A new study from the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative examining Hollywood’s highest-grossing films reveals that the industry has made minimal strides in representation over nearly two decades. The research, led by Dr. Stacy L. Smith, analyzed inclusion metrics across the top 100 films of 2025, comparing current figures to data collected since 2007. While some categories showed modest gains, the overall findings suggest that meaningful change remains elusive in mainstream cinema.
The report uncovered significant disparities in on-screen representation. Women and girls comprised only 33.6% of speaking or named characters in 2025, barely improving from 29.9% in 2007 despite representing over half the U.S. population. Behind the camera, female directors helmed just 9 of 111 films, marking a sharp decline from 2024’s record of 16 women directors. Women composers showed the most progress, increasing from zero in 2007 to 8.5% in 2025, while women writers and producers remained largely stagnant at 16% and 24.4% respectively.
LGBTQ+ and disability representation continued to lag significantly. Only 36 characters identified as LGBTQ+, and notably, no transgender characters appeared in any of the top-grossing films. Characters with disabilities represented just 2.8% of the sample. Dr. Smith stated that while “pockets of progress” exist for women on screen, the industry’s slow pace suggests Hollywood remains reluctant to actively pursue systemic change.
Originally reported by Variety →
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