Tonight, Barbra Streisand will receive the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Chaplin Award for her impressive carer. The society specifically mentioned her work in front and behind the camera and her groundbreaking work in Yentl–the first film to credit a woman as directing, producing, starring and writing. Women and Hollywood will be there covering the event.
The New York Times took reader questions for Streisand to answer. Things we now know about the actress is that she would save Funny Girl as the example of her body of work if the world was ending. Some of her favorite films include On the Waterfront and Mrs. Brown. She regrets not being involved in films like Cabaret, Julia and Klute but praises the performances of the women who took on those roles. And she’s still planning on playing Momma Rose in Gypsy.
One question in particular and Streisand’s answer really stood out.
Q. I remember you screened “Yentl” for a class of University of Southern California cinema students back in the ’80s. As I watched from the audience, I thought “Yentl” might help open the doors for women in film. What are your impressions about the industry today? Do we find fewer women assuming those major roles — director, producer, writer and star — because the jobs are so specialized, or are there other factors? CAROL, Atlanta
A. After all these years I don’t think women have come far enough in the industry. When it comes to assuming more than one major role on a motion picture, it’s something men are admired for. However, it seems that women are still perceived as a threat.
Streisand is spot on. And with her upcoming directing project and her groundbreaking career, she is a threat and continues to help pave the way for many other women in the industry.
The 6 People Streisand Wants at Her Dinner Party (The New
York Times)
