Hold your breath! Annette Bening dives into the depths of Nyad's bold scene - ‘Wait a minute. I'm in a bathing suit. I'm…’

Bringing the incredible journey of Diana Nyad to the screen is Nyad, a 2023 American biographical sports drama. Co-directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, who mark their feature film debut, is adapted from Nyad's own autobiography, Find a Way. This powerful film showcases the exceptional talents of both established and emerging filmmakers while capturing the essence of Nyad's extraordinary feat.

Diana Nyad's story

After four unsuccessful attempts, Diana Nyad, at the age of 64, became the first person to swim the treacherous 110-mile stretch from Cuba to the US, unaided by a shark cage. This remarkable achievement in 2013 cemented her place in history as a testament to human resilience and perseverance.

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Annette Bening's remarkable work at 65

Sharing the age of her subject, Annette Bening felt a unique kinship with Diana Nyad. Portraying the swimmer's historic feat at 65, Bening found an unexpected joy in the process. The absence of fear surprised her, perhaps mirroring the strength and self-assurance that drove Nyad across the breathtakingly cold waters.

We got to learn about her fearless strength when Bening shared her experience with The Hollywood Reporter’s recently arranged roundtable interview with the most successful female stars like Margot Robbie, Lily Gladstone, Emma Stone, and Greta Lee of 2023, where they all talked about their experiences.

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Annette Bening's enthusiasm for Nyad was electrifying. The script ignited a spark, and she was ready to dive in headfirst. Diana Nyad's story had her so enthralled that she nearly forgot the hardness of swimsuits and open water at the age of 65.

What did Annette Bening share?

“I read the script, and I just loved it. I was just completely into her in the whole story. I really didn't think about the swimming, which is so strange, but I just loved it, and it was just like (makes some sounds) yeah. So I said yes, and then I realised, 'Wait a minute! I'm in a bathing suit.' I'm 60 something. Like, what about that? And I have to do all the swimming.” Bening shared.

The film Nyad is currently streaming on Netflix.