The number of films featuring female leads plummeted from 42% in 2024 to 29% in 2025 . For women over 45, the numbers are even lower; in 2025, not a single top-grossing film featured a woman of color aged 45+ in a leading role.
While theatrical film has seen a "roll-back" in diversity, television—particularly streaming—offers a brighter outlook for mature women. Women Creators (2024-25) Impact on Inclusion 36% (Historic High) 75% higher chance of diverse hiring Broadcast 20% (Stagnant) Primarily male-led creative teams de bella milf
Research from the Geena Davis Institute (GDI) and the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film highlights a sharp decline in opportunities as women age compared to their male counterparts. The number of films featuring female leads plummeted
In 2025, women accounted for only 23% of key behind-the-scenes roles (directors, writers, editors) in the top 250 films—the same figure as in 2020. Women Creators (2024-25) Impact on Inclusion 36% (Historic