Women Directed Fewer Box Office Hits in 2025
A USC study reports a significant decline in female-directed Hollywood films in 2025, with women directing only 8.1% of top box office hits, down from 13.4% in 2024, despite comparable critical acclaim.
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Female Directors
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2025 Golden Globes: Key Nominations, Snubs, and Viewing Guide
The 2025 Golden Globes nominations revealed significant trends, including a record-setting 10 nominations for Netflix's Spanish-language musical 'Emilia Pérez,' highlighting its resurgence after being overlooked by other awards. Notably, two women were nominated for Best Director, marking a shift in the traditionally male-dominated category. The nominations also provided a boost to underperforming films like 'The Substance' and 'A Complete Unknown,' while notable snubs included 'Gladiator II' and 'Sing Sing.' The changes reflect the evolving nature of the Golden Globes organization post-HFPA.
Alec Baldwin Criticizes American Global Awareness at Turin Festival
At the Turin Film Festival, Alec Baldwin criticized the American media for being profit-driven, leading to a lack of public knowledge on global issues like climate change and Ukraine. He emphasized the role of the film industry in filling this information void and discussed the importance of alternative energy and female directors in cinema. Baldwin avoided discussing the 'Rust' shooting incident, focusing instead on broader societal challenges and his admiration for past and present actors.
Nicole Kidman Critiques Scorsese's Male-Dominated Films
In a Vanity Fair interview, Nicole Kidman subtly criticized Martin Scorsese for his lack of female-led films, expressing her desire to work with him if he makes a film featuring women. While Scorsese has directed some female-centric films, most of his work has focused on male leads. Kidman also mentioned her interest in collaborating with directors like Kathryn Bigelow and Paul Thomas Anderson.
"Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' Secures Cannes Premiere Amid Distribution Challenges"
Thierry Fremaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, addressed the lack of distribution for Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis," a $120 million epic starring Adam Driver, selected for competition at Cannes but without a French distribution deal. The potential sale to a streamer without theatrical plans for France could clash with Cannes' rule requiring French theatrical distribution for competition films. Fremaux also discussed the decrease in female directors in competition, the increasing presence of genre movies, and the representation of female directors at the festival.
"Barbie's Oscar Snubs and Ryan Gosling's Outspoken Response: Key Points from the 2024 Nominations"
The Oscar nominations for 2024 sparked discussions due to Barbie's absence in major categories, with Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie missing out on best director and best actress nods, respectively. Other talking points included controversies over Jewish representation in films, record-breaking LGBT nominations, and the lack of recognition for certain films and actors. The nominations also highlighted the slow progress for female directors and the potential for a Native American actress to make history.
2024 Oscar Nominations: Snubs, Surprises, and Contenders
The Oscar nominations brought surprises and snubs, with Greta Gerwig missing out on a directing nomination despite the success of "Barbie," while female filmmakers had a strong showing overall. Young male actors struggled to break through, and there were no last-minute surprise nominations like Andrea Riseborough's bid last year. Additionally, romance was in the air with three best-picture nominees directed by women.
"Oscar Voting Reveals Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' Directing Chances and 'Saltburn' Surging"
Oscar nominations voting has closed, with potential surprises including strong showings for female-directed films like "Barbie" and "Poor Things," and uncertainty around Greta Gerwig's chances for best director. Other contenders to watch include "Saltburn," "The Color Purple," "Origin," and "Maestro," while "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" is also in the mix for potential nominations.
Sofia Coppola's Challenging Journey in Hollywood
Acclaimed director Sofia Coppola reflects on her career and the challenges she faces as a female filmmaker. Despite her influence on young women and her established body of work, Coppola still struggles to get movies made and faces skepticism when trying to budget female-fronted projects. She recently released an art book, "Sofia Coppola Archive," and her latest film, "Priscilla," about Priscilla Presley's relationship with Elvis, faced budget cuts and a tight shooting schedule. Coppola remains hopeful for younger women starting out in the industry but acknowledges that it is still a struggle for female directors.
Margot Robbie's Massive $50 Million Salary for 'Barbie' Role
Margot Robbie is set to earn $50 million in salary and box-office bonuses combined for her role as the lead actress and producer of the film "Barbie." The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, has become the highest-grossing film from a female director in Hollywood history, earning $1.18 billion globally. Robbie and co-star Ryan Gosling each earned a reported $12.5 million salary. "Barbie" has also helped bring back moviegoers since the pandemic, with a significant number of viewers returning to theaters for the first time in a while.
"Barbie and Oppenheimer: Record-Breaking Box Office Success"
Greta Gerwig's film "Barbie" has broken the box office record for the highest opening weekend for a film directed by a woman, surpassing "Captain Marvel" and "Wonder Woman." With $162 million in ticket sales in North America and over $337 million globally, "Barbie" also became the third biggest July debut ever. The film, which had a 65% female audience, has been celebrated for its feminist and original storytelling. Gerwig's success with "Barbie" has led to predictions of another best director Oscar nomination, and many in Hollywood have praised the film's achievements and its potential impact on the industry.
'Anatomy of a Fall' Makes History as Third Woman to Win Cannes' Palme d'Or
French director Justine Triet won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for her courtroom drama "Anatomy of a Fall," becoming just the third female director to win the festival's highest prize. The film stars German actress Sandra Hüller, who also starred in Jonathan Glazer's "The Zone of Interest," which won the Grand Prix. The jury cited the intense audience reaction to Triet's film and its ability to create a conversation. The festival featured an unprecedented seven films in competition directed by women. Saturday was also a big night for Asian cinema, with several Japanese and French Vietnamese directors winning awards.
Cannes Film Festival 2023: Winners, Palme D'Or, Glamour, and Jury Insights.
Justine Triet's "Anatomy of a Fall" won the Palme d'Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, making her just the third female director to win the top prize. The film tells the story of a couple whose lives are dissected in the light of a trial after the husband is found dead. NEON-backed films have won the Palme for four years in a row. Other winners include Jonathan Glazer's "The Zone of Interest" and Aki Kaurismäki's "Fallen Leaves."
"Star-Studded Lineup Unveiled for 2023 Tribeca Film Festival"
The 22nd edition of the Tribeca Festival will showcase 109 feature, narrative, documentary, and animated films from 127 directors across 36 countries, with a record number of female helmers and heavy on films directed by actors. The festival will also screen Marvel's first original documentary, Stan Lee by David Gelb. This year, 41% of features and a record 68% of films in competition are directed by women. The lineup includes 93 world premieres, eight North American premieres, one U.S. premiere, and six New York premieres. Tribeca is expanding its Midnight offering this year and will present its second annual Human/Nature award for environmental storytelling.
"Cannes 2023: Glazer's Surprise, Scorsese's Entry, and Kingly Banquets"
Cannes Film Festival's director Thierry Fremaux discusses this year's lineup, which includes a record six movies directed by female helmers in competition and a number of star-studded period movies. He expresses his hope to convince Martin Scorsese to vie for a second Palme d'Or and reveals that two or three movies are expected to be added to the competition next week. The festival reflects the state of world cinema production and is politically charged, with almost every film talking about societal problems.