January 2nd 2025.
Female-directed films, such as Babygirl, have not been enough to bring about significant change in the gender imbalance in Hollywood. Despite some of the biggest blockbusters being helmed by women, a new report confirms that women are still vastly underrepresented behind the camera. The report, written by Dr. Martha M. Lauzen, head of the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University, issues a warning about the future of the entertainment industry.
The study, known as The Celluloid Ceiling, has been compiling data for the past 27 years on the number of women working behind the scenes in the top-grossing movies of the year. Even with major successes for women in 2023, such as Greta Gerwig's domination with Barbie, opportunities for women in the industry remain scarce. In fact, the study found that only 16% of directors in the top 250 movies of 2024 were women, and this number decreased to 11% in the top 100 films.
Not only are there few female directors, but women are also underrepresented in other key positions such as writers, producers, and cinematographers. Overall, women only made up 22% of these roles in the top 100 films, a decrease of one percent from the previous year. This is despite the impressive successes of female-directed films like Love Lies Bleeding, Blink Twice, and La Chimera.
As Dr. Lauzen points out, "visibility for a few has not generated employment for many." Men continue to dominate in every field investigated, with only slight increases in the number of female cinematographers and writers. The study also found that over a quarter of a century, women have remained "dramatically underrepresented in many key behind-the-scenes roles."
The lack of recognition for women in Hollywood is not just limited to the industry itself. In 2023, no female filmmakers were nominated for Best Director at the Oscars. This lack of representation has been acknowledged by Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman, who has worked with 15 female directors in the past seven years. She believes that as women in the industry, they have the power to make a difference by choosing to work with female directors.
Actress Kirsten Dunst also recognizes the importance of giving opportunities to first-time female directors. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she said, "It's up to us as actresses to give the opportunity to first-time directors." This sentiment was also shared by Greta Gerwig, who became the first-ever female Cannes jury president in 2019. While there has been progress, she acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in increasing the number of female directors.
Despite the challenges and slow progress, it is important to continue striving for gender equality in the entertainment industry. As Greta said, "It's all about the long arc of history." If you have a story or experience to share about the gender imbalance in Hollywood, we would love to hear from you. Whether it's a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with us through email, phone, or by visiting our Submit Stuff page. Let's keep the conversation going and work towards a more equal and inclusive industry.
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