The American film industry. One of the most powerful cultural movements and experiences to ever grace this nation. Originating in the late 1880s to early 1890s, film has profoundly influenced the America we know today including the economy, the social norms, and the way we view the world by acting as a powerful storyteller that mirrors, influences, and dictates societal values. Although it may act as a mirror to many, does the American film industry mirror the lives and beliefs of all its citizens? Does every little child get to go to the movies and look at the dazzling scene and have the privilege to say “That person looks like me!”?
“Say you’re a woman of color growing up in America and the only images of beauty displayed on TV are of white women with blonde hair. Are you then going to see your dark skin and hair texture as problematic because it’s not being celebrated in the way that these women are on screen?” Inquired the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Veronica McComb, Ph.D.
Without proper representation of all races, genders, or religions, it allows these groups to be marginalized in an industry that our nation takes extreme pride in. The stories told on screen shape perception on the world and influence our future generations.
As we slowly continue the long lasting climb out of the racial constructs that founded our country, Hollywood’s targeted demographic begins to shift with it. In Hollywood’s early days, actors of color were frequently relegated to small side characters, if lucky enough to get a role. It was common in the early stages of film for white actors to play black roles with a style of makeup known as “blackface.” This wasn’t because the white actors were better than any other actors, but it was a deliberate cultural and political tool used to maintain white supremacy by mocking and dehumanizing Black people. It wasn’t until the latter half of the twentieth century where change was beginning to be seen. As a result of the civil rights movement, directors were given a platform to address these injustices more directly. Authentic black cinema was introduced to the mainstream through black directors. Directors like Spike Lee, F. Gary Gray, and John Singleton all pioneered Hollywood’s long awaited introduction to black culture and norms in cinema. For example, Jordan Peele’s directorial debut film Get Out, explored racism in America in a uniquely unsettling way. The main storyline consists of a young black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family but takes a sinister turn that serves as a metaphor for the commodification and exploitation of black bodies. “Get Out revitalized the horror genre and prompted intense debates about subtle forms of racism and the concept of the ‘post-racial’ society.” Characterized Julia Stebleva from Filmustage.
But just because they are finally getting representation, it doesn’t mean that these marginalized groups are represented to the amount they should be.
According to UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity report in 2024, only 2 out of 10 theatrical film directors are people of color. This UCLA study examined 104 of the top theatrical releases in the English language from 2024 analyzing the demographics of actors, writers, directors, and even ticket buyers.
To put in perspective, according to Census.gov, 58%–59% of the U.S. population identifies as White (non-Hispanic), while the remaining 41%–42% comprises BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) groups but UCLA researchers discovered that in 2024, only 25.2 percent of lead actors were BIPOC. Sitting over 16 percentage points below proportionate representation in this sector.
This not only narrows the chunk of America that is viewed on screen, but sanctions the everlasting social inequality standards to continue to be in effect.
This isn’t present only in marginalized ethnicities. Women, the disabled, and LGBTQ+ groups have been consistently underrepresented throughout film history. It wasn’t until 2010 that a woman won an Oscar for best director. Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director for her film The Hurt Locker. It took over 50 years since the first Oscars for a woman to win the award for best director.
Researchers discovered that films that tended to have a more racially diverse cast tended to do better at the box office. Concluding that films with casts that were 41%-50% BIPOC were found to have the highest median global box office earnings.
The recent 16 Oscar Nominee Sinners, directed by established Ryan Coogler, offers a compelling story that isn’t just horror but about identity and survival. The film’s inclusion of a diverse cast—Black, Chinese American, Irish— enhanced the film’s exploration of racial trauma and created a more culturally relevant piece. Not only did a diverse cast benefit the ability for actors from different backgrounds to be represented, but produced a more compelling and intriguing film for everyone.
With directors like Ryan Coogler, who continue to push Hollywood’s standards, this allows for equal opportunities to present themselves for movie watchers and the people behind the camera. With each new film extending equal representation, Hollywood gets closer to truly portraying the diversity of America.
The film industry is changing – slowly. While the occasional breakthrough film may represent all backgrounds, we can’t truly say that Hollywood reflects the diversity of America until consistent inclusion in front and behind the camera is present. Until that becomes a norm rather than an exception, the film industry will only tell a part of this country’s complex story.
