Catherine Zeta-Jones distances herself from mainstream Hollywood, stating, "I don't need to validate myself to anyone."

Catherine Zeta-Jones is confidently stepping away from mainstream Hollywood.

The actress, 55, who starred in "The Mask of Zorro," revealed that she shifted to a new film genre and distanced herself from Hollywood's commercial pressures in her next career move.

She revealed at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that she is currently working on a small indie film and is thrilled about it because it's her first time being a part of the indie world, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

"I want to turn up and do some interesting work. It goes back to my theater thinking because I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone or work hard for others."

After reflecting on her Hollywood career, Zeta-Jones landed an Oscar for best supporting actress in the 2003 film "Chicago."

She explained to fans at the festival that it was actually the beginning, as there was a precedent with her name being preceded by the Academy Award-winning Catherine Zeta-Jones, according to the outlet.

At a crossroads in her Hollywood career, the "America's Sweethearts" star had to make a choice between winning an Oscar or a best actress Tony.

The Broadway lights acknowledging her performance was wonderful, but the unexpected Academy Award blew her mind.

In the 2022 television series "Wednesday," Zeta-Jones, who played Morticia Addams, stated that her experience as a child star at the age of 10 helped her succeed in Hollywood.

In her pre-teen years, the Welsh actress won a national talent contest and remembered tap dancing at the age of 4.

"I began my career in theater at a young age. Despite not being a young woman, I have been in the industry for a long time and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it," she stated.

Despite facing rejection several times, she persevered and eventually became a successful Hollywood veteran.

She remembered how she attended numerous auditions but was ultimately rejected.

At the time, Zeta-Jones encountered difficulties and constraints due to her six-month visa to the United States.

She remarked, "I went to America and thought it was my chance to give it my best shot."

When she landed a role in a CBS project about the Titanic, Zeta-Jones was eventually recognized by Steven Spielberg.

"Actors should not hesitate to perform their roles to the best of their ability, as they never know when Steven Spielberg may be observing," she stated at the festival.

Known for her film work in "Ocean's 12" and winning a Tony in 2010 for her Broadway appearance in "A Little Night Music," Zeta-Jones is a renowned actress.

Since 2000, Zeta-Jones has been married to Michael Douglas, who is 25 years older than her. They share two children, son Dylan, 24, and daughter Carys, 21.