In a heartfelt discussion at the Red Sea Film Festival held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Catherine Zeta-Jones delved into her illustrious career trajectory, highlighting her Oscar victory as a transformative moment. The celebrated actress won the prestigious Best Supporting Actress Award in 2003 for her role in the musical film "Chicago," a win she described as both "unexpected" and "mind-blowing." Zeta-Jones compared this achievement with winning a Tony Award, suggesting that while the Broadway accolade was delightful, the Oscar truly astonished her.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Catherine Zeta-Jones detailed her move into indie films and her considerable journey from Welsh dance floors to Hollywood stardom.
Zeta-Jones' venture into the world of independent cinema comes as she seeks to take a step back from the high stakes of commercial filmmaking. At 55, she expressed enthusiasm about her first indie film project, looking forward to exploring creative roles that resonate more with her initial passion for performing arts rather than mainstream Hollywood demands.
Her statement at the festival reflected this sentiment boldly, "I want to turn up. I want to do some interesting work. It goes back to my theater thinking because I don’t feel I have to prove anything to anybody."
The actress reminisced about her early days in Wales, where she started tap dancing at just four years old. This early exposure to performing arts paved the way for her theatrical ambitions, culminating in a victory at a national talent contest when she was 10.
By 17, Zeta-Jones was starring in the musical "42nd Street," marking her London stage debut, which set the foundation for her later successes. Her early start in the arts, she noted, was instrumental in preparing her for the demands of performance-based roles like that in "Chicago."
Zeta-Jones' early fame in the UK was significantly boosted by her role in the comedy series "The Darling Buds of May," which aired when she was 21. The show's success brought her widespread recognition, dramatically altering her career. "After an hour of that show screening, my life changed. I was totally recognized and I’d never had that before," she reflected.
The actress's move to America marked a new chapter in her life, bolstered by a six-month visa and a dream to make it big. Her American debut came with a role in a CBS TV movie about the Titanic, which caught the attention of none other than Steven Spielberg.
This pivotal encounter led to her casting in "The Mask of Zorro," significantly lifting her profile in Hollywood. She highlighted this moment as a crucial lesson for actors, "If you don’t think you’re doing the role you should be getting, just do it, because you never know Steven Spielberg is watching," she advised.
In Hollywood, Zeta-Jones also starred alongside Sean Connery in "Entrapment," where she found a mentor in Connery. She described him as a life coach and protector in a male-dominated industry. Their collaboration provided her with critical insights into navigating the complexities of Hollywood.
Zeta-Jones' transition to indie films marks a full-circle moment in her career, aligning more closely with her theatrical roots and personal aspirations. Her upcoming indie film project, though details are under wraps, is a step towards this new career trajectory where she feels more aligned with her original motivations for joining the entertainment industry.
As Catherine Zeta-Jones continues to evolve her career, her journey from a small town in Wales to the bright lights of Hollywood and now to the independent cinema scene remains an inspiring tale of talent, perseverance, and reinvention.
Her experiences resonate with those looking to forge their paths in the competitive world of acting, affirming that with dedication and passion, it is possible to continually redefine success on one's terms.
In conclusion, Catherine Zeta-Jones' discussion at the Red Sea Film Festival not only revisited her impressive career achievements including her Oscar and Tony wins but also highlighted her strategic pivot into indie filmmaking, underlining her enduring passion for performing and storytelling.