Emma Watson has had a love-hate relationship with Hollywood as far as anyone may care to remember. The actress’ stay in the Harry Potter film series was marked by a fascination for the art of acting equally balanced by her need for pursuing academics. And it is not easy to choose one passion over another, but Watson balanced both aspects of her life perfectly. Until, of course, Hollywood’s spotlights grew increasingly unbearable for her.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson Opens Up About Hollywood Award Shows

Although the Harry Potter actress, Emma Watson has been a part of the film industry for a very long time and stood by it throughout her childhood and formative years, the media flashes and constant scrutiny under the public’s eyes is not an easy realization to come to terms with. With time, Watson only grew more aware of the “show” aspect of show business, and understandably, wanted to step away. 

“I’d walk down the red carpet and go into the bathroom. I had on so much makeup and these big, fluffy, full-on dresses. I’d put my hands on the sink and look at myself in the mirror and say, ‘Who is this?’ I didn’t connect to the person who was looking back at me, and that was a very unsettling feeling… it dawned on me that this is what you’re signing up for.”

Emma Watson dons an upcycled wedding dress

Emma Watson has taken time off from acting to pursue her education while donating a significant chunk of her already packed schedule to activism, promoting books, and speaking up on socio-political causes. 

Emma Watson Juggles Life Between Hollywood and School

While Emma Watson was knee-deep in filming WB’s Harry Potter, the actress was also taking her A-levels. She wouldn’t go on to remember the time fondly, but one that was marked by constant struggle and a demanding, “challenging,” and “crazy” schedule. She claimed: “One minute I was on set, and the next minute I was doing an exam, or reading a textbook, or doing something, so I was a bit all over the place.” 

Harry Potter trio as children

Once the filming of the final Harry Potter ended in 2010 (with Deathly Hallows: Part 2 scheduled to premiere in 2011), she enrolled in a course in English Literature at the prestigious Brown University. She graduated with a BA in 2014. She also served as a visiting student at Worcester College for the 2011-12 academic year. After a decade, Watson returns to pursue her MA in Creative Writing at Oxford, commencing in the September 2023 session.