Hollywood Diversity Report 2024: Analyzing Film Diversity Trends

The 2024 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report highlights the steady yet stagnant change toward equality in the entertainment industry. This article, the first in a three-part series will examine the representation of people of color (POC). This includes Black, Native American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Arab American, and multiracial individuals, in addition to gender disparity trends in Hollywood films from 2023, focusing on the evolution of representation, the commercial ramifications, and lessons for people of color in the sector.

Representation in Leading Roles

Overall Trends

The report reveals gradual progress in the involvement of POC in Hollywood, especially in leading roles. POC representation slightly increased from 36% in 2023 and rose 2% to 38% in 2024. This rise is a positive trend. However, it still underscores a significant underrepresentation given that White people make up around 57% leaving POC making up around 43% of the U.S. population. Gender disparities also persist, with women occupying just 35% of leading roles across all demographics.

Breakdown by Demographics

1. Black Actors: In 2023 films such as Creed III and The Woman King had strong Black leads, and not just any actor or actress but household names such as Michael B. Jordan and Oscar winner Viola Davis. Through these successful films, Black representation in leading roles increased from 14% to 15%, yet it's important to note that the one percent increase calls for greater inclusion of Black actors in leading roles. 

2. Hispanic or Latino Actors: Hispanic or Latino representation in leading roles is at a mere 7%, despite big films in 2023 like Blue Beetle. Hispanic or Latino actors remain exceedingly underrepresented compared to their share of the U.S. population at 19%. The lack of sustained growth indicates systemic barriers to access to leading roles.

3. AAPI Actors: Similarly to Black representation, AAPI actors in leading roles only increased by one percent from the previous year. In 2022 AAPI representation was at 8%, escalating to 9% in 2023. 7x Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All at Once signifies the growing request for stories that are centered around AAPI characters. However, the representation of Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander actors remains disproportionately low within this category.

4. Native American Actors: Native American representation remains dismal, holding steady at less than 1%. However, big wins at the Oscars in Best Supporting Actor and Best Actress for Killers of the Flower Moon. The film provided a rare example of Native-led storytelling, but broader inclusion in mainstream cinema is still at a deficit and remains essential.

5. Multiracial Actors: Multiracial individuals accounted for 5% of leading roles, matching the figure from the previous year. This stability indicates an acceptance of various identities, but it also asks for a greater engagement with tales about intersecting experiences.

6. Arab American Actors: Arab American representation remains low, at less than 1% of leading roles in 2023. The invisibility of Arab American characters underscores an urgent need for diverse and authentic portrayals so Arab Americans can write their narratives.

Behind the Camera: Directors and Writers

Directors

Directorial diversity remains a key area of concern. In 2023, POC directed 28% of top-grossing films, a minor increase from 27% in 2022. However, women of color accounted for only 4% of directors, highlighting the lack of opportunities faced by women of color in leadership roles. The absence of equitable opportunities for women of color in directorial positions limits the range of perspectives brought to the film world.

• Black Directors: Black directors accounted for 9% of the total, with directors like Ryan Coogler (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) spearheading the charge. Coogler's contribution demonstrates the significance of institutional support for Black artists and designers. 

• Hispanic or Latino Directors: Hispanic or Latino directors were underrepresented, accounting for only 5%. Films like Flamin' Hot proved Hispanic filmmakers' ability to present powerful stories, but structural support remains lacking.

• AAPI Directors: AAPI directors accounted for 8%, driven by successes like the Daniels duo (Everything Everywhere All at Once). However, the representation does not reflect the diversity of AAPI ethnicities within America.

• Native American Directors: Representation remains almost nonexistent, with Native American directors accounting for less than 1%. Increased opportunities for Native filmmakers could bring underrepresented stories to the forefront.

• Arab American Directors: Similarly, Arab American directors remain virtually absent from the mainstream. Efforts to amplify their voices are critical to achieving comprehensive diversity.

Writers

The diversity between screenwriters in Hollywood was consistent with the other data only going up 2%, 30% of credited writers in 2023 up from the previous year. Gender disparities, on the other hand, are still a huge problem. Just 6% of the few POC writers were women. With things improving for credited writers in 2023, there is still work to do to reach gender parity. 

Gender Diversity Trends

Gender parity is a key issue in Hollywood. In 2023, women held 43% of leadership posts, up from 41% in 2022. However, POC women and men were roughly experiencing only a 1% difference in parity between the genders when compared to their White counterparts.

• Black Women: Black women occupied 7% of leadership positions, compared to 8% for Black males. Which means there is not much difference between Black male and female representation.

• Hispanic or Latina Women: Hispanic or Latina women accounted for 3% of prominent roles, while Hispanic or Latino males held 4%. This highlights the progress toward closing the gender gap and moving closer to balanced representation in leadership.

• AAPI Women: AAPI women represented a mere 4% of leading roles, compared to 5% for AAPI men. Films like Joy Ride highlighted the potential for AAPI women-led enterprises.

• Native American Women: Native American women went almost undetected from leading roles (ditto that for Native American men). Addressing this problem requires responsibility initiatives to amplify Native voices and stories.

• Arab American Women: Arab American women (along with their male counterparts) were equally underrepresented. Efforts to incorporate complex Arab American characters are critical for furthering diversity.

The Business Case for Diversity

Diverse representation is not only right but from a business perspective, an advantage. The report underscores films with diverse casts and crews continuously outperform non-diverse films. For example:

• Films with casts that are at least 30% POC increased their box office revenue and overall profits by 21%compared to those with less diverse casts, spotlighting the economic advantage of inclusive films.

• Female-led films, especially films featuring women of color, garnered a stronger and more consistent box office. The increased demand for stories that reflect the realities of a diverse audience showcases a persuasive case for industry leaders to prioritize diversity.

Lessons for POC in the Industry

1. Advocacy for Inclusive Storytelling

POC Directors and artists must continue to create stories that correctly represent their communities by providing opportunities for POC to control their narratives via collaborative initiatives, such as partnerships with advocacy organizations, that can amplify these efforts. 

2. Mentorship and Pipeline Development

To address the absence of POC in lead roles and higher executive positions, the entertainment industry must invest in mentorship and training programs to empower POC. By doing so, emerging talent can help build a long-lasting bridge for future generations. Initiatives such as shadowing programs and workshops can provide crucial hands-on experience with POC.

3. Leveraging Data for Accountability

Transparency and accountability are the most vital steps. POC professionals can use data from reports like the 2024 UCLA Hollywood Diversity report to advocate for equitable resource allocation and therefore can be used for hiring practices. Regular audits and public reporting can drive systemic change and ensure ongoing progress.

4. Embracing Intersectionality

Recognizing these correlational factors is crucial in understanding multifaceted identities and is essential to achieving equality. Understanding intersectionality requires an open mind and helps to understand not just women and POC but also LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. 

Conclusion

While the 2024 Hollywood Diversity Report demonstrates a few developments, it also shows Hollywood's areas for improvement. The route forward necessitates solidarity and building internal ecosystems to provide access to creatives of color to build long-lasting careers within the entertainment industry.