This is the raddest magazine cover of the year. Period.
Today in awesome, The Hollywood Reporter just released their new issue, and their cover story “When the F-Word Is ‘Funny’” features SIX of our favorite A-list comedy actresses. Lena Dunham, Tracee Ellis Ross, Amy Schumer, Ellie Kemper, Kate McKinnon and Gina Rodriguez got together for an epic panel discussion and a group photo for the ages. Seriously, look how awesome all these ladies are, just being their bad selves together.
Pop culture die-hards are familiar with every face on this cover, but for anyone who needs a cheat sheet, the magazine handily provided one:
Inside the issue, the women talked about gender and race in Hollywood, how fame changes the game, and their best advice for handling careers and life. Here are some of our favorite quotes from our favorite ladies. Check out the entire interview over here—it’s about as amaze as panels get. Here are some of the highlights.
On being a woman of color in the entertainment industry:
Tracee Ross: There aren’t many [roles for women of color in film]. That’s why I say no to all the offers! (Laughs.) Working on a film is one job where you look at a casting breakdown and I’ll think, “That’s me!” But she’s not supposed to be black.
Gina Rodriguez: I remove myself instantly if something’s perpetuating a stereotype. But the only way to stop stereotypes is to say, “I’m going to wait for a journey that suits me”… When you compromise, you don’t do your best work.
On sexism in Hollywood
Amy Schumer: I think people hate women. I don’t think they want to hear a woman talk for too long. A lot of people project their mom yelling at them. My [career] has been about tricking people into listening. I’m not saying all men hate women, but there’s such an aggression.
Lena Dunham: The way women are spoken to in social media is truly shocking. It’s how you imagine people screaming at prisoners in Guantanamo.
Ellie Kemper: The circles in which we run, there’s an understanding that there’s no difference in what women can bring to comedy. But there’s a huge portion of the country that this is still news to. There are a lot of men who fly business class still rooted in the idea that women aren’t funny.
How fame changes the game
Amy Schumer: I did recently go on my first private jet. I caught myself before saying, “We need a bigger jet.” Three years ago, I’m begging for half-off potato skins, and now I’m like, “This jet is wack.”
Ellie Kemper: [Fame] can change your perspective unless you catch yourself… my husband is good about saying, “You’re nothing!” I was making a pilot once and tripped over some gear. I said, “Someone needs to move that!” It was horrifying.
Gina Rodriguez: I gave my grandmother a fat f—ing check. I was like, “This is for you.” And she’s like, “Ah, no, no puedo” [I can’t]. I was like, “Just take it.” She opens it, sees the amount and “All right!” (Laughs.)
Solid advice from solid ladies
Amy Schumer: People love burning somebody at the stake. So I just burn myself first!
Ellie Kemper: I once heard an exec say, “If you don’t ask for it, we can’t give it to you.” We can’t go through our lives just being grateful for everything.
Amy Schumer: I noticed when I had a suggestion for [Trainwreck director] Judd [Apatow] on set, I would say, “Um, sorry but …” I started all my sentences with “sorry.” I’ve made an effort to not do that now.
Tracee Ross: I was raised by a woman [singer Diana Ross] who has high standards for what she’s worth, which has been called “diva behavior.” I have witnessed flagrant, disgusting behavior, and that is not my mother. There is a way to be a woman, ask for what we deserve and be able to negotiate.
(Image via Hollywood Reporter)
