In 2025, the representation of women in the director’s chair experienced a significant decline, reaching a seven-year low according to the annual study from USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. This alarming trend sheds light on the ongoing challenges that women face in breaking through the predominantly male-dominated film industry. Analyzing the top 100 grossing films of the year reveals that only 9 women directed these movies, comprising a mere 8.1 percent of all directors.
This statistic marks a noticeable drop from 2024, when women directors represented 13.4 percent of the directorial pool. The present figures are particularly concerning, as they reflect the lowest level of female directors since 2018, which recorded only 4.5 percent. This decline raises important questions about the sustainability of the progress that had been made in terms of gender equity within the film industry.
Dr. Stacey L. Smith, the founder and author of the annual study, addressed the troubling data by suggesting that the shifts in representation are not merely a reflection of political climate or recent policy changes. “The 2025 data reveals that progress for women directors has been fleeting. While it is tempting to think that these changes are a result of who is in the Oval Office, in reality these results are driven by executive decision-making that took place long before any DEI prohibitions took effect,” she explained. Her comments point to a deeper issue within Hollywood: decision-making that occurs well in advance, often before significant political or social changes come to fruition.
As part of a broader examination of diversity, the study also highlighted racial representation among directors. In 2025, 24.3 percent of directors for the top-grossing films belonged to underrepresented racial groups, showcasing a modest increase in racial diversity. Interestingly, women of color accounted for 5.4 percent of the directors, while white women composed only 2.7 percent. This year marks a notable moment in the report’s history, as it is the first time women of color have outnumbered white women as directors of top-grossing films, indicating a potential shift in the landscape of film direction.
When discussing studio practices, Disney emerged as a leader in the hiring of women directors in 2025, filling a relatively high number of their directorial roles with women. In contrast, major studios like Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., and Lionsgate failed to include a single woman director across their evaluated films, highlighting stark disparities in industry practices and employment that continue to persist.
It’s important to note that the Annenberg study does not encompass streaming-only releases, such as those available on Netflix or other platforms. Reports indicate that representation in these venues tends to be considerably higher than in theatrical releases. For instance, during its 2024 slate, women accounted for 20.5 percent of the directors of Netflix movies, demonstrating that alternative distribution methods may provide more opportunities for female filmmakers.