We talk all the time about the lack of diversity in Hollywood. The evidence is everywhere: this year’s Oscars, the male-dominated list of highest-grossing actors, the glaring pay gap between actors and actresses (in the same movies!)…
As if we needed more to support the need for change, Refinery29 hit us with a sobering video that shows just how bad the problem is. They took to the streets of New York City to ask strangers if they could name even just one female director. You probably know where this is going to go.
Sadly, none of this is probably going to change anytime soon. Of the 200 new movies coming out in the next two years from major studios like Fox and Paramount, not a single one will be directed by a woman, Refinery29 points out. And according to Cosmopolitan, out of the top 100 leading actors in Hollywood, 20 of those men have never worked on a single film with a female director in their entire career. That includes Matt Damon, Orlando Bloom, Ben Stiller, and Chris Hemsworth. Just… wow.
The ACLU is currently investigating discrimination against female directors in Hollywood. There’s no firm deadline on the case, but regardless of how long the investigation takes, it’s safe to say we need change now.