Jodie Foster: Movie sets are ‘healthier’ with women on them

CANNES, France – Jodie Foster, one of only two female directors helming a major studio wide-release this summer, says Hollywood’s risk aversion is contributing to its overwhelming male directors.

Foster spoke Thursday at a “Women in Motion” talk at the Cannes Film Festival before the premiere of her hostage thriller “Money Monster.” She said the industry is “scared, period” and that fearfulness has led to executives choosing familiar, male faces: “You’re going to go with the guy that looks like you.”

But the two-time Oscar winner, who began as a child actor, said she’s seen “faces change” through the years as more and more women began populating film sets.

When women joined productions, Foster said, “everything changed.” ”Suddenly it felt more like a family, and movie sets became healthier.”