This week marks the annual Sundance Film Festival but unlike previous years, the 2021 lineup was not expected at all of bright carpet fashion and screening events. What has happened, however, is a series of meaningful conversations and visual panels. Last weekend, the Hollywood Foreign Media Association presented “Women Breaking Barriers: The Industry Shift,” with Halle Berry and Zendaya.
Berry has made the debut and stars in the upcoming Netflix sports film, Cooked. Speaking on the panel, which also featured a cameo from Zendaya, Berry had nothing but praise for the 24-year-old.
“At 24, that she can have an idea and go for it and get enough support behind her to do that and empower her and keep her creativity, I think that says so much for what we got and that ‘s what makes me want to keep fighting, because Zendaya, at 24, a Black woman can do that, ”said Berry.
It comes just days after Zendaya’s upcoming film ‘Malcom & Marie’ was criticized for the 12-year-old gap between the actress and her co-star John David Washington. While some argue that it addresses a wider Hollywood casting issue, Berry said through the panel that the project, “is a testament to the fact that things are changing and that I could not be more prudent and i know you may not be able to be more sober yourself. , most importantly. ”
Zendaya replied, “I have been fortunate to work with men who have honored my power, and inspired me, and that is Sam [Levinson] and obviously John [David Washington], ”An Euphoria said a star. “I have been fortunate to be in these experiences that are collaborative and open to the appearance of the world.”
She continued, “If it weren’t for the women in front of me, I wouldn’t be in this situation. ”
Earlier in the conversation, Berry takes steps to challenge her own 7-year-old son, Maceo Martinez, to rethink gender stereotypes. “I have a 7-year-old son, and I realized what my role is in building him. If we want a different future, that’s where it starts, ”said the 54-year-old.
The panel also included discussions led by HFPA members Elisabeth Sereda and Silvia Bizio, as well as Robin Wright, Andra Day, and Sia.
Featuring the likes of Adan Canto and Stephen McKinley Henderson, Cooked following a former MMA fighter struggling to get hold of her son and resume her athletic course.