Ava DuVernay Opens Up About Career Over Tradition: Why She Chose Work Over Marriage & Motherhood

Ava DuVernay Opens Up About Choosing Career Over Marriage and Motherhood

In a recent interview on Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell’s Unusual Suspects podcast, acclaimed director Ava DuVernay shared candid insights into her decision not to pursue marriage or motherhood. According to PEOPLE, who accessed an exclusive preview of the upcoming episode, DuVernay revealed that she never felt confident in her maternal instincts.

“I don’t feel like I would be a good mother for a child,” she admitted. As the eldest of five children, DuVernay grew up surrounded by younger siblings, which shaped her perspective on parenting. “My family, my mom, would always say, for a little while before she realized I was serious, ‘You’ll change your mind.’ I don’t feel like I would be a good mother for a child. I don’t want to do that, and I think in the most ideal scenario, you should want to do that. I just don’t want to.”

A Life Beyond Traditional Expectations

DuVernay, who has directed groundbreaking films and series, including Selma and When They See Us, emphasized that her career often placed her in environments that were far from conventional for women.

“Me being gone so often and me being on top of a mountain in New Zealand shooting with a helicopter—these are not traditional things for a woman,” she explained. The 52-year-old filmmaker’s work has taken her around the world, and she has fully embraced a non-traditional lifestyle.

DuVernay on Love and Marriage

When it comes to romantic relationships, DuVernay acknowledged having had many “beautiful relationships” over the years. However, she never felt that marriage aligned with her personal and professional aspirations.

“I think it would force me to be ‘traditional,’” she noted. “And me being gone so often and me being on top of a mountain in New Zealand shooting with a helicopter—these are not traditional things for a woman.”

Later in the interview, she was asked whether her lack of interest in marriage had ever deterred romantic relationships. Her response was straightforward: “No.”

She elaborated, saying, “Because I’m not asking for that. If you’re looking for a husband to stand by while you’re off doing these things, I think you’re going to have a harder time. But if you’re not looking for a husband—companionship, a partner…” she trailed off, suggesting that alternative relationship structures may be more fitting for her lifestyle.

Where to Listen

The Unusual Suspects podcast series, featuring Ava DuVernay’s full interview, is available exclusively on Audible. Fans of the filmmaker can tune in to hear more about her life, career, and philosophy on love and personal freedom.