Naomi Watts gets honest about Hollywood's attitude toward older women

When Naomi Watts entered Hollywood, she was already 31, an age she said was already considered quite old by the standards of that time.

Even the Mulholland Drive actress was warned that she had until she turned 40 to make her mark because actresses' careers typically ended in the industry.

“I was told at the beginning that I better get my skates on because it all finishes at the age of 40," she recalled.

Now, Watts, reaching toward 60, says a unique change is taking place in the industry.

For example, she pointed to this year's Emmys, where she said several older women have dominated key award-show categories.

"And here we are today. I’m in my late 50s. Look at the Emmys last week [and] the number of women in strong categories over 50. That’s heartening to see.”

Those older women nominees were Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus), Jean Smart (Hacks), and Allison Janney (The Diplomat).

All of them are over 50.

That is why she said, “I do think things have changed."

Given that women consume a key portion of film and TV, Watts said, “Women are consumers of film and TV, and their stories should be reflected."

"That narrative had to be shifted. And I am grateful to be a small part of that shift," she concluded.