Research - Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film
In 2025, not a single top-grossing film featured a woman of color aged 45 or older in a leading or co-leading role. 2. Portrayal Trends & Tropes
Industry studies from early 2026 highlight a widening gap between younger and older female characters:
Women aged 60 and older represent just 2% of major female characters, while men in the same age bracket account for 8% of major male roles.
Modern cinema increasingly critiques the "cultural demonization" of aging, yet stereotypes remain prevalent:
