: The "silver ceiling" also affects production; few female directors are hired after age 60, compared to male directors who often work into their 80s .
: Women over 50 represent only about 25% of all on-screen characters in that age bracket, while men make up the remaining 75–80% . maturemilfspics
Research - Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film : The "silver ceiling" also affects production; few
: In 2025, the percentage of top-grossing films with female protagonists dropped to 29% (down from 42% in 2024), with women aged 60 and older accounting for just 2% of major female characters . : Representation is even lower for women of
: Representation is even lower for women of color; in 2024, only one major film featured a woman of color age 45+ in a leading role . Prevailing Tropes and Narratives
The representation and status of mature women in entertainment are currently defined by a "silver ceiling"—a persistent barrier of ageism and gender inequality that limits roles and visibility for women as they age . While recent years have seen a "ripple of change" with high-profile awards for actresses in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, comprehensive data from 2025 and 2026 indicates that significant disparities remain . Current Representation and Workforce Statistics