Representation of Women in Top-Grossing Films Hits Record High, While Opportunities for People of Color Decline

Representation in Top-Grossing Films of 2024

In a landmark achievement, 54 of the top 100 grossing films in 2024 featured a female or girl in a lead or co-lead role, marking a record high for gender equality in the entertainment industry. This milestone surpassed proportional representation with the U.S. population (50.4%).

However, progress for people of color lagged behind. Of the top 100 films, only 25 featured a lead or co-lead from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group, a decline from 2023. This disparity falls significantly below the U.S. Census figure of 41.6%.

Gender Representation

The increase in gender representation was driven by several factors, including advocacy groups, studio initiatives, and a growing demand for diverse stories. Of note, three of the top five films in 2024 featured a female lead, including Disney's "Inside Out 2."

While representation for women overall improved, women of color remained relatively stagnant. Thirteen films had an underrepresented female lead or co-lead, a similar number to 2023 and substantially higher than 2007.

Intersectionality

The study also examined the intersectionality of gender and age. Eight of the top-grossing films featured a female lead or co-lead aged 45 or older, a higher number than in previous years. However, this figure pales in comparison to the 21 films featuring a male lead or co-lead over 45.

Distributor Analysis

Several studios met or exceeded proportional gender representation. Universal Pictures had the highest percentage (66.7%), followed by Warner Bros. Pictures (55.6%) and Lionsgate (54.5%). In terms of race/ethnicity, no distributor reached proportional representation. Paramount Pictures featured the most underrepresented leads or co-leads (33.3%), followed by Lionsgate (27.3%) and Universal (26.7%).

Conclusion

While progress has been made towards gender equality in Hollywood, more work needs to be done for women of color and older female actors. The lack of representation has both cultural and economic consequences for women in the entertainment industry.