Emilia Clarke shot to fame back in 2011 when she took on the role of Daenerys Targaryen int he HBO series
Game of Thrones. Now, the
actress has opened up about something she cannot stand being asked about when being interviewed on her leading part.
The Game of Thrones star’s portrayal of Daenerys has seen her scoop three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Her character is known as the “mother of dragons”, and has established herself as a powerful ruler during the television adaption of the novel.
The heroine is no doubt a strong character - but earlier this year, Emilia condemned the phrase “strong” when it is used in direct relation to her being a woman.
Speaking to Variety at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, the 31-year-old highlighted the sexism which comes with the adjective.
Referring to her role in Game of Thrones, as well as the part playing Qi'ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story, Emilia discussed how the term “strong woman” implies there are also “weak” female lead roles.
“Take the 'strong' out of it,” she said, as part of the Kering Women in Motion talks.
“Find another adjective, dammit. I'm just playing women."
Expanding on the gender imbalance, the actress continued: ”If it’s not strong, what is it? Are you telling me there’s another option, that there’s a weak option?
“You think a lead in a movie is going to be a ‘weak’ woman?"
The star went on to come up with suggestions about terms which would be appropriate for journalists to ask.
The actress offered: “How does it feel to play a female lead in a big blockbuster movie?
“Or, how does it feel to play someone with power in that position? I mean the list goes on.”
She continued: “I get very frustrated with that in particular, because you don’t get ’strong men’, unless you mean ‘physically strong men’.”
Addressing the gender inequality with the questions, Emilia also considered how if female stars were quizzed about being “strong”, their male co-stars should be asked the same question.
It came shortly after Emilia played herself in the short film Leading Lady Parts, which was created by Rebel Park Productions.
The tongue-in-cheek video, which has been produced following the Time’s Up movement, sees a cast of award-winning stars audition for a leading film role as they highlight the shocking demands women face.
However, in the footage, Emilia is cut off during her performance, as the producers insist she isn’t “smiley” enough.
It came after the panel of three producers - played by Catherine Tate, 50, Anthony Welsh, 35 , and Gemma Arteton, 32, - saw the actress deliver an emotive speech.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted, the chance to speak,” she says.
But, the boss, who is portrayed by comedian Catherine, insists she hadn’t imagined the part being played so powerfully, as she interjects: “Alright, thank you. I’m not sure that’s quite what we’re after really.
“Do it again, but just this time, try it a bit more smiley.”