9 Women Who Have Changed the Movie Game
Lights, camera, action! We’ll now be holding an open casting call for all women who have shaped Hollywood for the better. From screenwriters and directors to actresses and outspoken mentors, there are tons of iconic trailblazers kicking ass and taking names in the film industry.
Though women in Hollywood are underrepresented and overexploited, there are some leading ladies out there who keep on shining despite their opposition. If we continue to support art that’s made by women and support women around us, hopefully one day, the world (and film industry) will change for the better.
Whether you’re an aspiring film producer or just have a flair for the dramatic, we believe these nine women will inspire you to get out there and excel in your field, too.
Photo: Getty Images1/10Audrey Hepburn
Hepburn’s acting chops, class, and serious sense of style have spawned generation after generation of people who can’t stop quoting Audrey (or buying her image on IKEA posters). In addition to starring in some of the most famous films of all time (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady to name a few), Audrey should be recognized for her work as a humanitarian. The woman was crazy busy and still found time to serve as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
Photo: Courtesy of Everett Collection2/10Sofia Coppola
Um, if you haven’t managed to live life without compulsively watching Lost in Translation,The Virgin Suicides, The Bling Ring, and Marie Antoinette (plus so, SO many more), than you’re missing out on the creative genius of Sofia Coppola. Yep, she gets a bad rep for having a famous father, but the ultra-talented director is known for her dreamlike film sequences and killer movie soundtracks. Her style is truly unique enough to leave a lasting mark on the movie game.
Photo: Courtesy of Everett Collection3/10Salma Hayek
Not only has Hayek captivated audiences with her acting, but she’s also directed and produced films as well — what’s that? She starred in and produced Frida, you say?. More impressively, Salma has given a voice to Mexican performers and frequently discusses the plights faced by women in the industry. In a recent interview when discussing how women are viewed by men in Hollywood, Hayek was quoted as saying, “We need to show them that we are an economical force. They have not discovered it because they are caught up in their macho stuff. The minute they see the money in this the business it will be instantaneously different.” Have truer words ever been spoken?!
Photo: Getty Images4/10Kathryn Bigelow
This woman made headlines in 2010 when she became the first female director to win an Oscar for her film, The Hurt Locker. You might also recognize her name from box office megahits such as Zero Dark Thirty, Point Break, or Near Dark. Please, hold your applause until the end of the article.
Photo: Courtesy of Everett Collection5/10Gabourey Sidibe
Let’s count our lucky stars that Gabourey Sidibe was cast as the lead in Precious back in 2009, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Otherwise, we might not now be familiar with the spunky, talented, and stunning actress. Sidibe has candidly spoken about pressure in the industry to look a certain way, and has always clapped back in the best way possible, “One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn't have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see.” Her outspokenness and dedication to her craft have earned her a spot on our list.
Photo: Courtesy of Everett Collection6/10Diablo Cody
With a way with words that would make your grandparents writhe in their orthopedic shoes, Diablo Cody is the screenwriter who rose to fame after her 2007 film, Juno. Known for her offbeat characters and tenacious leading ladies, Diablo Cody is someone who did something different for female characters: she made them seem real. Alright, so hopefully your best friend didn’t get pregnant in high school and you don’t know any boy-eating-she-devils (shout out to Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body). But these characters still prove that women on screen need to be looked at as more than romantic interests.
Photo: Courtesy of Everett Collection7/10Oprah Winfrey
We feel it’s safe to say that Oprah Winfrey has changed the entire freaking world, but for now, we’ll focus on her good work within the movie industry. She has produced countless films that have shone the spotlight on the black community, which is often overlooked by Hollywood. By telling stories that are often cast aside, but very much need to be told, Oprah has revolutionized Hollywood – and brought us gems like Selma and Precious.
Photo: Getty Images8/10Kate Winslet
Of course you know that Kate Winslet famously wouldn’t let Jack Dawson on her door in Titanic, but her career has been longstanding and varied. She’s owned the silver screen in Revolutionary Road, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Reader, and even the Divergent series. But what makes her stand out to us, despite her impressive acting resume, is her championing for body positivity in the industry. This year, while accepting a BAFTA award, Winslet had this to say, “What I always feel in these moments is that any young woman who has ever been put down by a teacher, by a friend, by even a parent, just don't listen to any of it, because that's what I did — I kept on going and I overcame my fears and got over my insecurities."
Photo: Courtesy of Everett Collection9/10Jennifer Lawrence
She’s more than a talented actress, she’s a worldwide phenomenon. J-Law is one of the biggest names in Hollywood right now (for good reason). Although she’s only 25 years old, the Kentucky native has captivated audiences since her 2010 performance in Winter’s Bone. She motivated women of all ages with her portrayal of Katniss Everdeen, has won Oscars, and even more importantly, has been able to be herself through it all. The reason why people are so obsessed with Jennifer Lawrence is because she speaks her mind, lets her humor shine through, and doesn’t try to act like another Hollywood carbon copy.
10/10
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