: Most female characters on screen are still in their 20s and 30s, whereas male characters frequently remain in major roles through their 40s.

: 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

: 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 in Television & Film

Recent studies highlight a paradoxical landscape where record-breaking visibility for some exists alongside deep-seated disparities:

: Women aged 60 and older accounted for just 2% of major female characters in 2025's biggest films, compared to 8% for men in the same age bracket.

: Figures like Demi Moore ( The Substance ), Nicole Kidman ( Babygirl ), and Isabella Rossellini ( Conclave ) are leading major projects that challenge traditional perceptions of aging.