NEl 2024, for the first time in the history of US cinema, Women reached gender equality in the roles as protagonists on the big screen. This significant milestone was highlighted by two new studies that analyzed the most recessed films of the year and from which it emerged that, thanks to the success of films such as Wicked And The Substance, The cinematographic panorama has seen an unprecedented balance between male and female roles.
Protagonists actresses: there is equality
A historical goal, therefore, for the cinema, highlighted by the annual relationship It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World which took into consideration the 100 most profitable films of 2024. Of these, 42% had female protagonists, the same percentage of the films with male protagonistswhile 16% were led by Mixed Ensemble. The curators of the research confirmed that from the results, 2024 offered one of the richest selections of films with female protagonists of the last few times.
Result thanks to constant work
In parallel, a study in progress of the Usca Annenberg Inclusion Initiative It found that 54% of all the films of last year had protagonists and co -star women, Compared to 30% of the previous year. A data, according to the curators of the analysis, made possible by a series of different efforts To affirm the need for equality on the screen, such as the work of groups of Advocacy and initiatives, Diversity, equity, inclusionor.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Great protagonists of the great success “Wicked: Part One” together with the Royal Festival Hall (Getty Images)
The most successful films with protagonists
Among the main successes of 2024the films with female protagonists have included titles such as Wicked, Inside Out 2, The Substance, Moana 2, Mean Girls And It ends with us. These films have not only achieved excellent box office results, but have also strengthened the idea that stories with female protagonists can attract a large audience. Among the films released in 2025 with female protagonistswho hope to achieve success at the box office there are the spin-off of John Wick, Dancer with Ana de Armas, the horror sequel M3gan 2.0the comic sequel Freakier FridayMaggie Gyllenhaal’s horror reinvention The bride! and the long -awaited musical Wicked: for good.
The challenges that persist for equality in cinema
Despite the significant increase in main female roles, a critical aspect that emerged from studies It was the sub -representation of women over 45 years compared to men. In fact, of the 100 most profitable films of the year, in fact, only eight had as the first actress a middle -aged woman, compared to 21 for male guidance. The consequence of this lack of representation, He does not only have a cultural meaning, the authors write, but turns into a lack of work for the actresses who They do not see the parts offer because they are no longer very young. The second study highlighted, also a drop for the protagonists of color. Only 25% of the 2024 films compared to 37% of the previous year. From the analysis it emerged, however, that “the public wants to see stories about women and color people” and therefore the film studies and the directors should not choose not to do it.
Behind the scenes
The relationship It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World He also revealed that the female representation behind the scenes remains low. In 2024, 70% of the most profitable films had Ten or more men in key positions outside the screen, Compared to a restoration 8% for women. An imbalance that highlights the need for further efforts to guarantee equality even for those who work behind the screen.
Future perspectives
This change in the cinematographic panoramarepresents an important step towards gender equality and shows that the public is more than ready to embrace different and inclusive stories. However, There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure a fair and diversified representation both on the screen and behind the scenes. For this reason, a constant commitment is needed to ensure that all women, regardless of their ethnicity and age, they are represented fairly. The success of this year is certainly, The result of greater awareness and commitmentbut to consolidate and improve again it requires continuity.
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