: A recent report from The 19th highlighted how nominees are increasingly women over 40 playing characters with "agency, ambition, and complexity". The Persistence of "The Celluloid Ceiling"
The early days of cinema were surprisingly inclusive for women. Pioneers like Alice Guy-Blaché and Lois Weber were among the industry's first narrative directors, often addressing complex social and moral issues.
: Even when present, mature women are often relegated to supporting roles, frequently cast as "grumpy, frumpy, or senile". Geena Davis Institute 2. Current Trends and the "Heyday" Narrative