: In 2025, the percentage of top-grossing films with female protagonists fell to 29% , down from 42% in 2024.
While there have been historic wins for mature women in entertainment, such as the sweep of key categories by women over 40 at the 2021 Emmys, recent data reveals persistent systemic barriers. Women in mid-to-late career continue to face a "double standard" where their representation drops significantly after age 40 compared to their male counterparts. On-Screen Representation & Demographics
: Women 60 and over comprise only 2% to 3% of all major female characters.
: Diversity among mature female characters is limited; most are white, middle-class, and heterosexual. Representation for mature women of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with disabilities remains nearly absent. Narrative Stereotypes & Portrayal
