Emma Watson Embraces Aging In Hollywood Despite Unfair Beauty Standards For Women

Apr 27, 2023 by apost team

The "Harry Potter" books and films have become one of the most well-known and beloved franchises of all time. The first book was published in 1997, with the last of the series being released in 2007. That decade saw the fanbase grow to worldwide popularity with the release of the first film in 2001. The film franchise became a household name by the time the final installment was released in 2011. 

The film franchise has launched the careers of its lead trio – Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. Out of all the three, Watson was the youngest among them when they started filming in 2001, USA Today reported. 

As the film reached a worldwide fanbase, Watson became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. She has received various accolades and nominations throughout her career. Aside from “Harry Potter,” she also became Princess Belle in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast.” She starred in Greta Gerwig’s remake of “Little Women” and in Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” among many others. 

In 2015, she was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, aside from being ranked among the World’s Highest-Paid Actresses by Forbes in 2017 and Vanity Fair in 2010. 

As the years went by, Watson also explored the realms of directing and fashion and was also a fierce advocate for many charitable causes. Turning 33 on April 13, 2023, Watson reflected on aging in Hollywood, a hotly-debated topic among women in the industry for quite a long time. Read on to learn more about Watson and her thoughts about aging. 

In Hollywood, aging is an especially hot topic. On the internet and in the media, women have been subjected to unfair beauty standards and criticisms about their appearance. Actresses and personalities, especially those who are getting older, are being slammed for resorting to altering their appearance through cosmetic surgeries in an effort to mask their age. On the other hand, some were very candid in expressing their thoughts on aging gracefully and naturally. 

One example of that is Jamie Lee Curtis. Regarded as one of the fiercest advocates against unfair beauty standards on women, Curtis declared that she dislikes the term “anti-aging.”

"I have been an advocate for natural beauty for a long time, mostly because I've had the trial and error of the other part. I did plastic surgery — it didn't work. I hated it. It made me feel worse,” she told Lorraine Keane in an interview. "I've also been an advocate for not (messing) with your face. And the term 'anti-aging.' What? What are you talking about? We're all going to age. We’re all gonna die. Why do you want to look 17 when you're 70? I want to look 70 when I'm 70!"

On November 2022, actress-model Julia Fox was also lauded by many for expressing the same sentiment. In an impassioned and expletive TikTok video, Fox said that she would sue again if she saw more products with anti-aging claims. 

“I’m going to sue because I’m going to age regardless of if I put that f***ing US$500 serum on my face, and you all f***ing know it!” she exclaimed. “We know it so let’s stop lying to ourselves, getting old is f***ing hot, OK?” 

For Fox, aging is “sexy” and probably the “sexiest time” in life. 

apost.com

In her personal birthday post when she turned 33 on April 15, 2023, Watson seemed to echo the thoughts of Curtis and Fox in her introspective recollection. 

“This is 33. Holy moly. Before 29, I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept,” she captioned her Instagram post, referring to the astrological phenomena of aging. 

Watson happily recalled other important milestones in her life that she has achieved and overcame in the past months, including getting therapy, adopting her dog, learning how to surf, riding horses, and even learning how to cook.

Aside from the very commendable accomplishment, Watson also emphasized that she “learned more about love and being a woman.” What she learned to do, was unclear, but she admitted that it took her three years before she finally figured out a daily practice to do it that she was able to follow through.

Fans of the beloved actress have expressed support and love for her in the comments, even celebrating her expression on aging naturally and gracefully. 

“Happy saturn return & happy birthday to you! It really changes us. Thank you for your inspiration to live more authentic ❤️,” a fan greeted. 

“Getting older is a gift. It is a rare and wonderful thing to see someone do it so thoughtfully,” one of her followers commented. 

“We only get one go around, and it sounds like you’re making the most of it. Your list is inspiring me to (make) one when I turn 40 next year,” another shared. 

In 2014, Watson expressed her thoughts about aging, taking a jab at the “dangerously unhealthy” beauty standards for women in Hollywood.

“I’m excited about the ageing process. I’m more interested in women who aren’t perfect. They’re more compelling,” she told The Sunday Times, as quoted by The Independent.  

Are you a fan of Emma Watson? Do you agree with Jamie Lee Curtis' and Julia Fox’s thoughts on aging? What do you think of Emma Watson’s thoughts on aging gracefully and naturally? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones who you think would be interested!