Renée Zellweger criticizes 'obsession' with appearance on Bridget Jones anniversary

Renée Zellweger, the Oscar-winning star behind the iconic Bridget Jones character, has directly challenged the public's persistent focus on physical appearance. Speaking at the Tribeca Film Festival to mark the 25th anniversary of 'Bridget Jones's Diary,' Zellweger, 57, pushed back against what she called an "obsession" with how actors look.

Zellweger, who famously gained 13 kilograms for her portrayal of the beloved, relatable character, emphasized that Bridget's charm and appeal transcended any perceived physical flaws. The actress suggested that the character's enduring popularity stemmed from her authenticity and the audience's connection to her struggles, rather than her adherence to conventional beauty standards.

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I think we had gotten to a place where we were obsessed with the way people looked, and I think that’s a shame.

The discussion, reported by outlets like People, took place during a special screening of the film. Zellweger's comments aim to shift the conversation from superficial judgments to the substance of character and performance, highlighting the lasting impact of Bridget Jones as a figure who resonated with audiences precisely because she was imperfect.

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I think that’s a shame. I think that we have to be careful not to fall into that trap.