(74) winning Best Supporting Actress for Minari . Jean Smart (70) winning Best Actress in a Comedy for Hacks .
Historically, women’s careers in Hollywood have peaked around age 30, while men’s careers often peak 15 to 20 years later. Women over 50 make up only about 25.3% of characters in their age bracket, compared to a much higher percentage for men.
Despite progress, significant hurdles remain for mature women in entertainment:
Mature women (typically defined as those aged 50 and older) in the entertainment industry are currently navigating a significant shift from historical "invisibility" to a new era of visibility and influence. While they still face systemic challenges, their presence as both creators and lead characters is increasingly reshaping societal perceptions of aging.