Beauty Beyond Age

Lately, we’ve witnessed a refreshing shift in cinema: leading roles are increasingly being entrusted to older actresses, and audiences are embracing them with enthusiasm. I find great joy in this evolution, as we move away from a time when youth and physical beauty were the sole standards of value. The tragic fate of Marilyn Monroe will not be repeated, nor will we indulge tales like that of Queen Grimhilde, who sought to destroy her stepdaughter out of vanity and envy.

Even in my earlier years, I felt grateful to have chosen the path of an artist rather than that of an actress or athlete—professions often burdened by the pressure of age. The women artists who inspire me—Georgia O’Keeffe, Yayoi Kusama, Louise Bourgeois—each reached the height of their acclaim later in life, their creative powers deepening with time.

Today, at last, there seems to be a growing appreciation for the beauty that comes with age. I hope this shift is not simply a response to longer life expectancy, but a recognition of the wisdom, depth, and authenticity that time can bring. One of the books I return to often is The Picture of Dorian Gray. It serves as a powerful reminder of how destructive it can be to fear the loss of youthful beauty, and how dangerous it is to forget that true beauty lies in the soul and in our actions.

Cruelty, vanity, and violence can never be beautiful. But kindness, passion, and purpose—these shine through at any age. And so, I believe wholeheartedly: one can be radiant, fulfilled, and truly beautiful at every stage of life.

MARINA FEDOROVA