For the first time in Hollywood history, women led as many top-grossing films as men last year. According to the "It’s a Man’s World" study, women headlined 42% of films, matching the male-led figures. The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reported 54% of films were led or co-led by women, with hits like Wicked, Inside Out 2, and Moana 2 contributing to this shift.

This change came from advocacy efforts, DEI programs, and studio initiatives pushing for on-screen equality. Dr. Stacy L. Smith, leading one of the studies, noted that female-led films have always been profitable, and the shift was due to industry pressure, not economics.

However, other inequalities persist. Representation of people of color in lead roles declined, with only one in four top films having a lead of color last year. Older women remain underrepresented in leading roles, and women still hold fewer key production roles. The study leaders emphasize that studios don’t need to choose between gender and racial diversity, as audiences want both. Inequalities in Hollywood remain a work in progress.

Photo: Danish Film Institute via Wikicommons