Modern cinema and TV are increasingly defined by mature actresses who reject "matronly" stereotypes in favor of complex, "unfiltered" roles. Viola Davis

Hollywood is a business, and older audiences have money. The success of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (featuring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Penelope Wilton) proved that a film about seniors could be a global blockbuster. More recently, The Lost City (starring Sandra Bullock, 57 at release) and Everything Everywhere All at Once (Michelle Yeoh, 60) shattered the myth that audiences won't see older women in action roles or absurdist comedies.

became the first female producer to win the Oscar for Best Picture for (1974), and Lina Wertmüller became the first female nominee for Best Director. Contemporary Landscape