Why was George Cukor called a “woman’s director”?

George Cukor was frequently referred to as a “woman’s director” due to his noted ability to elicit strong, acclaimed performances from actresses. His filmography includes numerous works that served as showcases for leading women, such as Camille with Greta Garbo, Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman, and The Women, which featured an all-female cast. His frequent collaborations with Katharine Hepburn were particularly significant in cementing this reputation.12

Cukor himself disliked the label for two primary reasons. First, he believed it unfairly minimized his skill in directing male actors. Second, he felt the moniker was used to cast aspersions on his sexuality. Although Cukor was gay—a fact that was an open secret in a homophobic Hollywood—he maintained discretion regarding his private life. It is important to recognize that such labels, often rooted in prejudice, can diminish an artist's professional versatility and serve to marginalize individuals based on their identity.1