On television, veterans like Kathy Bates (receiving the "Best Actress TV" award for Matlock ) and Jean Smart (continuing her streak in Hacks ) are proving that "mature" audiences and stories are driving the most significant ratings.
After 40 years in the industry, Amy Madigan secured her first Oscar win in March 2026 for her role in Weapons . Her speech resonated with many as she reflected on a "40-year journey" to reach that podium.
This year, Demi Moore transformed the industry's conversation around aging with her performance in The Substance , a film that explores the brutal disposal of older women in entertainment. Her win at the 2026 Actor Awards served as a defiant response to decades of being dismissed.
While on-screen visibility is rising, the "Celluloid Ceiling" remains a challenge. Reports from 2025 and 2026 show a period of stagnation and even regression in behind-the-scenes roles, with only on the top 100 list—down from a peak of 20 in 2023.