The Glamorous Struggle: Hollywood's Leading Ladies Reflect on Identity and Self-Acceptance

In a breathtakingly glamorous setting at the Luckman Club in West Hollywood, an elite group of actresses gathered for THR’s annual Actress Roundtable. This year, the star-studded lineup included Oscar contenders Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldaña, Demi Moore, Tilda Swinton, Zendaya, and Mikey Madison, alongside their adorable canine companions, reflecting on life, work, and the often challenging navigation of identity in modern Hollywood.

During what was described as a “scorching glamour” gathering, the actresses candidly explored their personal and professional struggles, touching on themes of self-acceptance, pressure to perform, and the unique challenges they face as women in the film industry. Angelina Jolie poignantly remarked, “A lot of women in the past didn’t have this table. They didn’t have community in this way,” highlighting the importance of solidarity among women in the arts.

As the conversation flowed, the actresses shared common experiences of anxiety about their performances. Zoe Saldaña mentioned her leap of faith in taking on a dialogue-heavy role in “Lioness,” admitting she instantly second-guessed herself. Tilda Swinton revealed her own fears from the early days of her career, recalling a moment filled with panic after realizing she’d be on screen for every frame of her second film.

The discussion also ventured into the emotional toll of viewing their performances. Demi Moore confessed, "I cannot watch myself," a sentiment echoed by Jolie and others, who expressed discomfort with their on-screen personas. The actresses recognized how societal pressures shape their self-perception, leading to a profound exploration of identity beyond their careers.

“Who am I when I’m not working?” Zendaya asked, reflecting a struggle familiar to many in the spotlight. She shared her journey toward understanding herself outside of her acting roles. “I keep trying new things—pottery, baking—to discover who I am when I’m not performing.” This notion struck a chord with her peers, who emphasized the necessity of finding joy outside of their professions.

At one point, Mikey Madison discussed her improvisational work in “Anora,” emphasizing the mental resilience required to portray complex characters, a sentiment shared by the other actresses about the demanding nature of their roles.

Demi Moore’s film “The Substance” delves into the struggle women face regarding body image and self-criticism. During the roundtable, she expressed how vital it is to reevaluate how women view themselves, particularly as they navigate the complexities of aging and identities. “Self-acceptance is about appreciating who we are right now,” she noted, weaving in personal anecdotes about her own daughters' struggles with societal expectations.

The conversation turned towards mentorship and support, with Saldaña and Moore emphasizing the need for community over competition in Hollywood. Swinton passionately remarked, “The illusion that there’s only room for one woman in the industry suits a male-centric narrative, but we know how to lift each other up.”

As they shared laughs and camaraderie, the actresses concluded that while the journey of self-discovery and acceptance may be riddled with challenges, their struggles and triumphs as women in Hollywood are best faced together. They encouraged one another—and by extension, all women—to embrace their full selves and support one another in both triumphs and personal growth.

In a world that often tries to box them in, these leading ladies continue to pave the way for future female artists, proving that collaboration and sisterhood are truly the keys to flourishing in any aspect of life.

As the roundtable wrapped up, it was clear this gathering was more than just a celebration of their craft; it was an empowering reminder that authenticity, connection, and vulnerability pave the pathway to overcoming the industry's inherent challenges.