“I’m not in Ukraine, I’m an actor”: Kate Winslet Doesn’t Need Any Credit For Showing Off Her No Make Up Beauty and Curvy Body on Screen

An objectification approach to women has always existed in the entertainment industry. This pressure of being judged can be seen when someone walks down the red carpet, poses for a photograph, or acts on screen. However, while some celebs fall prey to criticism, some even try to raise a voice against it.

Kate Winslet is one such talented actress who is known for her powerful performances and no-nonsense attitude. At the same time, she has been an advocate for body positivity and natural beauty. Being in the limelight since the 90s, she experienced all sorts of appreciation and criticisms regarding her looks.

Kate Winslet Doesn’t Think Being Natural Is Brave

Kate Winslet has been globally popular since her breakout role in Titanic. She has done everything, from period dramas to sci-fi movies. Now, she again plays a challenging role in her new film, Lee, where she acts as the World War II photographer, Lee Miller.

Winslet’s representation of her natural beauty in Lee might seem like provoking the entertainment industry’s obsession with flawlessness. Still today, she is at the firing line of body critics. However, she has not stopped to enjoy and accept her true self.

In Lee, Winslet exposed her unclothed body and was not afraid to show her natural physique. While many would consider it a brave act, Winslet doesn’t consider it to be a serious issue. In response to going bare and having no makeup, Winslet said to Time,

That’s not f*cking brave. I’m not an ex-postmaster fighting for justice, I’m not in the Ukraine. I’m doing a job that matters to me.

Winslet carries out her character in Lee beyond just her physical beauty. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she mentioned her experience on the set when one of the crew members advised her to sit straighter to hide the belly rolls. Winslet responded,

There’s a bit where Lee’s sitting on a bench in a bikini… And one of the crew came up between takes and said: ‘You might want to sit up straighter.’ So you can’t see my belly rolls? Not on your life! It was deliberate, you know?

It is, however, not the first time that Winslet has fallen victim to body shaming. In her days on Titanic, James Cameron had a nickname for her, ‘Kate Weighs-a-Lot’ (via Vanity Fair). But Winslet did not let it bring her down. Instead of succumbing to what the industry looks as acceptable, she has now emerged as an advocate of body positivity.

New Generation of Body-Positive Voices

The new era of celebrating body positivity is something Winslet fully supports. She is happy to see young actors fight against body negativity. During a recent interview with TODAY she revealed how things are different now compared to when she began her career.

That has changed. And it’s changed because young women now, they’re born with a voice. They have a voice, they’re learning how to hang on to it, they stand up for themselves. They know that they matter. They count for something. They’re great together.

Winslet confessed that fat shaming was quite common back in the day. But now things have shifted. However, this change does not mean that body shaming has been eradicated. She believes that the present generation of women knows that they are worth something and ready to challenge their critics. 

All the body shaming that Winslet has faced over the years has shaped her way of parenting as well. Winslet shared on Running Wild with Bear Grylls (via TODAY) that she teaches her daughter to love her body always.

I stand in front of the mirror and say to Mia, ‘We are so lucky that we’ve got a shape. We’re so lucky we’re curvy. We’re so lucky that we’ve got good bums.’

For Winslet, it is about changing the perspective. She does not focus on the flaws of physical appearance but rather celebrates their uniqueness. And she is also making sure that such a mentality is also passed to the newer generation in both her family and the industry.