Think about Hollywood. Picture a few of its most famous faces: Robert De Niro. Brad Pitt. George Clooney. Hugh Jackman. Al Pacino. Daniel Day Lewis. Jennifer Lawrence. Margot Robbie. Emma Watson. Anna Kendrick. Kristen Stewart.
Then, consider the qualities we value in those famous faces: Handsome features. Distinguished beards. Silver-fox hair. Maturity. Experience. Beauty. Fine features. Curves. Youth. Vibrancy. Sex appeal. Kindness.
Now let us say what everyone’s thinking: In Hollywood, women are expected to be young and beautiful. Men are allowed to get old and distinguished. And they’re paid accordingly.
New research empirically proves this fact. A study out of the US reveals that on average, actresses are paid less as they get older, while famous male actors continue to get exorbitant pay checks well into their old age.
Researchers examined the top 265 earning actors and actresses in Hollywood from 1968 to 2008. And the results are not great for the ladies: Female movie stars earn the most in their 20s, when they’re talented and nubile. But by their 34th birthday, their earning capacity drops rapidly and drastically. Whereas, male movie stars make the most money when they’re 51, and show no signs whatsoever of earning less as they age.
Before you can say, “What about Meryl Streep?” listen to this chat from the women who did the study. It’s damning evidence that it really is harder to be an older woman in Hollywood.
The most extraordinary (depressing) statement is this: “Men’s well-worn faces are thought to convey maturity, character and experience. A woman’s face, on the other hand, is valued for appearing young.”
I admit that we are making progress… Meryl, Emma Thompson, Dame Judi Dench, Julia Roberts,and even Amy Adams are well over that 34 year old mark and they’re hugely successful – especially this year. But how often do we say things like, “She’s beautiful… for her age” or “She looks so good… for 68”?
With women, we measure their beauty against their age. With men, we just measure talent.
Top Comments
American Horror Story should be commended for it's use of older female actors, especially season 3. Angela Basset, Kathy Bates and, of course, Jessica Lange (who has been with the show since S1) were simply amazing. It was also nice to see a show full of strong female characters for once, rather than slutty Sex in the City type women who aren't complete unless they are having sex with someone and whinging about it.
I think women are also to blame for being allowed to being objectified. If you look at the kind of roles young actresses are happy to take on, mainly about sex appeal, a role that isn't a deep, interesting character, well of course that helps skew the industry in that way. If more big named actresses cared about these sorts things, i believe it would put pressure on writers ti write better scripts for women! Also, women being harsh on other women's looks count too. If a movie were to put a woman of the same age to george clooney as his love interest, I can only imagine the harsh things other women would say. They would actually complain they could have picked someone younger and more beautiful! Lastly, I'm not so convinced men necessarily have it better with looks. George Clooney is an exception. Most men are not George Clooney or Brad Pitt nor will they ever earn as much. With men in real life, I am not attracted to old wrinkled men and I'm sure many other 24 yo would agree with me.
Wrinkled old men? I have to say that not many wrinkled old men are attracted to silly young 24 yo girls either.
Yes they are.