Research - Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film
: In 2025, zero top-grossing films featured a woman of color aged 45 or older in a leading or co-leading role. 2. Leading Figures and "Second Act" Successes milfthonghunters movies
: Mature women have recently dominated major categories, with Frances McDormand (64) winning Best Actress for Nomadland and Youn Yuh-jung (74) winning Best Supporting Actress for Minari . Research - Center for the Study of Women
: Jean Smart (70) and Hannah Waddingham (47) have anchored prestige television hits like Hacks and Ted Lasso , proving mature women can drive contemporary cultural conversations. 3. Challenges and Stereotypes : Jean Smart (70) and Hannah Waddingham (47)
Despite visibility gains, portrayals often remain limited by ageist tropes:
: In 2025, the percentage of top-grossing films with female protagonists fell to 29%, down from 42% in 2024.