in the first grade. He put the family’s steak knives in his Fisher-Price magic kit the next day, and armed to the teeth, made his way to school, eager to apply the knowledge he had just acquired.

“I didn’t think it through, you know,” he says, looking back at his foolhardiness. “I just thought, in my mind: This is not right, what is happening, and something has to be done. Thank God, you know, I was suspended. I should have been. My mother was mortified. And it was like reality came in. I had to get control of my imagination.”

Music to movies

The acclaimed actor is a talented singer, too. At age 12, he went on his first audition for a role in The Mickey Mouse Club. He was cast as a Mouseketeer and later shared the TV screen with future stars Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. He frequently sang on the show and was supposedly invited to join The Backstreet Boys by band member AJ McLean, his then-next-door neighbour. In 2007, Gosling released his own music and started an indie rock group called Dead Man’s Bones.

Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera

One of his great bait and switches is that, despite the fact that it’s obvious there are many deep, dark and bizarre things churning inside of him as an artist, his face and behaviour give the impression of a regular guy. From First Blood to other less violent pictures, movies clearly helped shape his young mind. Over time, they beckoned him toward them.

“When I saw Dumbo and The Elephant Man, I felt like those films were smashing down some wall inside of me and creating a room called empathy,” he says. “And being very grateful for having seen those films even though they were painful, and the idea of watching them again was scary because I didn’t know that I wanted to feel those things again, but it did feel different after seeing them. Like they had exposed some part of myself to me that I didn’t know was there.”

He credits his uncle, who was an Elvis impersonator, with setting him on the road to performing. “I remember things being very mundane until he came [for an extended stay], and suddenly he was wearing a jumpsuit around the house and talking like Elvis, putting together a show and putting my mom as a backup singer and my father as head of security,” he recalls. “And all our family was coming around, making costumes… family members that didn’t necessarily talk before. It just brought everyone together. I was in the act – I handed out teddy bears and scarves.”

Fame and fatherhood

The grownup Ryan Gosling has made it known that his family comes before his job. The 42-year-old has two daughters, Esmeralda, aged eight, and seven-year-old Amada with long-time partner Eva Mendes. Supporting child-soldier awareness group Invisible Children and the Enough Project, which works to end genocide, he has long campaigned against the conflicts in Central Africa. His own children had a big impact on his choice to star in the Netflix action thriller The Gray Man last year, and he intends to introduce his daughters to his work through the widely acclaimed Barbie.

Gosling, who plays the iconic Ken doll, explains: “Barbie was a way to do that. Not necessarily like I’m making it for them, but it’s the first time I think they kind of are understanding it. Although, they can’t for the life of them understand why I want to play Ken because nobody plays with Ken. But that’s why we must tell his story.”

The Barbie promo cycle has branded Ken as just some guy. He’s not just any person, though; he’s Ken; and that’s what exactly the creator and director of the Barbie movie intended it to be. Along with a legion of Kens defending their right to own some kind of personality, Gosling performs a massive 1980s’ power ballad. Incredibly blonde and impossibly ripped, Ken pulls himself together and finds some value in himself through words of self affirmation. “I’m just Ken and I’m enough / And I’m great at doing stuff,” he sings.

It’s an apt line for the actor as well as the character. In real life and in his chosen craft, Ryan Gosling has proven to be one of the greats.

Also Read: Barbie Composition: Margot Robbie adds another layer of character to her versatile body of work

Barbie Composition: Margot Robbie adds another layer of character to her versatile body of work

Margot Robbie wasn’t a huge Barbie lover growing up. The Australian actress who conquered Hollywood with seeming ease in her early 20s is unsure if she ever even had a Barbie doll. She spent a lot of time in Queensland, preparing mud pies with her cousin, playing with trucks and constructing forts.

The fashion sense came later; Robbie’s strong, glam femininity is currently being honoured in the Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion exhibition at Australia’s National Museum of Screen Culture, alongside other female screen icons who have taken creative control and shaped their own image. “The clothes are a huge part of this movie and a huge part of Barbie,” she says. “It’s super superficial – but it’s incredibly profound at the same time. Everything in this movie had to be authentically artificial.”

Also Read: Barbie at 60: We salute several of her more intriguing incarnations

Transformed into a fantasy comedy directed and co-written by Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Little Women), Barbie hits cinemas this month. The Barbie actress not only plays the lead Barbie character (opposite Ryan Gosling as the main Ken) but also pulls the production strings through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment.

The actress, who turns 33 this month, has already had a career filled with memorable movie roles and, in real Barbie fashion, red-carpet looks. She got her start on the popular Australian soap, Neighbours, then quickly relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her Hollywood ambitions. Her rapid rise continued, as she was able to share credits with a number of well-known actors and filmmakers during her first few years in the US, earning praise from both the public and critics.

Life is her creation

Straight away, Margot Robbie landed top billing beside Christina Ricci in the period TV series Pan Am (2011), then appeared in the time-travel romantic comedy About Time, and shone alongside Leonardo di Caprio in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). She won the hearts of the DC Comics faithful with her portrayal of villainess Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad (2016), a role she reprised in 2020 for Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and again in The Suicide Squad the following year.

Also Read: How well do you know ‘The Suicide Squad’ actress Margot Robbie?

Robbie garnered her first Oscar nod for her complex portrayal of controversial US figure skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya (2018), and then regularly landed award-season nominations – including Bafta supporting actress shots for her performance as Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and her work in Bombshell (2019). The latter also brought in a second Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe shout-out.

While taking home a top award still eludes her, there is no question that Robbie will dominate the big screen for years to come. Acting is not her only concern, though; through her behind-the-scenes work as a producer, she has become a powerful advocate for women in Hollywood.

Beyond the Barbie world

Co-founded by Robbie in 2014 with three friends – one of whom, Briton Tom Ackerley, became her husband – LuckyChap has been committed to producing compelling female tales and assembling teams of female artists. These include I, Tonya, and multi-Oscar nominee Promising Young Woman, written and directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Carey Mulligan. More doors are being opened for women in Hollywood by Robbie and co., and she is also promoting women’s rights in the industry on her own platform. She has been an outspoken proponent of the #MeToo movement and has pushed to make the film industry a safer place.

Reflecting on her own self-education about the prevalence of misogyny in the workplace, she says: “It horrified me just how that particular crime plays in the grey area. That’s where it really flourishes when a situation isn’t black and white, and that’s when insidious people like Roger Ailes [as depicted in Bombshell] or Harvey Weinstein take advantage of that grey area.”

She is passionate about getting women involved in action movies since that particular genre is where the big money is. “Also, the perception that women aren’t interested in action is ridiculous,” she adds.

With the industry on the precipice of great change, Robbie finds herself not in the position of the burgeoning film starlet that she was a decade ago, but an executive producer making tectonic shifts to break the patriarchal mould.

Never going out of style

And then there’s her influence through fashion, which is a way of expression but also a powerful key for change. Empowering women through fashion is something strong and possible.

Barbie makes her own statement by dressing with intention. She doesn’t dress for the day; she dresses for the task, which might involve a leisure activity or a form of employment. In the official movie trailer, one scene stands out as it pokes fun at the way the Barbie universe seems to blur such distinctions.

Stepping into the shoes of stereotypical Barbie, Robbie describes what makes her special beyond the many clothes she gets to wear: “[Wonder Woman actress] Gal Gadot is [the inspiration for] Barbie energy. Gal Gadot is so impossibly beautiful, but you don’t hate her for being that beautiful, because she’s so genuinely sincere, and she’s so enthusiastically kind, that it’s almost dorky. Yes, she can wear a short skirt, but because it’s fun and pink. Not because she wants you to see her butt.”

Also Read: Gal Power: Gal Gadot shatters superhero glass ceiling with Wonder Woman Debut

When the acclaimed actress is not in character, she is often checking the websites of train companies as travelling on the Orient Express was on her bucket list for a long time. “All I want to do is live on a train,” she says. “You literally wake up and you open the window, [you are in Switzerland] and it looks like The Sound of Music.”

Margot Robbie is at full speed and in the driver’s seat of her childhood dream of making it big in Hollywood. With Barbie, an intriguing cinematic take on a past childhood icon, it’s clear that the actress-producer won’t be hitting the brakes any time soon. Or as Barbie would say, live your dream.