It might not be the first word to come to mind, but he defended Hilary Swank's right to punch her weight in the Academy Award-winning "Million Dollar Baby, " and he has regularly cast strong, smart actresses in his films, women like Marcia Gay Harden, Frances Fisher, Diane Venora, Sondra Locke and Laura Linney.

CNN: Review: Jolie outstanding in Eastwood's 'Changeling'