Glass Ceiling: Smashed or Cracked?

Glass Ceiling: Smashed or Cracked?

Kathryn Bigelow's winning the Best Picture and Best Directing Oscars last night indeed made for proud moments not just for women working in the film industry but for women everywhere. And although I loved the moment just as much as the next, I wondered whether Kathryn Bigelow had crashed through Hollywood's glass ceiling or had merely put a crack in it.

According to Melissa Silverstein on her Women and Hollywood blog, it would appear that women still have a long way to go before they will be crashing through Hollywood's glass ceiling. Take a look at some of the statistics posted on Silverstein's blog:

In 2008, women accounted for:

• 9% of all directors
• 12% of writers
• 16% of executive producers
• 23% of all producers
• 17% of all editors

Another important fact: 6 of the 50 highest grossing films in that year starred or were focused on women* (Think Chick Flick). Therefore, not only were women underrepresented on film crews, but they were also underrepresented in terms of the focus of the films that were the biggest box-office hits.

But these discouraging statistics have not stopped women from finding other means to get their films made. In a pre-Oscar interview with Sarah Seltzer, Silverstein commented on a trend she had noticed when predicting what the major Oscar moments for women would be,

There are several women nominated for documentary feature. One thing I've noticed, a trend in writing and directing in the documentary category, is these pairs: a man and women. . . . One way for women to get funding and to get noticed is to partner with a guy. Only one documentary is directed by a woman herself. Three others done in partnerships.

My concern with Kathryn Bigelow's victory last night is the perception that the battle of the sexes in Hollywood is over--women are in. Few people will question how hard Bigelow had to work in this male-dominated industry to get where she is today. I am also not very optimistic that other women's problems working in Hollywood will end with Bigelow's awards.

That perception, however, may still have some positive repercussions. Bigelow's win might push girls and young women to pursue their passion and become filmmakers, and more parents might now encourage their daughters to become directors. Although Bigelow and many other women have been pushing against the glass ceiling for decades, at least now there's a crack, and with a lot of hard work and drive, it will be easier for other women to push through.

*Melissa Silverstein's statistics come from the Center for Study of Women in TV and Film at San Diego State University.

Sources:
Women and Hollywood
A Feminist Guide to the 2010 Oscars

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A Hypothetical Society

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Oscar Favourites: Style v. Glitz

Oscar Favourites: Style v. Glitz

All eyes were on the Oscars last night, and although the ceremony was tedious, there were some noteworthy trends. I chose my favourites based on personal style rather than on the impossible beauty standards of Hollywood. I think a few wrinkles, muted colours and relatively inexpensive jewelry allow the actor's true character to show through, making them more human and endearing, but no less dazzling.

Penelope Cruz
The first Oscar winner of the night for best supporting actress wore a vintage dress that she saw years ago and fell in love with. The dress didn't fit perfectly, but I liked PC's attitude. I love this dress and I will wear it, damn it, whether it fits or not. And yes, the dress was spectacular.

Angelina Jolie
I didn't really notice the dress. My eyes were immediately drawn to her green earrings and matching ring. At first glance, I thought they were emeralds, but upon closer examination, I saw they were plastic?...Fantastic! The contrast with her black dress was stunning.

Marisa Tomei
Her gown was a shiny gray art deco number with lots of pleats, and it didn't look like it had been pressed properly. But I think that is what I liked the most about the gown. It wasn't perfect, and MT looked relaxed, comfortable and gorgeous.

Meryl Streep
I wasn't crazy about the colour of her dress, but the cut suited her. MS is living proof that you don't have to be skinny or young to be beautiful. A very important message for all women.

Kate Winslet
Of course, I couldn't forget best actress Kate Winslet, my husband's favourite. Why is she his favourite? "Because," he says, "it doesn't matter what she is wearing or that she doesn't have a perfect 'Hollywood' body, she feels good about herself and it shows." I think he's got something there. She was absolutely radiant. Her dress, I think, was blue and black, or was it gray and black? Doesn't matter, she looked great.

I also have to comment on the men. With the exception of Mickey Rourke, most of the men were wearing black tuxes and white shirts (Yawn, too much of the same thing is pretty dull!). I did notice that many were portly, but they still looked good. How many rubenesque women did you see at the Oscars?

Unfortunately, the double standard still exists...

Any male dazzlers? Daniel Craig looked yummy, but doesn't he always?

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