The percentage of women in key production roles (directors, writers, producers) has remained stagnant or declined: Beyond the Stereotypes: The Reality of Aging Women in Films
While the majority of female characters are in their 20s and 30s (60%), the majority of male characters are in their 30s and 40s. The percentage of women in key production roles
In a study of the top 100 grossing films of 2025, not a single film featured a woman of color aged 45 or older in a leading role. In 2025 and 2026, the representation of mature
The number of films with female leads plummeted from a historic high of 55% in 2024 to just 37% in 2025—the lowest level since 2018. Older women are four times more likely than
In 2025 and 2026, the representation of mature women in entertainment and cinema has seen a following several years of incremental progress . Despite the immense economic power of the 50+ demographic—who spend over $10 billion annually on entertainment—major studios have significantly reduced the visibility and complexity of roles for women in midlife. On-Screen Representation (2025-2026)
characters over 50 are often relegated to "villain" roles rather than heroes. Older women are four times more likely than men to be portrayed as senile or physically unattractive. Behind the Scenes: The "Celluloid Ceiling"