Behind the Spotlight: Illuminating Hollywood’s Inequality / By: Chiya Stonewall

Many actresses and women in the entertainment industry have been faced with inequality, whether that comes from pay, opportunities, or experiences. The Guardian's report on gender bias in the film industry paints a bleak picture, revealing that “the 2,000 films surveyed revealed that women accounted for only 13% of the editors, 10% of the writers and just 5% of the directors ” (Petersen, 2014) .  Women in these positions of power remain underrepresented and overlooked. This imbalance extends beyond pay disparities and speaks to deeper systemic issues that permeate the industry. The report highlights the inequality faced by actresses, such as Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, and Natalie Portman, in securing leading roles and equitable compensation. After interviewing Starlyn Aneglique, a local actress, she similarly expresses her concerns. “I love acting, it's my passion, but it's disheartening to see how the industry treats many amazing actresses.”   A study published on Gitnux.org   delves into the sexism in Hollywood and states that “the gender wage gap in Hollywood is 25%, with women earning US$1.1m less than men with similar experience”   (Lindner, 2023) .  This explains the need for systemic reforms to address discriminatory practices and promote gender equity in the entertainment business.  Jayla Stevenson, a senior drama student at Lindblom Math & Science Academy, shares, “For me personally, the gender pay gap isn't just a distant problem, it's a potential barrier to my success in the industry.” The Daily Beast   report “exposed” the gender pay gap in Hollywood,  indicating that the actress Jennifer Lawrence was paid significantly less than her male co-stars for a film. Not only Jennifer Lawrence but other actresses, such as Taraji P Henson, Keke Palmer and Olivia Colman have expressed being displeased with the industry. This discovery sparked widespread outrage and renewed discussions about pay disparity and gender discrimination in the industry, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in compensation practices. The industry leaders and influencers in Hollywood must continue to prioritize equity and opportunities to eliminate gender biases and to encourage future generations to pursue professional career opportunities in the film industry. Sources: Theguardian , Thedailybeast , Gitnux Contact Information: Jayla Stevenson; Student: Jstevenson@cps.edu                                   Starlyn Aneglique; Actress: @hayestalentagency