Mulligan was then asked about this year's Academy Awards, which once again nominated five men in the best director category despite a banner year for films made by women.
"I don't think you can watch those films and not think they deserve recognition," Mulligan said. "I think they need to be watched. I wonder if the system works in terms of getting sent 100 screeners. Maybe you shouldn't be allowed to vote unless you can prove you've seen every single one. There should be a test. The films that did get left out are indisputably brilliant."
Mulligan elaborated: "I'm talking about '
Hustlers,' 'Little Women' and 'The Farewell.' I feel like the fact that they are getting made is progress. But it's all baby steps."
"Little Women" received six Oscar nominations, but Greta Gerwig wasn't recognized in the best director category. "
Hustlers," made by Lorene Scafaria, and "The Farewell," from Lulu Wang, were both completely shut out of the Academy Awards. Many pundits had thought that Jennifer Lopez (who stars in "Hustlers") and Awkwafina (who won a Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy for "The Farewell') were likely locks for acting nominations.