Hollywood’s Diversity Report: Equity & Inclusion in Film
Why Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Representation in Hollywood Matter
Hollywood’s headlines don’t tell the whole story—but we do.
The fight for Hollywood diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t over. While the industry loves to celebrate progress, the reality is far more complicated. Representation on screen is only part of the battle—what happens behind the scenes matters just as much.
From exclusive event coverage to deep dives into industry power plays, this is where the real conversations happen. We’re not just watching from the sidelines; we’re in the rooms where deals are made, narratives are shaped, and diversity is either championed—or erased.
We’re not just watching from the sidelines. We’re in the rooms where deals are made, narratives are shaped, and diversity is either championed—or erased.
You want the truth? Welcome to the front lines of Hollywood’s diversity report.
Before You Scroll: The Facts Hollywood Doesn’t Want You to Know
- The first Black Best Actress Oscar went to Hattie McDaniel in 1939—it took 62 years for the next.
- Only 4% of Hollywood’s top directors are women.
- In 2023, Latinos made up just 5% of lead roles, despite being 19.5% of the U.S. population.
featured articles
Hollywood isn’t just about the movies—it’s about the people, the politics, and the moments that shape the industry. The Diversity Report covers it all: from live events and award show coverage to the stories behind the headlines. Whether it’s an Oscars controversy, on-the-ground reporting, or the latest shifts in Hollywood’s power dynamics, you’ll find it here.
══⋆★⋆ Still Think Representation Isn’t an Issue? Keep Reading ⋆★⋆══
The Hard Truth
Hollywood’s Diversity Report
Hollywood boasts about progress, but the numbers expose the truth. Equity behind and in front of the camera is still out of reach—here’s the proof.
Who’s Behind the Camera?
- 77% of film directors in 2023 were white—only 4% were Latinx. (Axios)
- Only 16% of directors were women, showing no improvement from previous years. (Daily Bruin)
- Every Best Picture winner of the 20th century was directed by a white man. (The Rep Project)
Who’s On screen?
- 29.2% of lead roles in 2023 were played by people of color—an 8% increase from the previous year. (Daily Bruin)
- Latinos make up 19.5% of the U.S. population but hold only 5% of lead roles in Hollywood films. (El País)
- Indigenous actors remain nearly invisible in Hollywood, representing less than 1% of lead roles.
Award show bias
- Only 4% of Oscar winners for Best Director have been women. (The Rep Project)
- Only 7% of Best Picture nominees have featured Black, Indigenous, or POC-led stories.
- In Oscar history, only one Best Picture winner has featured an LGBTQ+ lead—“Moonlight” (2017).
the bigger picture
- LGBTQ+ characters made up only 2.1% of speaking roles in 2023. (Time)
- Women accounted for 38.6% of film leads in 2022, down from 44.1% in 2019. (UCLA Diversity Report)
For all the talk of progress, the numbers don’t lie—Hollywood still has a long way to go. The gatekeepers of the industry continue to favor white, male, and straight narratives while sidelining others.
Lights, Camera, Conversation—Let’s Keep It Going!
Looking for more deep dives into Hollywood’s untold stories? Explore the Hollywoodland News Archive for more investigations into the industry’s hidden histories, forgotten trailblazers, and the fight for representation.