Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So at Reel 360 News, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices year-round. Today, let us introduce you to award-winning American actress and musician, Preslea Elliott.
Preslea Elliott is an American actress and musician from Oklahoma, recognized for her roles in films such as Growers (2017) and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), as well as for her contributions to the pop and indie music scenes. Her recent film credits include The Runner (2025) and the soon-to-be-released short drama Boatlift 9/11, in which she stars alongside Swedish actress Sofia Helin.
Let’s meet Preslea!
How did you get your start, really?
Honestly, I still feel like I’m getting started. I’ve heard many times that acting is a marathon, not a sprint, and I couldn’t agree more. Right now, I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’m getting and I’m focused on using this time to learn, both about the industry and about myself as an artist.
What’s the first thing people usually get wrong about you?
When people first meet me, they often say I’m “really cool,” but my response is usually, “Then you don’t know me very well.” At first, I can seem distant and on my own, but those who are close to me know I’m quite weird, and I love dance parties in the living room.
Was there a moment when you realized you weren’t just participating in the industry, you were shaping it?
I see that as an ongoing goal rather than a single moment. It’s an active choice to not only participate in the industry but to contribute in a way that helps shape what comes next. As a woman in this space, I’m inspired by the progress that’s been made in representation, while also recognizing there’s still a long way to go. Being part of that continued shift is something I care deeply about.
What’s been the smartest move you made in your career?
One of the smartest moves I made was spending a year in New York City after living in Los Angeles for four years. It was the first place where I felt my artistic voice truly develop authentically. New York has an honesty to it, it’s direct, even brutal at times, and that was exactly what I needed at that point in my career. It pushed me to grow in a way that comfort never could.
Where do you think women are making the biggest gains right now in this business?
I think one of the biggest areas of growth for women right now is in directing. At its core, directing is about nurturing a story, and I’ve found that when female directors bring their perspective and instincts to that role, it can be incredibly powerful. There’s a depth of care and attention that really elevates character and storytelling, especially in projects that require emotional nuance and sensitivity.
Where is the industry still failing women?
In the same breath, directing is also an area where the industry is still falling short for women. It takes a long time to gain respect in this field, and historically, very few female directors have received the recognition they deserve. That said, I’m hopeful and excited about the stories and projects where women’s voices as directors are being championed and celebrated.
Was there a moment you stopped waiting for permission and just took up space?
A recent example was playing Brit in Boatlift 911. She was unapologetically herself while stepping up for others, and her confidence inspired me to do the same. It reminded me not to be timid about who I am, to stop limiting myself to what I think I have, and to believe that I deserve—and can achieve—more. I’ve also realized that being servant-hearted means you naturally take up space: those who are here to serve show up honestly, meet needs, and never need permission to do so.
What’s something you had to unlearn to survive and grow in this industry?
One of the biggest things I had to unlearn is thinking that acting is just about showing up, it’s also a business. Moving to Los Angeles doesn’t automatically make things happen. Marketing yourself, understanding your strengths, and knowing what story you want to tell are just as important as your craft. Once you do that, you have clarity about your goals, and I truly believe there’s a place in this industry for anyone willing to work hard to reach it.
Have you ever said no to an opportunity that looked good on paper but felt wrong in your gut?
Many times. Authenticity is my most valuable asset, and what you say yes to matters, even early in your career. Short films and student projects are great for building experience, but compromising your integrity isn’t worth it. Knowing your worth and having a clear vision for the career you want to build is essential from the very beginning.
What kind of legacy are you interested in building?
I want to build a career that empowers humanity and brings authenticity to the forefront. My goal is to tell stories that challenge people to feel emotions that are sometimes uncomfortable but ultimately drive growth. Bringing truth and depth to light through storytelling is the legacy I hope to leave.
Who are three women in the industry that more people should be paying attention to right now?
Three women I think more people should be paying attention to right now are:
Chloé Zhao – She’s a fierce director who taps into deeply emotional and spiritual states in her filmmaking, which is rare. I’m excited to see where her career goes and hope to collaborate with her someday.
Maisy Stella – She’s building her career in a thoughtful, admirable way. Her performance in My Old Ass, directed by Meghan Park, is one of the most memorable coming-of-age performances I’ve seen in a long time.
Meghan McClure – Her production design and world-building skills transport actors, audiences, and directors into fully authentic, meticulously detailed worlds. She’s a true artist, and I think more people will take notice of her work.
What’s one change you’d make immediately if you had the power to fix this business tomorrow?
If I could make one change immediately, it would be to eliminate the use of AI in creative roles like acting or writing. While AI can be a useful tool for things like analytics or planning, it should never replace human creativity. Robots cannot replicate the depth, emotion, and authenticity that humans bring to storytelling.
What are you chasing now that feels bigger than career ambition?
Right now, I’m focused on finding creative outlets beyond acting. It’s been essential for balancing the highs and lows of this career and for continuing to express myself as a human being. Since this industry is a marathon, not a sprint, finding ways to sustain creativity and maintain balance is just as important as any career goal.
After everything you’ve accomplished, what still gives you that spark?
What still gives me that spark is witnessing humanity come to life—watching a powerful film, seeing an actor fully inhabit a role, or listening to a director describe their process. There’s something inexpressible in words alone, which is why we turn to the collaborative medium of filmmaking: to express emotion, our deepest and most essential human experience.
When something big goes your way, what’s your personal victory move?
This is a great question. I’ve recently been challenged in celebrating my wins, because I tend to focus on what’s next rather than appreciating what I’ve done. But I’m learning to be present and enjoy the moment. My personal victory moves usually involve simple joys, sharing meals with friends, seeing a movie, taking long walks around New York City, or going on drives in LA, and soaking in the beautiful life I get to live.
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