Russell Crowe thinks that actresses need to start acting their age.
The Hollywood actor made the damning comments about older female stars that complain about the industry being discriminatory against middle-aged women, insisting that there are roles out there, but they still expect to be cast in the young character roles.
Speaking to Australian Women's Weekly he explained: "I think you'll find that the woman who is saying that [the roles have dried up] is the woman who at 40, 45, 48, still wants to play the ingénue, and can't understand why she's not being cast as the 21 year old."
He went on to say that successful women in the industry support his view - particularly those who are now renowned for playing older characters.
"Meryl Streep will give you 10,000 examples and arguments as to why that's bulls**t.
"So will Helen Mirren, or whoever it happens to be."
Russell added that film stars need to ensure they're comfortable within themselves if they're to succeed.
"'If you are willing to live in your own skin, you can work as an actor. If you are trying to pretend that you're still the young buck when you're my age, it just doesn't work."
Tagged in Helen Mirren Meryl Streep Russell Crowe