The Brief
- Patricia Clarkson, an Oscar-nominated actress, leads the cast in the new drama “Lilly.” The film is inspired by the true story of Lilly Ledbetter, who worked as a supervisor at an Alabama tire plant.
- Ledbetter’s struggle for salary equality brought her all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in the enactment of what would be known as the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.
- Clarkson states, “This isn’t about politics; it’s about human rights. You should receive equal pay for doing the same work. It’s as straightforward as that.”
Patricia Clarkson is well-acquainted with accolades, having received nominations for an Academy Award, a Tony, and claiming three Emmy wins. However, she states that taking on her most recent character is undoubtedly among the peak experiences of her acting journey.
Being offered this role was an incredible milestone in my career,” states Clarkson. “Why would anyone not desire to portray one of the most significant American heroines — female icons — of our time?
Clarkson headlines the compelling new drama.
“Lilly,”
This recounts the genuine story of Lilly Ledbetter, an Alabama tire plant manager whose struggle for equitable compensation brought her to Washington, D.C. Although Ledbetter passed away towards the end of last year, her impact continues via the enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009.
Although I am aware that she passed away peacefully and was delighted with our extraordinary reception in The Hamptons,” explains Clarkson, “it was during the initial screening of the film before a real crowd when everyone stood up for an ovation dedicated entirely to her.
Clarkson mentions that making “Lilly” — a project directed and co-written by Rachel Feldman and also starring John Benjamin Hickey and Thomas Sadoski — led her to contemplate her personal journey and professional path.
“The instances when I received minimum wage—minimum wage—and a male co-star was earning an entire salary for the same project, were indeed striking,” remarks the actress. “However, those days are over. Today, we possess significant influence. This authority has increased dramatically, and we’re fortunate as it continues to grow; we are ascending within this industry.”
Though “Lilly” acknowledges the advancements brought about by Ledbetter’s struggle, the movie concludes with the starkreminder that women continue to earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts.
Clarkson states, “Ultimately, it depends on the leaders of these large corporations and major sectors—their CEOs—whether women get fair compensation. These executives must desire equitable wages for their female staff. They should recognize that this isn’t just a political matter but rather one concerning basic human rights. Equal pay for identical work is straightforward.”
“Lily” premieres exclusively in chosen theaters starting Friday, May 9, including
The Tara in Atlanta
— click
here
for local showtimes.
The Source
Paul Milliken from Good Day Atlanta spoke with Patricia Clarkson, who stars as “Lilly,” prior to the movie’s national launch.