: Eight of 2024's most popular films were led or co-led by women aged 45 or older.
(63) recently won an Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once , a film that celebrated a frumpy, overwhelmed mother as an action hero and multiversal savior. Michelle Yeoh (60) shattered every glass ceiling by proving that a mature woman can be a martial arts master, a dramatic lead, and a romantic interest all in one film. : Eight of 2024's most popular films were
The revolution is happening behind the scenes, too. Women like and Margot Robbie have established production companies specifically to option books and scripts featuring complex female leads. By taking the reins as producers and directors, they are ensuring that the industry’s "male gaze" is replaced by a more inclusive, realistic perspective. Why This Matters The revolution is happening behind the scenes, too
While male cinema flourished with anti-heroes, roles for older women shrank. Why This Matters While male cinema flourished with
While the trend is positive, the battle is not over. A New York Times analysis of the 2024 Oscar nominees found that only 15% of female-led narratives featured a protagonist over 50, compared to 45% for men. Ageism still runs rampant in casting calls, and "age-appropriate" love interests remain a problem (see: 60-year-old men cast opposite 35-year-old women).
