: A Geena Davis Institute study found that menopause is almost nonexistent in cinema; out of 225 films with a female lead over 40, only 6% even mentioned the topic, and usually as a joke.
: Mature women are frequently portrayed through a "narrative of decline," often depicted as passive, senile, or physically frail. They are four times more likely to be portrayed as senile than their male counterparts. new milf movies
: Female characters see a steep decline in visibility as they age. In recent television seasons, women made up 46% of characters in their 30s but only 15% in their 40s, while male characters often see their representation increase as they move into their 40s. : A Geena Davis Institute study found that
The portrayal and presence of mature women—those aged 40 and older—in entertainment and cinema are currently marked by a paradoxical shift. While award seasons in 2026 have celebrated increasingly complex roles for this demographic, industry-wide data reveals a regression in overall representation and financial backing. : Female characters see a steep decline in
The "glass ceiling" for mature women extends to production and direction, where financial support is often withheld: Beyond the Stereotypes: The Reality of Aging Women in Films