As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let's take a moment to honor the trailblazing women who have left an indelible legacy on the television industry, both on and off the screen.
Behind the Scenes: Women Powering Productions
Behind every successful television production, there's a team of dedicated individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes. Despite the statistics showing that only 22% of film creation crew members in US were women in 2023, there are countless examples of remarkable shows and films created by women, challenging the notion that gender determines talent and creativity.
Women like Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind hit series like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal," have paved the way for a new generation of female storytellers to thrive in the industry. "Grey's Anatomy," was called a television "phenomenon" by critics and is the longest-running scripted primetime show currently airing on ABC.
Additionally, as of 2023, Rhimes is one of the richest women entertainers in America, with a net worth of $250 million. Her groundbreaking approach to storytelling and commitment to diversity have reshaped the television landscape and inspired countless aspiring writers and producers to follow in her footsteps.
Front and Center: Women Making Waves On Screen
According to statistics, approximately one-third of all protagonists in recent years have been women, representing a significant leap from the mere 16% back in 2002.
Additionally, the percentage of actresses employed for speaking roles has climbed even higher, reaching 37% as of 2021. Take Viola Davis's Emmy-winning portrayal of Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder" or Zendaya's groundbreaking role in "Euphoria."
Speaking of Zendaya, whose portrayal of Rue Bennett in HBO's "Euphoria" has earned widespread acclaim and cemented her status as a rising star in the television industry. In 2020, she made history by becoming the youngest winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Similarly Viola Davis became the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2014 - also winning two Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, with many other countless awards for her role in "How to Get Away with Murder" (another Shonda Rhimes production).
The latter is a great example of ladies supporting ladies in the industry. When women occupy decision-making roles behind the scenes, they wield significant influence over what unfolds on screen. In films helmed by at least one woman director, women comprised a noteworthy 56% of protagonists. In contrast, in films led solely by men, females accounted for a mere 23% of protagonists.
Rising Stars: The Next Generation of Female Talent
It's essential to recognize the rising stars who are poised to become the next generation of female talent in television. Names like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, lead actress in Netflix's "Never Have I Ever," and Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in multiple films and TV series, including "Wednesday" and "Scream," are just a few examples of the dfynamic talent emerging in the industry. Despite their young age, both have already made a significant impact on audiences and critics alike, earning accolades and recognition for their outstanding performances.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's breakthrough role as Devi Vishwakumar in Netflix's "Never Have I Ever" serves as a testament to the power of opportunity and talent. At the age of 17, with no prior acting experience, Ramakrishnan was selected for the lead role, defying conventional casting norms and winning the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television ‘s Radius Award for her outstanding performance.
Jenna Ortega, at just 21 years old, is already an accomplished actress with a rich acting background that began back in 2012. Despite her young age, Ortega has garnered acclaim for her performances, earning multiple awards in various TV titles. Notably, Jenna won the Best Actress in a Horror Series award at the Critic's Choice Super Awards and was honored with the Favorite Female TV Star (Family) award at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards for her betrayal of Wednesday Adams. Ortega's versatility and talent make her a standout figure in the entertainment industry, poised for even greater success in the years to come.
Changing The Narrative: The Barbie Movie Revolution
Directed by Greta Gerwig and produced by Margot Robbie, the Barbie movie stands as a landmark in cinematic history, not only for its artistic merit but also for its significant impact on gender equality in Hollywood. As the highest-grossing film created by a female director, it challenges traditional norms and reshapes the narrative of women's roles in the entertainment industry.
Behind the scenes, women took charge in key roles such as set design and costumes, contributing to the film's unique vision and creativity. Moreover, the Barbie movie is notable for its commitment to fairness, with stars Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie receiving equal pay—a rare occurrence in an industry plagued by a persistent gender pay gap.
In Hollywood, women have long faced disparities in pay, with an average wage gap of 44% between male and female actors. This inequality is evident in real-life examples, such as Jennifer Lawrence earning significantly less than her male co-stars in "Don't Look Up" and Jessica Chastain receiving a fraction of her male counterpart's salary for "The Martian."
Despite these challenges, the Barbie movie sets a new standard for pay equity, demonstrating the importance of valuing women's contributions in entertainment. As audiences around the world flock to theaters to experience the magic of the Barbie movie, they are not just witnessing a film—they are witnessing a revolution.
Conclusion: Women Rock The Entertainment Industry
In celebrating the remarkable contributions of women to the entertainment industry, we acknowledge both the progress made and the challenges that persist. From ground-breaking achievements to emerging talents, women continue to shape the television landscape with creativity and resilience.
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024 and beyond, we at allrites are proud to contribute to the celebration of female voices in the entertainment industry. In honor of this occasion, we have curated a hand-picked collection of TV and film titles that showcase strong female leads and diverse narratives from around the globe. These stories not only entertain but also inspire and empower audiences worldwide. Together, let's continue to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion in the world of entertainment. All of these and beyond are available for acquisition, today.