Barbra Streisand reflects on the past, present, and future in a wide-ranging, lengthy new interview in Variety. The trailblazing writer, director, and singer speaks candidly about her experiences as a woman working in an industry that’s notorious for being a Boys’ Club.
We’ve collected some of the highlights below, but the feature is absolutely worth reading in full. Consider it a primer for the icon’s upcoming memoir, which in fact includes a chapter dedicated to “The Boys’ Club.” The book doesn’t have a release date yet, but with stories and truth bombs like these to deliver, we’re sure Streisand will make it worth the wait.
On being snubbed at the Oscars in the Best Director category for “Yentl”: “I didn’t mind it for one reason: It really showed the sexism. I thought by not being nominated, I put a spotlight on the issue. I thought, ‘Wow. This is so transparent.’” She says, “I remember looking at the Directors Guild list. I think there were only 11 women, and I thought to myself, ‘There is no way they’re going to vote for me.’ I didn’t even think the women would nominate me.”
On breaking barriers as the first woman to star in, direct, produce, and co-write a single studio movie: “I didn’t know it was a glass ceiling.” She elaborates, “I just thought, they don’t believe in a woman’s capacity to handle finances or to be the businessman. Years ago, I was told, ‘You want control? A woman wants control? That’s crazy!’”
On the lack of opportunities for women directors and misconceptions about film history: “She notes that only eight of the 100 top-grossing movies of last year were made by women. ‘By the way, who was called the father of film?’ she asks. ‘D.W. Griffith. He made his first film in 1908. But a secretary named Alice Guy in 1896 started making films because she worked for Gaumont studios. She made the first film, and she’s not given credit.’”
On Hollywood’s evolving climate thanks to movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo: “It’s just awe-inspiring,” she says. “I’m totally proud.”
Head over to Variety to read about Streisand’s experiences filming in Europe vs. the United States and to learn more about the project she’s in negotiations to direct about Life Magazine photographer Margaret Bourke-White.
