In 2023, The Lost Daughter showed Olivia Colman’s character grappling with raw, messy sexual memories. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande was a revelation: Emma Thompson, at 63, starred in a film almost entirely about a widow hiring a sex worker to learn how to orgasm. The film was tender, hilarious, and radical. It showed a sagging, real, beautiful older body on screen and surrounded it with dignity and pleasure.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the importance of representation and diversity. With more opportunities for mature women in entertainment and cinema, we can expect to see a wider range of stories and characters that reflect the complexity and diversity of women's experiences.

While visibility is increasing, stark disparities remain in how older women are portrayed compared to their male counterparts: