2025 ReFrame Report: Gender Disparity in Hollywood's Top Films and the Push for Inclusive Hiring Practices
The 2025 ReFrame Report, an annual study by the Sundance Institute and Women in Film, revealed a decline in the hiring of women for key roles in Hollywood's top films. Out of the top 100 films analyzed, 26 received the ReFrame Stamp for gender-balanced hiring practices, a decrease from previous years. The number of female directors in the IMDb Top 100 also dropped significantly in 2025, with only 11 films directed by women, the lowest since 2019. Additionally, the number of central roles played by female actors decreased, with only seven going to women of color.
Despite the overall decline, the number of female producers in the top 100 films of 2025 increased, showing a positive trend in gender-balanced hiring practices. However, the report highlighted a concerning trend of divestment in women-led projects, limiting opportunities for women and gender-diverse individuals in the industry. The ReFrame founders emphasized the importance of intentional hiring choices guided by the ReFrame Stamp criteria to promote equity in the industry.
The ReFrame Stamp serves as a benchmark for inclusive hiring practices, aiming to increase representation of women, nonbinary, and trans individuals in key roles both on and off-screen. The founders expressed alarm at the current state of gender balance in the industry, noting that falling below the baseline criteria is a step backward rather than progress. The report called for a collective effort to build a more equitable industry through intentional hiring practices.
Despite the challenges highlighted in the report, several films received the ReFrame Stamp for their gender-balanced hiring practices. Notable recipients included Academy Award-winning films like Chloe Zhao's "Hamnet" and Maggie Kang's "KPop Demon Hunters." These films, along with others like Pixar's "Elio" and Marvel Studios' "Thunderbolts*," exemplify the potential for inclusive hiring practices in the industry. By recognizing and supporting films that prioritize gender balance, the industry can work towards a more equitable and diverse future.