San Diego, CA, January 2, 2026
The annual ‘Celluloid Ceiling’ report by San Diego State University reveals that only 7% of the top 250 grossing films in 2025 employed 10 or more women in key behind-the-scenes roles. Female representation remains stagnant at 23% across directors, writers, producers, and other pivotal positions, indicating ongoing challenges for women in the film industry. Dr. Martha Lauzen, director of the study, highlights the need for more efforts to improve diversity and inclusion behind the camera.
San Diego, CA
Gender Disparities Persist in Film Industry, Reports SDSU
San Diego State University (SDSU) has released its annual “Celluloid Ceiling” report, revealing that in 2025, only 7% of the top 250 grossing films employed 10 or more women in key behind-the-scenes roles, such as directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers. This marks a significant gender disparity in the film industry, with 75% of the same films featuring 10 or more men in these positions.
Key Findings
- Overall Representation: Women comprised 23% of directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers working on the top 250 films in 2025, maintaining the same percentage as in 2024 and 2020.
- Top 100 Films: In the top 100 grossing films, women held 21% of these roles, a slight increase from 20% in 2024.
- Role-Specific Representation: Women made up 28% of producers, 23% of executive producers, 20% of editors, 20% of writers, 13% of directors, and 7% of cinematographers in the top 250 films.
Industry Implications
Dr. Martha Lauzen, founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at SDSU, expressed concern over the stagnation in gender representation behind the camera. She noted that the film industry has seen minimal change over the past quarter-century, with women’s representation remaining remarkably stable.
Historical Context
Since 1998, when women comprised 17% of individuals working in these key roles on the top 250 films, there has been a gradual increase to 23% in 2025. However, this progress has been slow, indicating persistent challenges for women in securing significant behind-the-scenes positions in the film industry.
Conclusion
The 2025 “Celluloid Ceiling” report highlights ongoing gender disparities in the film industry, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion behind the camera.
FAQ
- What is the “Celluloid Ceiling” report?
- The “Celluloid Ceiling” report is an annual study conducted by San Diego State University that examines the employment of women in key behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry.
- What were the key findings of the 2025 report?
- The 2025 report found that only 7% of the top 250 grossing films employed 10 or more women in key behind-the-scenes roles, with women comprising 23% of directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers working on these films.
- How does the 2025 report compare to previous years?
- The 2025 report shows no significant change from 2024 and 2020, indicating a stagnation in gender representation behind the camera over the past quarter-century.
- Who is Dr. Martha Lauzen?
- Dr. Martha Lauzen is the founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University. She has been conducting research on gender representation in the film industry for over two decades.
- What does the term “Celluloid Ceiling” refer to?
- The term “Celluloid Ceiling” refers to the metaphorical barrier that women face in securing significant behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry, despite their increasing presence in front-of-camera roles.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Report Title | Celluloid Ceiling 2025 |
| Conducted By | San Diego State University |
| Focus | Employment of women in key behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry |
| Key Finding | 7% of top 250 grossing films employed 10 or more women in key roles |
| Overall Female Representation | 23% in directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers |
| Comparison to Previous Years | No significant change from 2024 and 2020 |
| Dr. Martha Lauzen’s Role | Founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at SDSU |
| Historical Context | Since 1998, women’s representation in key roles has increased from 17% to 23% |
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