Kidman, at 57, is arguably the most prolific producer-star working today. Through her company, Blossom Films, she has actively sought out narratives that explore female desire, ambition, and grief past the age of 40. From Big Little Lies (exploring domestic violence and friendship) to Being the Ricardos (exploring creative genius at middle age) and Babygirl (directly confronting female sexuality in later life), Kidman has weaponized her star power to greenlight stories that would have been unthinkable for a "woman her age" two decades ago.

When Viola Davis (58) won her Oscar, EGOT, and starred in The Woman King performing action sequences that exhausted women half her age, she delivered the definitive monologue on the subject: "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity."

The representation of mature women in entertainment and cinema has undergone significant changes over the years. Historically, women over the age of 40 were often relegated to secondary or stereotypical roles, or simply disappeared from the screen. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards more nuanced and complex portrayals of mature women in film and television.

Mature women in entertainment and cinema have paved the way for future generations of talented women. Their contributions to film, music, and comedy have left a lasting impact on the industry, and their legacies continue to inspire and influence new artists.