Why Anna Kendrick’s Alleged Donation from Woman of the Hour Remains Unconfirmed

Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, tackled a harrowing real-life story and received acclaim for its gripping narrative. But recent speculation suggests Kendrick may have donated her salary from the film to charity—a claim that, as of now, remains unverified.

Examining the Evidence

Woman of the Hour, which premiered at Sundance in January 2023 and later released on streaming platforms, explores the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala, the so-called “Dating Game” serial killer. While Kendrick’s work on the project—both as director and star—drew significant attention, no public records, interviews, or official statements confirm that she donated her pay.

A thorough review of promotional interviews, such as those with Deadline and Variety, revealed no mention of a salary donation. Furthermore, Kendrick’s social media channels and previously noted charitable affiliations offer no evidence that earnings from Woman of the Hour were redirected to nonprofit organizations.

Contextual Comparisons

High-profile figures in Hollywood have, on occasion, redirected their movie salaries to charitable causes. Emma Watson, for instance, famously donated her Little Women salary to the Time’s Up legal defense fund. Leonardo DiCaprio has similarly contributed portions of his earnings to environmental initiatives. If Kendrick had taken a similar step, it’s likely such a move would have been publicly acknowledged by either her team or the recipient charities—especially given the film’s sensitive subject matter.

The Bottom Line

As of now, the suggestion that Anna Kendrick donated her Woman of the Hour salary remains unsubstantiated. While Kendrick has been known for her advocacy and charitable work, there is no confirmed record that her pay from this particular film was given to charity. Without official confirmation, the claim appears to be either a misunderstanding or a misattribution rather than a documented act of philanthropy.