Following her defence of film director Woody Allen amid the sexual harassment allegations that have emerged in Hollywood, Kate Winslet has revealed she has 'bitter regrets' over 'poor decisions' to work with certain 'individuals'.
The Oscar-winning actress was speaking at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, where she was presented with the Dilys Powell Award for excellence in film.
Although she did not name any names, Winslet referred to 'directors, producers and men of power who have for decades been awarded and applauded' as she collected the award from Jude Law at the London ceremony, Sky News reports.
'It almost feels uncomfortable to receive an award at such a time, but being up here does give me the opportunity to say some things that matter to me,' Winslet said during her acceptance speech.
'There are directors, producers and men of power, who have for decades been awarded and applauded for their highly regarded work, both within this industry and by movie-goers alike. Indeed many actors have had flourishing careers due in part to roles played in their films.The message we received for years was that it was the highest compliment to be offered roles by these men.'
She continued: 'As women around the world and from all walks of life marched last weekend, once again joining together to speak out about harassment, exploitation and abuse, I realised that I wouldn't be able to stand here this evening and keep to myself some bitter regrets that I have at poor decisions to work with individuals with whom I wish I had not.
'It has become clear to me that by not saying anything, I might be adding to the anguish of many courageous women and men.'
The Oscar-winning actress, who stars in Woody Allen's new film Wonder Wheel, has faced criticism for speaking out in support of the Manhattan filmmaker. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald last month, she said: 'I think on some level Woody [Allen] is a woman.'
When asked about working with Allen in an interview with the New York Times last year, Winslet said: 'Woody Allen is an incredible director. So is Roman Polanski. I had an extraordinary working experience with both of those men, and that's the truth.'
Allen's adopted daughter Dylan Farrow has publicly accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a child - an allegation he has repeatedly denied.
Winslet has previously revealed that she deliberately refused to thank Harvey Weinstein while accepting her 2009 Oscar for her role in The Reader. According to The LA Times, Winslet said the omission '…was deliberate. That was absolutely deliberate.'
