Hollywood's Gender Equity Setback: The 2025 ReFrame Report Reveals Concerning Declines

Hollywood's path to gender equity has hit a significant bump, according to the 2025 ReFrame Report. This annual assessment, which meticulously tracks gender-balanced hiring across film and television, reveals a concerning decline in productions achieving the coveted ReFrame Stamp. The findings underscore the persistent challenges women face in securing leadership roles in an industry often lauded for its progressive ideals.

The ReFrame Stamp is a powerful indicator, awarded to projects where women fill at least 50% of eight critical behind-the-scenes roles, including writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographer, and casting director.

While intended to celebrate progress, this year's report paints a more sobering picture. Among the top 200 narrative films of 2024, there was a stark 12.5% decrease in films earning the Stamp. Television fared only slightly better, with a 10% decline in stamped series among the 200 most popular shows.

While the overall trend points downwards, the report does highlight some beacons of hope.

Critically acclaimed shows like ABC's Emmy-winning comedy “Abbott Elementary” and the upcoming Max series “The Pitt” (from “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong) successfully achieved the ReFrame Stamp. Similarly, Lena Dunham’s Netflix limited series “Too Much” also demonstrated a commitment to gender parity, earning its Stamp.

These projects serve as vital examples that achieving equity is not only possible but also leads to compelling, successful content.

However, these individual successes do little to offset the broader regression. The report serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing that the industry cannot afford to be complacent.

Despite years of advocacy and initiatives, systemic barriers continue to impede women's advancement. The data suggests that without sustained, intentional effort, the strides made in recent years could easily erode.

ReFrame, an initiative born from the collaboration between Women In Film (WIF) and the Sundance Institute, continues its mission to promote gender balance across all facets of the screen industries.

The organization's dedication to data-driven analysis like this report is crucial for accountability and driving necessary change. The 2025 findings should serve as a renewed impetus for studios, networks, and production companies to re-evaluate their hiring practices and recommit to fostering truly inclusive environments where women's talent and leadership are not just acknowledged, but actively sought and empowered.