Team Deakins KATE WINSLET - Actor / Director
12 snips
Dec 24, 2025 
Kate Winslet, the acclaimed actor and director known for her iconic roles in Titanic and Mare of Easttown, shares fascinating insights from her career. She discusses her humble beginnings and the journey to directing Goodbye June, inspired by her son's script. Winslet reflects on the nuances of portraying real people and the importance of creating a safe space for actors. She also touches on the collaborative process of filmmaking, confronting gender biases in directing, and the power of film to foster empathy. A captivating look at artistry and ambition!
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Humble Beginnings To Early Breaks
- Kate Winslet grew up impoverished in Reading but attended a theatre school by begging for bursaries and doing voiceover jobs to pay fees.
- Her father paid for a Spotlight membership and later supported her belief she could get major roles, which launched her career.
First Film Was A Film School
- Winslet describes Heavenly Creatures as her film-school education and flew to New Zealand at 17 for a 12-week shoot that changed her life.
- She learned by immersion on set with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, which taught her to ask questions and accept mistakes.
Fame Versus Ambition
- Winslet says fame found her and she never chased it; ambition feels different for women and men in public perception.
- She values learning and choosing work for growth rather than chasing money or celebrity.