Study: More Diverse Movie Leads in 2018 Than Ever
Share
NEW YORK — The top films in 2018 featured more female and people of color in lead roles than ever before, according to a new study from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.
“2018 offers hope that industry members have taken action to create content that better reflects the world in which we live, and the box office seems to have rewarded them for it.” — Stacy L. Smith, director of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
In a report released Tuesday, researchers found that women were the lead or co-lead in 40 of the 100 highest-grossing films of 2018. That’s an increase of eight movies from 2017 and 20 movies from 2007, when the annual study was begun.There were 28 films with leads or co-leads from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group in 2018. That, too, was a substantial increase from the year prior and the highest mark on record.
Those numbers still fall short of reflecting demographics. Women make up about 51 percent of the U.S. population. Underrepresented groups make up about 39 percent of the population.
The gains came in a year that saw record box-office returns, thanks in part to releases like “Black Panther,” the top-selling film in North American theaters, and the breakout romantic comedy, “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Stacy L. Smith, director of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, called the results “a step in the right direction.”
“2018 offers hope that industry members have taken action to create content that better reflects the world in which we live, and the box office seems to have rewarded them for it,” said Smith. “This data shows us that it is possible for change to be achieved — companies must not grow complacent but continue the progress they have made in 2019 and in the years to come.”
Some of the largest increases came in more narrow demographics. Eleven of the top 100 films starred a woman of color. In 2017, there were four. The same number of films, 11, featured female leads aged 45 years or older. In 2017, there were five.
Dollar Doubts Dominate Gathering of Global Economic Leaders
Economy /
2 days ago
Shedeur Sanders’ Long Wait Ends When Browns Take Him in the 5th Round of the NFL Draft
Sports /
2 days ago
Only About Half of Republicans Say Trump Has Focused on the Right Priorities
Politics /
2 days ago
Shedeur Sanders Is Still Waiting for a Call as the NFL Draft Enters the Final Day
Sports /
2 days ago
Paul Skenes Strikes Out 9, Wins Duel With Yamamoto in Pirates’ Victory Over Dodgers
Sports /
2 days ago
Eovaldi Outlasts Verlander as Rangers Beat Giants
Sports /
2 days ago
Will California Meet Newsom’s 2035 EV Deadline? It Won’t Even Hit the 2026 Target
It was with brash confidence that Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that by 2035, the only new cars and light trucks sold in California would be e...
Opinion /
22 hours ago
Categories
Latest
Videos

Opinion /
22 hours ago
Will California Meet Newsom’s 2035 EV Deadline? It Won’t Even Hit the 2026 Target

Science /
2 days ago
Is It Bad to Chew Gum All Day?

Economy /
2 days ago
Dollar Doubts Dominate Gathering of Global Economic Leaders

Sports /
2 days ago
Shedeur Sanders’ Long Wait Ends When Browns Take Him in the 5th Round of the NFL Draft

Politics /
2 days ago
Only About Half of Republicans Say Trump Has Focused on the Right Priorities

Video /
5 days ago
Wired Wednesday: What’s the Future of Fresno Unified and the Superintendent Position?

Opinion /
7 days ago
Zakaria Draws Parallels Between Trump’s Tariffs, Failed 1930s Economic Policies

Local /
1 week ago