: There is a steep decline in roles for women after 40. While women in their 30s account for 41% of female characters, that number drops to just 16% for women in their 40s. For women over 60, representation falls to a staggering 2% of major characters.
: Streaming platforms were initially seen as a haven for older characters, but research shows they still favor youth. The majority of female characters on both broadcast and streaming are in their 20s and 30s (60%), while male characters are often in their 30s and 40s (60%). Critical Performance & Awards (2025–2026) Work / Recognition Demi Moore The Substance (2024/25) Won Best Actress at the 2025 Movies for Grownups Awards . Amy Madigan 98th Academy Awards (2026) : There is a steep decline in roles for women after 40
Highly acclaimed lead performance, nominated for Best Actress at the 2025 Oscars. 2025 Movies for Grownups Awards Received the Career Achievement Honor . Persistent Challenges : Streaming platforms were initially seen as a
The "invisible" barrier at 40 is being challenged by a cohort of established icons and a growing audience demand for realism. However, statistical reports from 2025/2026, such as the Celluloid Ceiling Report , indicate that behind-the-scenes representation—which directly affects how stories are written—has stagnated or even regressed in some areas. The 97th Academy Awards | 2025 - Oscars.org Amy Madigan 98th Academy Awards (2026) Highly acclaimed
: Research from the Geena Davis Institute highlights that older audiences (50+) are dissatisfied with current portrayals and want to see characters who "look like them" thriving.
: Only 1 in 4 films currently passes the "Ageless Test," which requires at least one female character over 50 who is essential to the plot and free from ageist stereotypes. Summary Review