Zendaya, Jolie, and Other Hollywood Stars Open Up About Insecurities and Success

Six leading actresses gathered in West Hollywood for The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Actress Roundtable to discuss their experiences in the film industry.

Zendaya, Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Tilda Swinton, Zoe Saldaña, and Mikey Madison shared their personal stories, offering insights into their careers and challenges.

Struggles with Self-Perception

During the conversation, both Jolie and Moore revealed they have difficulty watching their own performances.

Jolie admitted she has never seen many of her films, while Moore shared her discomfort with seeing herself on screen. These confessions highlighted the universal struggle even successful actresses face with self-criticism.

Zendaya’s Transition to Adult Roles

Zendaya opened up about her struggles transitioning from teenage roles to more mature characters.

She shared how challenging it has been to navigate her identity outside of acting, revealing that finding balance and developing hobbies beyond her work is still a work in progress.

The Importance of Female Community in Hollywood

The actresses also discussed the importance of female solidarity in the industry. Jolie emphasized that many women in Hollywood never had access to supportive spaces, and Moore added that success shouldn’t be seen as a competition between women. “When one rises, we all rise,” she said, reinforcing the power of lifting each other up.

Demi Moore’s Challenging Role in “The Substance”

Moore opened up about her challenging role in The Substance, where she had to endure up to nine and a half hours of prosthetic makeup application. The actresses praised Moore for her dedication to the role and the physical demands it required.

Personal Insecurities and Early Struggles

Swinton shared an early memory of wanting to break into a film institute to destroy footage of herself, revealing how even the most successful actresses grapple with self-doubt.

The discussion touched on how personal insecurities and criticism are common, even among those who have achieved great success in Hollywood.

A Touching Moment of Connection

The roundtable concluded with a touching moment when Swinton recalled feeling too shy to approach Jolie at a Hollywood party years ago.

To her surprise, Jolie admitted she often feels isolated at such events, highlighting how even the most famous faces can feel disconnected in the industry.

The conversation left a lasting impression, offering a glimpse into the human side of Hollywood’s biggest stars.