“There are still so many barriers to entry into the film industry.”

Six: This is the number of female directors debuting films in Competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival — and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, a record high. But it’s less impressive when you compare it to the 13 other films debuting in Competition, all of which are directed by men, and indicative of how far the film industry has to go in creating opportunities for people of color and women.

To help close this gap, L’Oréal Paris announced the return of its Lights on Women Award program to help highlight female filmmakers — and with it, enlisting Gemma Chan for help. “I’m so proud to support the Lights on Women Award,” the actor tells InStyle over Zoom. “It’s all about increasing opportunity and increasing visibility for female filmmakers.”

For a third time, this year’s Lights on Women Award is honoring a rising female filmmaker in the Short Films competition — not only to shine the spotlight on an up-and-coming director, but also to highlight the lack of opportunity available to women in film.

Chan, who’s served as a L’Oréal Paris ambassador for three years and counting, has long been an advocate for women’s rights. Below, she talks to InStyle about what more can be done to create opportunities for women in the industry, her go-to beauty routine at Cannes, and the one beauty trend she wishes would come back.

InStyle: The Lights on Women Award is a great step forward in creating equal opportunity for women in the film industry. What else can be down to highlight female creators in this space?

Gemma Chan: We still need to address some of the structural and systemic issues within the industry. Including more women and more people of color in decision-making positions is crucial. It’s also about creating the pipeline of talent that comes through. Sadly, there are still so many barriers to entry into the film industry, particularly if you’re from a background that’s not wealthy.

Across the board, it’s harder and harder for people to access and to be able to support themselves — particularly at the beginning of your career when you are not going to be earning very much. So that’s a real concern of mine. I think a lot more can still be done there.

With all that in mind, what advice do you have for anyone trying to break into the film industry?
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