Source: Africa Publicity
A recent report from USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative has found that the number of women and people of color directing top-grossing movies has plateaued in 2024. The study analyzed the demographics of directors behind last year’s top-grossing films, revealing a lack of progress in representation.
Key Findings:
1. Women Directors: Only 13.4% of directors were women, a marginal increase from 12.1% in 2023.
2. People of Color: 24.1% of directors were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, comparable to 2023’s 22.4%.
3. Women of Color: A mere 5.3% of directors were women of color.
4. Studio Representation: None of the major studios have released at least 10 films by women of color in the last 18 years.
Experts Weigh In:
Dr. Stacy L. Smith, director of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, noted, “The film industry has demonstrated that it can increase the percentage of women directors and hold that progress… Yet, there is much more room to improve.”
Smith also highlighted the disparity in opportunities for women of color, stating, “Talent and qualifications are not the primary basis for hiring decisions.”
Quality of Films:
The study found that films directed by women of color received the highest median and average critics’ scores across the 18-year period evaluated.
The report’s findings underscore the need for increased representation and opportunities for women and people of color in the film industry.
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