Slow Progress: Hollywood's Top-Grossing Films Show Limited Inclusion, Study Finds

Despite nearly two decades of research and advocacy, Hollywood's film industry has failed to make lasting progress towards inclusion, according to a recent study from Dr. Stacy L. Smith and her team. The study's findings are a sobering reminder that the industry's pace of change has been slow, and it's time for a renewed push towards meaningful transformation.

Background & Context

The film industry has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusion. From the underrepresentation of women and minorities on screen to the limited opportunities for behind-the-scenes professionals from underrepresented groups, the industry's track record has been marred by a lack of progress. The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, led by Dr. Smith, has been tracking representation metrics for nearly 20 years, providing a critical lens through which to evaluate the industry's efforts.

The study's findings are based on an analysis of the 100 top-grossing films of 2025, which provide a snapshot of the industry's current state. The report's results are both striking and disheartening, highlighting the need for a more concerted effort towards inclusion and diversity.

Key Details

The study found that, despite comprising just over 50% of the U.S. population, women and girls made up only 33.6% of all speaking or named characters in 2025's top-grossing films. This figure has remained largely stagnant over the past 19 years, with a mere 1.2% increase since 2007. In terms of lead or co-lead roles, women and girls have seen some progress, with 38 films featuring a female lead or co-lead in 2025, up from 20 in 2007. However, this figure dipped from the 19-year high of 55 lead/co-lead roles in 2024.

Furthermore, the study found that LGBTQ+ representation on screen remained static from 2024, with only 36 speaking or named characters (less than 1%) in 2025. The percentage of characters with a disability also stayed relatively stagnant at 2.8% (121 characters). The lack of representation for transgender characters is particularly striking, with not a single transgender character appearing in the sample.

When it comes to representation behind the scenes, the study found that only 9 of the 111 directors who helmed 2025's top-grossing films were women. This represents a significant decrease from 2024, when 14 women directors were behind the lens. The lack of diversity among directors is a critical issue, as it perpetuates the industry's lack of representation and inclusion.

What Experts Say

Dr. Smith's statement accompanying the study's release highlights the industry's lack of urgency in addressing these issues. "Incremental improvement is important for achieving meaningful transformation, but after nearly two decades of research and advocacy from many groups, it is clear that the industry is content to wait for change to find them rather than pursuing solutions," she said.

The study's findings have significant implications for the film industry and its stakeholders. As the industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion, it's clear that a more concerted effort is needed to address these issues. The lack of diversity and inclusion is not only a moral imperative but also a business imperative, as audiences increasingly demand more diverse and inclusive storytelling.

Key Takeaways

• Women and girls made up only 33.6% of all speaking or named characters in 2025's top-grossing films, a figure that has remained largely stagnant over the past 19 years.
• LGBTQ+ representation on screen remained static from 2024, with only 36 speaking or named characters (less than 1%) in 2025.
• The percentage of characters with a disability stayed relatively stagnant at 2.8% (121 characters).
• Only 9 of the 111 directors who helmed 2025's top-grossing films were women, a significant decrease from 2024.

What This Means For You

The study's findings have significant implications for audiences and consumers of film. As the industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion, it's clear that a more diverse and inclusive film industry is essential for creating a more just and equitable society. For everyday viewers, this means that the films they watch and the stories they consume will continue to reflect the world around them, with all its complexities and nuances.

As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing audience demands, it's time for a renewed push towards inclusion and diversity. By prioritizing representation and inclusion, the film industry can create a more vibrant and dynamic film landscape that reflects the diversity of our society. As Dr. Smith so aptly put it, "The pace of change has been slow, but it's time for a more concerted effort towards meaningful transformation."