: Critics from the New York Times note a trend where actresses are increasingly "embracing their age," playing three-dimensional, "non-Hollywood types" that lean into reality rather than artificial youthfulness.
: Meryl Streep once noted that parts offered after 50 were often limited to "gorgons or dragons," casting mature women as either frail, senile, or grotesque villains. A New Era of Authentic Representation : Critics from the New York Times note
: In 2021, mature women dominated major categories. Kate Winslet (46) won an Emmy for Mare of Easttown , Jean Smart (70) won for Hacks , and Frances McDormand (64) took home the Best Actress Oscar for Nomadland . " playing three-dimensional
: In 2022, only 14% of female characters in film were over 40, a drop from 20% in 2015. Jean Smart (70) won for Hacks