Jodie Whittaker felt like she’d won the lottery when she was awarded the Nora Ephron Prize for her movie ‘Adult Life Skills’.
The 34-year-old actress stars in the new indie title, which she produced and was written and directed by her friend Rachel Tunnard, and was delighted to win the prestigious prize, which is designed to encourage female writers and directors.
Speaking of the award she received at the Tribeca Film Festival, she said: "I felt like we’d won the lottery! As an actress, to get work on a project where the main focus is the female voice is rare."
The ‘Broadchurch’ star says the prize "acknowledges" how tough it is for women to get into the filmmaking industry.
She said: "[The prize] acknowledges this is a tough world, particularly if you’re a woman. Ours was a tiny film – I’m the [only] bloody name in it. That’s ridiculous. It’s celebrating voices being heard."
The ‘Black Mirror’ actress – who is married to actor Christian Contreras – said that whilst she supports the work the prize does in encouraging new female writers and directors, she has no plans to branch into directing herself.
She said: "I’d be terrible. I don’t have a vision. But the producing I enjoyed. I loved having a valid opinion."
Despite having no desire to move into the director’s chair, Jodie admits she does like to be in control.
She told Stylist magazine: "Oh god, I’d be a psychologist’s dream. I’m someone who is chaotic but who also has a diary that is so militantly organised. […] I get halfway down the street and I haven’t got my coat on, but I know exactly where I’m going to be and I’m going to be on time."
Jodie Whittaker felt like a lottery winner following Nora Ephron Prize win
