) have directly addressed themes of aging, desirability, and power dynamics, pushing back against the notion that relevance has an "expiration date". Persistent Challenges Despite progress, statistical gaps remain significant:
: While white actresses have seen a notable increase in opportunities, women of color over 50 still face steeper uphill battles for leading roles.
: While progress is being made, there is a push for greater diversity among mature roles, which currently often favor white, middle-class, and able-bodied characters. Women Over 50: The Right to be Seen on Screen