Despite progress, only 12% of US feature films released in 2025 were written by women over 40. Advocacy groups like The Writers Lab are fighting to fix this "pipeline problem," arguing that complex roles for older actresses require writers who understand those experiences.

When women like Chloé Zhao (who directed Frances McDormand in Nomadland ) take the helm, the age range of female characters tends to expand significantly.

Recent 2026 reports from Women in Film suggest the percentage of female lead roles and directors has seen a slight dip compared to 2025, emphasizing the need for consistent industry-wide commitment rather than temporary "diversity initiatives".