When I heard her say it, I immediately got an entirely different take on what she was saying than you did. I took it that she was saying acting celebrates what it is to be a unique full individual and to delve into the ins and outs, and the good and the bad, including the normally hidden sides, of a person, whereas people in "real life" so often aren't their full self to the outside world - only are to their closest inner circle who they feel most comfortable with (and even then not necessarily their full self); to most people, people, in real life, only allow others to see what they want them to see. On the other hand, the acting profession celebrates, by its very nature and purpose, every aspect of a character's being, including the sides that, in real life, may be pushed down, covered up, or masked. She wasn't saying that the acting profession is better or more important than other professions; I didn't for a second take her words that way. (And, no: I'm not in the least tiny bit impressed by stars or Hollywood, nor am I a celebrity lover - in fact I'm the exact opposite, as Hollywood and stars, and people who are impressed with their own self-importance and relevance, are precisely the fastest type things I tune out, as I have no interest.)

Your point of view is valid, tho I wonder If it was what she really meant, because of hollywood people's own self-importance, as you said.

PS : No need to justify yourself, your comment is polite and neutral enough ;)

tbh I agree, and the fact she was lauded for such a trite statement is frightening. The fact that actors think they contribute something valuable and irreplaceable is hilarious. People buying tickets to movies is a luxury, nothing more. It's like someone who owns a jet ski rental thinking they provide a life changing service.

Well, I do think some movies can bring some valuable things; anyone can sure learn one or two things from it sometimes, like some technical knowledges to philosophical ideas, it can also bring light on historical people, invention, etc, tho on this last point we better be careful; many propagandas and false things can pass by movies too.

But actors only play a part in it, they can be easily replaced (especially nowadays ones..), opposite to scriptwriters and directors that are the true creators in the process.

@genplant29 said:

When I heard her say it, I immediately got an entirely different take on what she was saying than you did. I took it that she was saying acting celebrates what it is to be a unique full individual

I heard it this way too. I think the ones who did are few and far between!