IN CONVERSATION WITH JURNEE SMOLLETT

interview by JANA LETONJA

Award-winning actress Jurnee Smollett most recently starred in crime thriller ‘The Order’ opposite Jude Law, Nicholas Holt and Tye Sheridan. Next up, she will be starring in Apple TV+ drama series working title ‘Firebug’, out in 2025. Outside of acting, Jurnee is an advocate for women when it comes to pay equity, equality in the workplace and healthcare. She has also advocated for HIV/AIDS causes since she first began her career in Hollywood, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Film.

jacket and skirt SPORTMAX
shoes SPORTMAX
sunglasses ZIMMERMAN

‘The Order’ has received glowing reviews ever since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. What drew you to this project, and how would you describe your character’s journey in the film?

There were a number of factors that initially drew me to the project. I’ve always had an immense admiration for Justin Kurzel, our filmmaker.  I’m a huge fan of his work,  so when I was offered the role, I was excited to read the script. Ultimately, I really connected to the character, Special agent Carney. Here’s a woman, operating in a very male dominated field, in a time when there were very few women holding that type of position of power. I was really intrigued by her courage to own that power in the face of so many obstacles. There’s an innate lone wolf quality that she and Terry Husk share, one that I can relate to. I feel ‘The Order’ provides an honest look at how our work can have an emotional toll on us given the constant tug-of-war between being with our families and furthering our careers, especially for those who dedicate themselves to this kind of service, who selflessly risk their lives on the front lines every day. The film prompts audiences to think more deeply about humanity and to reflect on our own history to understand how we can learn from the mistakes of our past to shape our future.

The film tackles themes of loyalty and justice in a crime thriller setting. How did you prepare for such an intense role, and were there any particular challenges?

After reading the script, I started researching women in the FBI during the 1970s and 80s. Through my research, I found out about a woman named Sylvia Mathis, who was the first black woman to become an FBI special agent in 1976. At that time, only about 40 of the 8500 FBI agents were women. I interviewed a few former special agents who were women and was really blown away by their dedication to the work and all they had to overcome just to do their work. They had to be the best. There is very little room for error when you are one of the few, one of the only to do it. The expertise required when the stakes are so high is mindblowing. These were some of the elements I wanted to bring out in Carney. When one is operating at such a high level, you hold not only yourself to a high standard, but everyone around you. So when Terry screws up or breaks with the protocol, she has no tolerance for it partly because she would never be afforded the same liberties as he is. 

When I think of the particular challenges with this project, it would probably be having to research these types of hate groups and the ideology of Bob Mathews. The film tackles subjects that have plagued our nation since inception. We have to ask ourselves why is it so difficult for our society to truly rid itself of this level of bigotry and hatred?  To me, I felt privileged to be a part of a project that so boldly asks these questions. But having to confront some of the imagery was challenging. The scene in which my character goes into the bunker and sees the swastikas or the poster that says “running n***a target” hit really close to home. Not just for me, but also for my character. But it's our job as artists to hold a mirror up to society to reflect it back to it.  It’s done in service of the story. It’s historically accurate. It’s important to understand the horrors of hate, in the hopes history does not repeat itself.

dress BRANDON MAXWELL

Following ‘The Order’, you’ll be seen in the Apple TV+ drama currently titled ‘Firebug’. Can you give us a glimpse of what to expect from your character in that series?

I play Detective Michelle Calderone,  a former marine, struggling with many childhood demons, who’s been recently demoted and sent to a small town to investigate a series of arsons alongside an arson investigator played by the extremely talented Taron Egerton. The series was created by Dennis Lehane who is truly a masterful storyteller. It was one of the most challenging and fulfilling roles I’ve ever had to embody. 

How do you choose your projects, and is there a specific type of story or character that resonates with you the most?

For me, it’s always about trusting my instincts. I know characters often come to me when I need them. I trust the process and listen to my instincts. 

From legal dramas to action thrillers, your career spans such a wide range of genres. How do you approach shifting between roles that demand such varied emotions and skills?

I feel blessed to be able to play in different playgrounds and explore different genres. Honestly, I approach each character with the intention to discover the character‘s “eyes” per se, figuring out how the character sees the world. Regardless of her environment, it’s my job to unearth her truth. So regardless of genre, truth is truth and the camera is allergic to falsities. I always go back to my foundation with the craft. There’s a bunch of work as actors we do before stepping on set in hopes that the work will disappear and it will all look invisible, and we can just be free to behave. If you’ve done the work, then you can be free to not act and just behave. I’ve also been incredibly blessed to have some truly outstanding scene partners as of late, whether it’s Jamie Foxx, Jude Law, or Allison Janey. I've been really spoiled to work with some of the greatest living actors of our time and I am a lifetime student, so I’m always learning something from each experience. 

dress ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
shoes JIMMY CHOO

Reflecting on your Emmy-nominated performance in ‘Lovecraft Country’, what did that role mean to you both professionally and personally?

Playing Leti Lewis in ‘Lovecraft Country’ was thrilling both professionally and personally. The character provided such catharsis for me and I’m playing in the sandbox with such an amazing cast and crew was a real honor. Misha Green has a wonderful ability of constructing flawed, nuanced and complex characters. Leti was such a tornado and embodying her enabled me to access parts of myself that needed to be exercised out. I grew up hearing stories about women like my grandmother, women who were ahead of their time, that society didn’t know how to hold space for. Women who were bold and audacious enough to live unapologetically in a time when society had only one place for them are the kind of spirits I admire. 

You’ve been a vocal advocate for women’s equality in the workplace and pay equity in Hollywood. What changes have you seen in the industry over the years, and what do you believe still needs to be done?

I always look at the annual reports done by Stacy Smith and the team of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at USC because the data is the data. We can’t look away from it. I’ve been fortunate over the past few years to work with so many talented women directors and storytellers such as Misha Green, Minhal Baig, Maggie Betts, Anna Foerster, Cathy Yan, and yet we have a lot of improvement to still make behind the camera. According to their recent report, there has been no significant improvement for women directors since 2019 and only 13 % of the top grossing directors in 2024 were women. Only six women of color directed a top grossing film in 2024. To me, when I see those numbers, I know we have to roll up our sleeves and do the work. Those numbers are pretty abysmal and it’s not because they’re not out there. They’re just not being given the same funding and opportunity. I am committed to being a part of the solution. 

full look BALENCIAGA

You’ve also been involved with HIV/AIDS causes since early in your career. What inspired you to dedicate your platform to this cause, and how do you continue to make an impact in this area?

My childhood best friend, the late great Hydeia Broadbent, was the source of inspiration for me as a young girl to become active in the movement. She is who inspired me to get involved. We lost her last year and it truly gutted me. She dedicated her entire life to serving others. That’s no exaggeration. Since she was a baby, her life was in service to the cause. We lost a giant when we lost her. 

As a board member for Women in Film, what initiatives or projects are you currently passionate about supporting through your work for this cause?

I was asked to join the board of WIF this past year and it was a real privilege as I’ve been a huge admirer of the work they do to champion change in our industry. We have some truly exciting programs to help strengthen the pipeline for emerging storytellers and filmmakers. There is power in the collective and there is power when we gather. WIF Fellowship welcomes Fellows from all areas of the entertainment industry for a year of mentoring, master classes, network building, and one-on-one career strategy sessions.

Balancing such a dynamic career and your advocacy work, how do you find moments to recharge and stay grounded?

Finding ways to recharge is an area I need improvement in honestly, but I’m a work in progress. Being a working mom, sometimes it's hard for me to shut my brain off because it often feels like there’s a long to-do list that I need to tackle. But I’m learning to be kind to myself. Water is healing for me, baths, journaling, meditation, exercise are all ways I try to fill up my gas tank.  

With ‘Firebug’ on the horizon, what else is next for you in 2025?

I’m stepping more into the producer role and we have an incredible slate of projects we are developing. I am truly energized by being able to usher forward projects with some of the most exciting filmmakers I have ever had the chance to collaborate with.

full look BALENCIAGA

TEAM CREDITS
talent JURNEE SMOLLETT
photography MEKHI TURNER
styling KATIE BOFSHEVER at A-FRAME AGENCY
makeup DANA DELANEY at THE WALL GROUP
hair MILES JEFFRIES at THE WALL GROUP
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA