Updated 12:45 IST, December 31st 2023
Priscilla director Sofia Coppola weighs in on pay disparity debate in Hollywood
Sofia Coppola highlighted her continuous struggle, saying she struggles more to find financial support as compared to her male counterparts.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola has worked in Hollywood for decades, directing films such as Priscilla, The Bling Ring, Marie Antoinette, Lost in Translation, and The Virgin Suicides. Even though Coppola's career is filled with iconic films that establish her as a well-known director, she believes that there is still a gender gap in Hollywood. She recently voiced her dissatisfaction at the stark disparity between the large budgets given to male directors and the meager resources she can secure.
Sofia Coppola on pay disparity based on gender
As per Huffpost, Coppola talked about the pay disparity problem in Hollywood. The director said, “I just see all these men getting hundreds of millions of dollars, and then I’m fighting for a tiny fraction of that. I think it’s just left over from the way the culture of that business is. It’s frustrating, but I’m always fighting to get it, and I’m just happy to get to make my movies independently and find people that believe in them.”

Coppola highlighted her continuous struggle, saying she struggles to find financial support but is still appreciative of the chance to independently realize her artistic vision. With a budget of less than $20 million, the director chose to take a more frugal approach with her most recent project, Priscilla. She gave a justification for this choice, highlighting the difficulties and artistic flexibility that come with smaller productions.
Taraji P. Henson opens up on pay disparity
Previously, Empire star Taraji P. Henson broke down in tears, expressing her frustration with the inequities she and her fellow actresses face in the movie business. The actress revealed her weariness after working tirelessly in the industry, emphasising the stark contrast between the effort she invests and the fraction of pay she receives.

She conveyed her exhaustion with the repetitive narratives of her female colleagues facing similar challenges, stating, "I'm tired of working so hard, being gracious about what I do, getting paid a fraction of the cost."
Published 12:45 IST, December 31st 2023