There’s no denying that Sunday is a big night for women in Hollywood. One of the things that has been so exciting about this awards season is that finally paying attention to the fact that no woman has ever won the best director Oscar. It’s one of the issues around women and entertainment that most people can wrap their heads around.
I’ve also personally enjoyed watching Kathryn Bigelow on all the interviews and how her voice has grown in strength over the season. A couple of months ago she didn’t say much and seemed quite uncomfortable in the limelight, but in the last few weeks everything she has said has been so outstanding and confident. I also like the fact that because of the content of her film we don’t spend the whole time talking about gender and issues related to women and women’s opportunities (not that those conversations aren’t important too.)
I remember when I worked in women’s organizations and when an important news event happened or an event was scheduled, people would try and get together with some talking points so that people could be on somewhat the same page. While there is no concerted movement on this topic, I have been pondering some thoughts about what — a Bigelow win or loss – would mean for women and wanted to know what other people are thinking.
Here are the points I am focused on:
If She Wins:
- A glass ceiling that has been in place for 82 years has been shattered.
- Young women and girls around the world now have an image of seeing themselves as a potential best director winner and hopefully that will dare them to dream bigger than they might have.
- Shows boys and men that women are just as competent as the men.
- That you don’t have to direct a movie about so-called women’s issues as a female director.
- That women can direct kick-ass action films and get noticed for it.
- AND that this is just the beginning and that there are relatively few opportunities (7 percent) for female directors and that we cannot let this win symbolize anything other than the fact that we still have so much farther to go.
If She Loses:
- This is another lost opportunity to break down a glass ceiling that has been held in place for over 8 decades. Women go to the movies in equal numbers to men, yet our voices and visions are not seen as equal to men’s. This issue is not going to go away and it’s not just about awards, it’s about opportunities and we need more for women.
- While it would be a huge disappointment, the nomination and all the attention has raised much needed awareness about the lack of opportunities for female directors in a way that has never been highlighted before.
- We need look at this as part of a continued effort to achieve gender equity in all areas of the entertainment business both on the screen and behind the scenes.
In general, I think this is a great opportunity to encourage people to think about the movies that they see and suggest they ask themselves a series of questions before buying tickets. Who directed this film? Who wrote this film? What is this film about? Sometimes the fact that so few women’s names will come up won’t matter, but if you ask the question enough times it starts to sink in that things are just not right and maybe, just maybe, the next week that person will choose a woman directed film.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
The Academy released the 65 titles eligible for the best foreign film. Only SEVEN of the 65 are directed by women. Guess that things aren’t so much better outside the US for women directors.
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