In a heartfelt reflection on her career, Kate Winslet has opened up about her favorite co-star, and her choice may surprise some. While many might expect her to name a male lead, Winslet shares that her greatest inspiration comes from the remarkable women she has worked alongside. The standout in her mind? The one and only Emma Thompson.

Winslet recalls her early days at just 19, cast in Sense and Sensibility. Overwhelmed with nerves, she feared she didn’t belong in such esteemed company. “I kept thinking there must have been a mistake,” she admits, grappling with the imposter syndrome that many performers experience.

However, Thompson proved to be a beacon of support. “She made me feel like I had earned my place at the table,” Winslet says, recalling how Thompson took her under her wing. With warmth and wisdom, Thompson offered advice that has stayed with Winslet throughout her career. “She once told me, ‘It’s equally as important not to work as it is to work,’” a sentiment that resonates deeply with Winslet, particularly as a parent balancing career and family life.

For Winslet, Thompson is not just a co-star but a mentor and a friend. She expresses gratitude for Thompson’s nurturing presence, which has had a lasting impact on her both personally and professionally. Winslet’s admiration for Thompson highlights the importance of supportive relationships in the film industry and celebrates the powerful influence of female camaraderie. In Winslet’s eyes, Emma Thompson is truly one of a kind.