The Celluloid Ceiling: Employment of Behind-the-Scenes Women on Top Grossing U.S. Films in 2025
In 2025, 75% of the top 250 grossing films employed 10 or more men in pivotal behind-the-scenes roles, but only 7% employed 10 or more women. Last year, women accounted for 23% of directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers working on the top 250 grossing films, even with 2024. Women comprised 21% of individuals in these roles on the top 100 grossing films, up 1 percentage point from 2024. By role, women made up 28% of producers, 23% of executive producers, 20% of editors, 20% of writers, 13% of directors, and 7% of cinematographers working on the top 250 films. Women accounted for 26% of producers, 21% of executive producers, 20% of editors, 20% of writers, 10% of directors, and 7% of cinematographers working on the top 100 films. The study also tracked the numbers of women working as composers in 2025. Women accounted for 7% of composers working on the top 250 films and 8% on the top 100 films.