Golden Women in Old and New Hollywood
The golden age of Hollywood gifted us with some of the most iconic and influential films in cinematic history—timeless classics that continue to captivate audiences today. Perhaps you recall Audrey Hepburn’s elegant presence in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, standing poised on the bustling streets of New York, draped in pearls and a little black dress. Or Julie Andrews twirling through the Austrian mountains in The Sound of Music, her voice as radiant as the landscape around her. And who could forget The Wizard of Oz, where Judy Garland’s Dorothy embarks on an unforgettable journey down the yellow brick road, her ruby slippers sparkling with every step?
These films not only shaped Hollywood but also showcased women at the heart of their stories—Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and so many more. Their grace, talent, and undeniable influence helped carve out a space for women in an industry that was, and still is, largely male-dominated.
Breaking Barriers
Hollywood has long been a man’s world, but these trailblazing women refused to be sidelined. Today, we celebrate actresses, writers, directors, and producers who are redefining the industry—but their journey was paved by the women who came before them.
Florence Lawrence became the first actress to be publicly credited by name over a century ago. Alice Guy made history in 1896 as the first female filmmaker. In 1928, Janet Gaynor became the first woman to win an Academy Award. These milestones were not just personal victories but monumental steps forward for women in film. Every actress who graces the screen today stands on the shoulders of these pioneers.
Challenging Gender Roles
“I’m looking at the world through rose-colored glasses.”
For decades, women in Hollywood have been forced to look at the world through rose-colored glasses, expected to accept the industry as it is rather than challenge its deeply ingrained sexism. But when we remove those glasses, the reality becomes clear: Hollywood has always been structured to favor men—both on and off the screen.
Female characters have historically been relegated to romantic interests, damsels in distress, or side characters whose primary function was to support the male lead. Statistics show that major female characters were more likely to be cast in personal, family-driven roles (45%) than their male counterparts (29%), reinforcing the expectation that women exist primarily in the realm of relationships and caregiving.
Even today, the film industry continues to operate within this sexist framework. Women are still paid less than their male co-stars. Leading roles for women diminish as they age, while men continue to thrive well into their 50s and 60s. Female directors and writers remain vastly outnumbered in an industry that often overlooks their talents in favor of male-led projects.
Recognizing this reality is the first step toward change. If we continue to view Hollywood through a lens of nostalgia without acknowledging the systemic barriers women have faced, we risk erasing the very struggles that made progress possible.
Most Influential Women in Hollywood:
Old Hollywood Pioneers: Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, and Dorothy Dandridge shaped Hollywood with their talent, charisma, and groundbreaking achievements.
New Hollywood Icons: Meryl Streep, Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel McAdams and many more continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a woman in film.
Looking Ahead:
Women have always been integral to Hollywood, both on and off the screen. While progress has been made, the fight for equality is far from over. The future of Hollywood depends on continuing to challenge outdated norms and ensuring that women’s voices, stories, and talents are given the recognition they deserve.
