Despite these statistics, several key moments and figures have defined 2025 and early 2026 as a period of cultural "comebacks."

: The film The Substance (2024) resonated deeply for its exploration of the industry's disposal of older women, featuring Demi Moore in a career-defining performance.

: Studies from the Geena Davis Institute and USC Annenberg show that while 2024 saw record highs for women in lead roles, this progress was heavily skewed toward younger actresses. Roles for women decline sharply after age 40, while men's careers often peak well into their 40s and 50s.

Research indicates a stark "cliff" for female roles as they age, a phenomenon not mirrored by their male counterparts.

: A December 2025 report revealed that out of 225 films featuring women 40+, only 6% mentioned menopause, and these instances were frequently treated as shallow humor. Champions of Change

: In 2025, women aged 60 and older accounted for only 2% of major female characters in top films, compared to 8% for men in the same age bracket.

: Figures like Pamela Anderson have gained widespread acclaim for appearing at major events makeup-free, reclaiming their image on their own terms.

: In the 2024–2025 season, the percentage of female creators on streaming programs hit a historic high of 36% , leading to more diverse and mature female narratives on screen. Perspectives from the Industry