kate winslet, lee

SUMMARY

  • Kate Winslet insisted on a female director for Lee, believing only a woman could bring the necessary emotional depth to the project.
  • Having shaped Lee for years, Winslet knew the story needed Ellen Kuras, a cinematographer-turned-director, to fully realize her vision.
  • Kate Winslet's dedication to Lee was personal, ensuring every detail was perfect as she produced and starred in the biopic.

Kate Winslet doesn’t play around when it comes to her projects. After years of battling through development hell for Lee, she made one thing crystal clear: a male director wasn’t going to cut it. 

Kate Winslet in a still from The RegimeKate Winslet in a still from The Regime | Credits: HBO

For a story this raw and emotional, she wanted a woman at the helm to bring the right perspective. And Winslet’s been through enough blockbusters and dramas to know exactly what her vision needs. 

Kate Winslet reveals why she insisted on a female director for Lee 

Juggle FilmsKate Winslet in Lee | Credits: Juggle Films

Kate Winslet wasn’t playing around when it came to Lee. Having spent years bringing this passion project to life, she knew it couldn’t be a man. 

The Titanic actress insisted that Ellen Kuras, a cinematographer she worked with on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, take the director’s chair for the war photographer’s biopic. She revealed (via Variety), 

We had a female director on “Lee,” Ellen Kuras, who has been a much-revered cinematographer her whole life. I did “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” with her years ago, in 2003. And when it came to the point of “The script is ready; let’s go out to directors,” I just suddenly realized it can’t be a man. It can’t be a man! …

This was the first time Winslet actively produced something, and she wasn’t about to let anyone derail the vision. After working on the script and shaping the story about Lee Miller’s life during WWII, she turned to Kuras, saying, 

I was so immersed in Lee’s world, having finely tuned and constructed this story in terms of the screenplay and that 10 years that we cover. I spoke to Ellen — I knew that she had moved into directing television, but I also knew that she hadn’t directed her first feature yet. And I thought, OK, girly, it’s time. Come with me.

The decision wasn’t just about representation. Winslet knew a female director could bring the emotional depth the story demanded. Kuras, though new to directing features, brought her own powerhouse energy, making her the perfect match for this project.

For Kate Winslet, it’s clear: when it comes to her work, she’s all in. And for Lee, it was a personal mission to get every detail just right.

Kate Winslet rocks a bold suit and nabs double nominations at the 2025 Golden Globes

Andy Samberg and Kate Winslet in LeeAndy Samberg as David E. Scherman and Kate Winslet as Lee Miller in Lee | Credits: Juggle Films

Kate Winslet owned the red carpet at the 2025 Golden Globes in a white Erdem suit that screamed business and boldness. She ditched the shirt, rocked an embellished blazer with black sequin floral details (giving off major Titanic Rose vibes), and paired it with tailored trousers. Effortless.

Her glam? A sleek updo that showed off some stunning drop earrings, bold brows, peachy cheeks, and a glossy rose lip. Winslet was nominated for Lee and The Regime, because obviously, one category isn’t enough for her talent.

In Lee, she brought WWII photojournalist Lee Miller to life, breaking barriers behind enemy lines. Then there’s The Regime, where she played a power-hungry dictator unraveling in epic fashion. 

Watch Lee on Hulu & Apple TV.

Kate Winslet

Written by Heena Singh

Articles Published: 744

Heena Singh is a writer at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.