: As of 2026, female characters aged 40+ occupy only 29% of roles in streaming and broadcast television. In 2025, not a single top-100 film featured a woman of color aged 45 or older in a leading role.
Industry Report: Mature Women in Entertainment and Cinema (2025–2026)
: 2026 has seen a rise in "authentic" portrayals led by older female filmmakers, focusing on midlife with agency and ambition rather than just decline. 2. Behind-the-Scenes and Executive Roles