: A report from the Geena Davis Institute found that in 2019's highest-grossing films, only one-quarter of movies passed the "Ageless Test"—having at least one female character over 50 with a significant, non-stereotypical plot role.

: Emma Thompson plays a late-night talk-show host, using comedy to satirize ageism and gender double standards in the workplace.

: Many analysts argue that television is outperforming Hollywood in creating nuanced roles for mature women, as the medium caters more heavily to scripted dramas where female audiences are the primary viewers. Notable Performances & Films

: Despite increased visibility, a study on ageism found that representations are often limited to white, middle-class, and heterosexual characters, frequently leaning on tropes like the "Golden Ager" or the "Shrew".

: Frances McDormand (at age 64) won the Oscar for Best Actress , signaling a growing critical appreciation for "humanizing" portrayals of aging.

: Glenn Close's performance is cited as a masterclass in controlled rage and subtlety , portraying a woman who has spent decades in the shadow of her husband.

: Critics and industry veterans like Patricia Arquette and Patricia Clarkson have noted a recent shift where women in their late 40s to 60s are receiving some of the best roles of their careers . Films like The Wife (Glenn Close) and Book Club (Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton) demonstrate the box office pulling power of this demographic.