Inevitably, we all get older, but in a society where we are living longer than ever before there are still outdated societal expectations and norms that older and ageing people face. Unfortunately, this is even more so if you’re a woman; ageing for women is still a topic that is surrounded by the perception that older women lose their ability to live a busy, full, and successful life. It is still such a taboo subject for women, particularly women in the Hollywood and celebrity spotlight, but why? Why are women scrutinised for living long lives and having successful careers that span decades and last long after their perceived ‘sell-by date’?
Inevitably, we all get older, but in a society where we are living longer than ever before there are still outdated societal expectations and norms that older and ageing people face. Unfortunately, this is even more so if you’re a woman; ageing for women is still a topic that is surrounded by the perception that older women lose their ability to live a busy, full, and successful life. It is still such a taboo subject for women, particularly women in the Hollywood and celebrity spotlight, but why? Why are women scrutinised for living long lives and having successful careers that span decades and last long after their perceived ‘sell-by date’?
Like most women growing up, the glitz and glam of Hollywood gripped me. But as time goes by, slowly my rose-tinted view of Hollywood falls away. Ageism is rife in contemporary, Western societies, but no more so than in Hollywood. I can’t help but notice women are the main target of ageist ideals, and I’m not the only one. In fact, Oscar-nominated actress Maggie Gyllenhaal revealed how she was turned down for a role because, at 37, she was “too old” to be the love interest of a 55-year-old actor.
This mirrors the experience many actresses face – once they’ve reached a certain age, they are offered mother, grandmother, or even fairy godmother roles; more often than not they are supporting characters in a younger star’s film. They are overlooked as romantic interests and as the main protagonists because of the perception that their old age means they have diminished in value. Their male counterparts, however, can happily and carelessly age, and still be worth the same ‘value’ as in their career peak.
The Male Gaze settles on younger, youthful women creating a cloak of invisibility for middle-aged and older women. Hollywood’s top actresses have to abide by outdated beauty standards. Youth = beauty. And beauty sells. This is why, up until the age of 30, women hold 40% of leading roles. But then by the age of 40, they only get 20% of leading roles. There are, of course, financial implications too. Hollywood’s actresses reach their peak earning age at 34, whereas men don’t get there until 51. Keeping up with those stereotypes is costly.
Maggie’s experience is not an isolated incident. Naomi Watts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Viola Davis, Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, and Emma Thompson have all come forward and criticised the ageism and sexism they’ve experienced. Helena Bonham Carter admits the Hollywood industry is ‘getting better’, but she still observes women taking the brunt of ageist comments and attitudes.
Despite finding critical success later on in life and receiving her first Oscar nomination at age 61, Helen Mirren says “Ageism in Hollywood is fucking outrageous”. Even Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith, whose later success has defied prescribed age and gender roles, have still had to fight ageism and misogyny in Hollywood. Smith, gets fewer opportunities now than in her thirties and forties and has said “When you’re getting into the Granny era, you’re lucky to get anything”. I’m just glad she’s remained positive and defiantly aged with grace.
Traditionally, awards for film and television are male-dominated. In the past decade, men have received twice as many nominations as women and have won three times as often. Though the average age of Best Actress winners is 37, Academy Award wins and nominations are double for women aged 25–29 years old than for women aged 45–49 years old. However, 2023 may be the year ageist, societal norms are challenged. This year’s awards season acknowledged and celebrated the older woman. After years in the industry, five women over the age of 60 received their first awards. At 65 years old, Sheryl Lee Ralph received her first Golden Globe nomination and won a Screen Actors Guild Award. At 64 Angela Bassett received her first Golden Globe nomination and Oscars nomination for her performance in Wakanda Forever. Jennifer Coolidge, beloved by White Lotus fans, won her first primetime Emmy and Golden Globe at 61 years old. Michelle Yeoh, the lead in Everything Everywhere All At Once won her first Golden Globe and Oscar at 60. Jamie Lee Curtis won her first Academy Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA at 64. Hopefully, 2023 is a turning point for women in Hollywood and more diverse roles will become available and celebrated. Women needn’t be restricted to limiting, stereotypical roles.
For women over 50, this awards season demonstrates the capability ‘older’ women have. These actresses are inspirational and are waving the flag for female empowerment and challenging societal norms by showing the world women can still thrive later in their careers, and later in life. Their successes and recognition at an ‘older’ age, will, hopefully, empower women to go for a promotion, a new career opportunity, or go back to education. Seeking and experiencing success in personal development isn’t age dependent. Perhaps it could empower something simpler than that, such as taking a trip of a lifetime, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone or doing something they perceived themselves to be ‘too old’ to do.
This idea that once we reach a certain age our life stops is one that needs to be shattered because age really is just a number. In the words of Michelle Yeoh, “Ladies, don’t let anyone tell you you are ever past your prime”.
Disgraceful Magazine 