Kids Rarely See Larger Bodies on Screen—and When They Do, They’re Often the Punchline, New Study Finds
Geena Davis Institute research reveals larger-bodied characters remain underrepresented on screen and are more likely to be portrayed through harmful […]
How TV Shapes Teens’ Understanding of Menstruation
Menstruation is a routine part of life, yet it remains largely absent from television. A new Geena Davis Institute study examines how menstruation in teen television shapes understanding, influences stigma, and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations between teens and parents.
Seeking a Development & Operations Coordinator
The Geena Davis Institute is looking for a part-time virtual development and operations coordinator. Info below: Development & Operations Coordinator […]
Netflix’s The Boroughs Puts Older Adults at the Center of the Story
Inside the seemingly calm streets of a luxury retirement community, something strange is happening. That’s the premise behind The Boroughs, […]
How Geena Davis Uses Data to Push Hollywood Toward Better Representation
When Geena Davis sat down with Kelly Clarkson recently, the conversation moved easily between pop culture moments and deeper questions […]
Why Geena Davis Still Pushes Hollywood Toward Better Representation
A few weeks after surprising audiences during Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella set, Geena Davis was still laughing about the experience. “The […]
Inclusive Marketing Faces New Pressure in the Age of AI
A new report from the Unstereotype Alliance examines how inclusive marketing and AI bias are reshaping the advertising industry at […]
Beyond the Hot Flash: How TV is Rewriting the Menopause Narrative
In a recent episode of the series Your Friends & Neighbors, a character named Mel Cooper, played by Amanda Peet, […]
Beyond the Breadwinner: How Media Erasure Strains the State of the World’s Fathers
A decade after publishing its inaugural global assessment of caregiving, Equimundo has officially released the State of the World’s Fathers […]
Beyond the Hot Flash: How Hollywood Misrepresents Menopause
Think of the last time you saw a character experiencing menopause in a mainstream movie. Chances are, the moment was […]
Cannes Film Festival’s 2026 Poster Honors Thelma & Louise
Thirty-five years after Thelma & Louise first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, the iconic road movie is returning to […]
Naomi Watts Wants Women to Talk About Menopause Without Shame
At a time when celebrity culture still rewards women for appearing untouched by age, Naomi Watts is choosing a different […]
Geena Davis Revives Thelma & Louise Spirit During Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella Set
The image landed instantly for anyone who recognized it: a vintage car under glowing desert lights, a drive-in movie theater […]
Girls Succeed in STEM. Representation Still Lags
Girls continue to excel in science and math classrooms. But somewhere between early interest and long-term careers, many are still […]
Variety Spotlights New GDI Study on Menopause Representation in Film and Aging Women On Screen
Variety features our new study on how Hollywood continues to overlook the real experiences of women over 40 — particularly […]
The Wrap Spotlights Constance Zimmer’s Rallying Cry — and New GDI Research on Midlife & Menopause
The Wrap highlighted a standout moment from this year’s Power Women Summit: Constance Zimmer’s rallying call for authentic stories about […]
Missing in Action: New Study Reveals the State of Menopause Representation in Film
Menopause shapes the lives of millions of women, yet menopause representation in film remains almost nonexistent. Today, the Geena Davis […]
GDI Spotlight: Inside Paper Bag Plan: Authentic Casting at the Center
Paper Bag Plan resonates because it comes from real families—disability, caregiving, love, and the everyday work of supporting independence. The […]
Jordan Peele Champions “No Drama” Filmmakers and New Paths in Storytelling
Inclusive storytelling in film is gaining momentum as Jordan Peele highlights the rise of “No Drama” filmmakers—creators who challenge traditional […]
Bentonville Film Festival Announces 2026 Dates
The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), founded by Academy Award–winner Geena Davis and in partnership with founding sponsor Walmart and presenting […]
Geena Davis Institute President & CEO Madeline Di Nonno Honored With Advertising Week “Future Is Female” Lilly Ledbetter Lifetime Achievement Award
Celebrating a career Dedicated to Turning Data into Action and Ensuring that “If They Can See It, They Can Be […]
Geena Davis Institute Honored with PR Daily Non-Profit Communications Award
GEENA DAVIS INSTITUTE HONORED WITH PR DAILY NONPROFIT COMMUNICATIONS AWARD FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY REBRANDNew branding amplifies GDI’s mission of advancing […]
Geena Davis Institute Highlights Digital Media Leader Cheldin Barlatt Rumer
The Geena Davis Institute has spotlighted Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, CEO and Executive Producer of THIS IS IT NETWORK™, in its […]
Geena Davis Hosts Ask Geena Anything Live on October 14
Mark your calendars: on October 14, 2025, Academy Award–winning actor and Institute founder Geena Davis will host Ask Geena Anything […]
Geena Davis Institute Launches 2025 State of Representation in Children’s TV Report
Geena Davis Institute Releases 2025 State of Representation in Children’s TV Report New York City, September 9, 2025 – The […]
Geena Davis Featured on the Main Stage at the 2025 Library of Congress National Book Festival
On September 6, 2025, Academy Award–winning actor and founder of the Geena Davis Institute, Geena Davis, took the Main Stage […]
Geena Davis and Jay Ruderman Call for Authentic Disability Representation in Hollywood
Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis and Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, co-authored a guest column in The […]
A New Standard for Disability Storytelling on Screen
In its newest Spotlight, the Geena Davis Institute examines disability representation in Out of My Mind and why it signals […]
Geena Davis and the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival Lineup Are Here
The 2025 Bentonville Film Festival lineup is officially live, as announced in Deadline. Co-founded by Academy Award winner and Institute […]
Transforming Media Narratives in Cybersecurity & Tech
The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media hosted a powerful virtual event titled Transforming Media Narratives in Cybersecurity and […]
API Representation in Film – Report Launch Event on May 29th in Los Angeles
The State of API Representation in Film – A New Report by the Geena Davis Institute Join the Geena Davis […]
Geena Davis Launches Empowering New Picture Book The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page
We are thrilled to announce the release of Geena Davis’s debut picture book, The Girl Who Was Too Big for […]
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life – Advance Private Screening in Los Angeles on May 5th
Join the Institute and Sony Pictures Classics for an advance private screening of Jane Austen Wrecked My Life on May 5th […]
Join Us at the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival!
June 16–22, 2025Bentonville, Arkansas The countdown is on! The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) — entering its 11th groundbreaking year — […]
UNICEF and UN Women Commissioned Report on Gender Representation in Chinese Advertising
A new study, supported by UNICEF China and UN Women China, reveals how gender is portrayed in advertising across the […]
Leveling Up: The Role of Age in Video Games
How Video Games Represent Age—and Where They Fall Short Video games have evolved in countless ways, but one aspect remains […]
Women in STEM Representation in Hollywood: SPECTRUM NEWS 1“If she can see it, she can be it”: How Hollywood shapes women in STEM
A 2018 study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, updated last year, revealed that media exposes 81% […]
Join Nokia Bell Labs and the Geena Davis Institute for a dynamic summit where Hollywood meets Tech to bridge the gender gap!
Join us at this complimentary event on February 13th at the historic Ebell of Los Angeles. This event will bring […]
20 Years of Impact: How the Geena Davis Institute is Changing Media Representation
For 20 years, the Geena Davis Institute has been at the forefront of transforming media representation. From film to television, […]
People Magazine: Geena Davis To Write and Illustrate Debut Book ‘The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page.”
The Oscar-winning actress and producer, shared exclusively with PEOPLE that she will publish her debut children’s book, “The Girl Who […]
The Geena Davis Institute: 20 Years of Impact
For 20 years, the Geena Davis Institute has been at the forefront of transforming media representation. From film to television, […]
Charting Progress in Film Diversity: Power Women Summit Panel
Representation in Family Films – 2024 Study by Geena Davis Institute
Introduction Representation in family films plays a crucial role in shaping how audiences, especially children, perceive the world. The Geena […]
The Wrap: LGBTQ+, Fat and Disabled Characters Combined Only Make Up 10% of Film Roles, Study Finds
Power Women Summit: The Geena Davis Institute’s new film study additionally finds that roles given to people over age 50 […]
Power Women’s Summit
Join the Geena Davis Institute on December 3, 2024, for an experience of empowerment, connection and inspiration at The Maybourne […]
Hollywood and Tech Join Forces to Bridge the Gender Gap
On February 13, 2025, the Geena Davis Institute will host an inspiring event to bring together Hollywood and the tech […]
Bentonville Film Festival Announces 2025 Dates
The Bentonville Film Festival (BFFoundation), in collaboration with Walmart and Coca-Cola, has announced its 2025 festival dates for June 16-22 […]
Geena Davis on Paving the Way for America’s First Female President
Hollywood Reporter The actress and series creator Rod Lurie talk about their groundbreaking ABC show ‘Commander in Chief’ and its […]
Bentonville Film Festival Sets Dates for 2025 Event and Launches New Creator Summit
Hollywood Reporter The Bentonville Film Festival has set the dates for its 2025 event and announced its inaugural BFF Creator Convergence: Amplifying […]
New Research: Geena Davis Institute Launches 2024 “See Jane” Report on On-Screen Representation in Children’s Television
Discover the latest research on diversity and inclusion in children’s television. The See Jane 2024 Report reveals key gaps in gender, race, and disability representation, offering actionable steps to create more inclusive media.
Press Release: Geena Davis Institute’s “On Screen Representation in Children’s Television Study” Reveals Female Leads Reach Record High
LOS ANGELES – September 25, 2024 – Geena Davis Institute (GDI), the leading global research-driven advocacy organization, today released, “See […]
Deadline: Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard & Bill Pullman Among 6 Cast In Duffer Brothers’ ‘The Boroughs’
Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, and Bill Pullman join Netflix’s exciting new series The Boroughs. Explore how this star-studded cast brings supernatural drama to life. Discover more details and exclusive insights today!
Geena Davis Institute Continues Partnership with Craig Newmark Philanthropies.
We’re excited to announce the Geena Davis Institute’s renewed partnership with Craig Newmark Philanthropies, advancing Cyber Civil Defense and Women in Tech initiatives. Together, we’re empowering women, reshaping cultural narratives, and fostering a more secure world.
Save the Date for Launch of 2024 See Jane Report in New York
Join us in New York City on September 24, 2024 to gain insights from the 2024 See Jane Report, which analyzes […]
Geena Davis Institute CEO and President Madeline was a featured guest on Hello Sunshine’s podcast “The Bright Side!”
Do you remember the first time you saw yourself truly represented on the screen? Madeline Di Nonno joined The Bright Side hosts […]
GDI Toolkit: Advancing Women’s Representation in Unscripted TV Production
Unveil key strategies to boost women’s representation in unscripted TV production. This toolkit equips content creators with actionable steps to […]
Empowering Women in Reality TV: Insights from Industry Leaders
The Geena Davis Institute’s “Shifting the Lens” event showcased female leaders shaping reality TV, driving diverse storytelling, and pushing for gender parity.
Deadline: Men Continue To Outnumber Women In Reality TV Production, According To New Study
A new study confirms what many women in TV production already suspect: males continue to outnumber females when it comes […]
Variety: Men Still Outnumber Women in Reality TV Production Roles, Study Finds
Gender imbalance persists among producers of unscripted TV programs in the U.S. and abroad, a study has found. The report, […]
The Hollywood Reporter: Reality TV Has a Major Parity Issue
A new study by Banijay Entertainment, Everywoman Studios and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media reveals how imbalanced the industry […]
Banijay Entertainment, Everywoman Studios, and The Geena Davis Institute Expose Gender Disparity in Reality TV in Groundbreaking Study
Banijay Entertainment, Everywoman Studios, and The Geena Davis Institute unveil a pioneering study on women’s representation in unscripted television across the US, UK, Brazil, and France.
New Research: Behind the Scenes: Women’s Representation in Unscripted Television in the US, UK, Brazil, and France
Delve into revealing insights on women’s representation behind the scenes in unscripted television across the US, UK, Brazil, and France. […]
Geena Davis Institute Hosts “Ask Geena Anything” Event, Offering Unfiltered Insights from Hollywood Icon
Join Geena Davis as she shares candid insights on gender equality in Hollywood at the “Ask Geena Anything” event. Watch a video clip and access exclusive content by becoming a member today!
GDI Toolkit: Representation in Advertising
Unlock actionable insights to drive diversity in advertising. This toolkit provides strategies to elevate gender, race, and identity portrayals in […]
New Research: The Power of Portrayal: Representation in Cannes Lions Film and Film Craft Shortlisted and Winning Work, 2006 to 2023
Unlock powerful insights into representation in Cannes Lions Film. This research highlights trends in gender, race, and identity portrayals from […]
GDI Toolkit: Are the Kids Alright?
Discover how TV can shape youth mental health perceptions. The Geena Davis Institute’s “Are the Kids Alright?” toolkit reveals insights […]
New Research: Are the Kids All Right? Portrayals of Mental Health in TV Watched by Children and Teens
Explore the portrayal of mental health representation on TV watched by youth. Discover how accurate portrayals can help children and […]
Geena Davis Institute Hosts 3rd Annual Night of Poetry Honoring Lucille Clifton
The Geena Davis Institute’s 3rd Annual Night of Poetry honored Lucille Clifton’s legacy with powerful readings and reflections. Discover event highlights and explore how storytelling drives cultural change. Learn more and join today!
SPOTLIGHT: “The Spider Within”: New short film shows teens how to escape web of anxiety
“The Spider Within” explores teenage anxiety through Miles Morales, reflecting the Geena Davis Institute’s mission to promote authentic portrayals and […]
GDI Publishes New Toolkit: Rewriting Motherhood.
Toolkit for TV industry promotes diverse, realistic motherhood portrayals: urges flexible work for mom writers, expanded childcare, and casting beyond […]
Vanity Fair: Meghan Markle Is Teaming Up With Geena Davis to Change Our Perceptions of Moms on TV
On Thursday, the Duchess of Sussex and the nonprofit Moms First are announcing the results of a study on television […]
GDI Publishes New Toolkit on Representation of Women in STEM
Explore our toolkit for insights on diversifying and enriching women’s portrayal in STEM on-screen, inspired by our “Portray Her 2.0” […]
The New York Times: How Sexist Is Hollywood? Check Out Geena Davis’s Spreadsheet
When it comes to quantifying bias in popular entertainment, the Academy Award winner’s in a league of her own. By Chris […]
NPR: A New Test Looks At The Way Muslim Women are Portrayed Onscreen
There are not a lot of Muslim women in American television shows or movies. For many people in the U.S., […]
Variety: It’s Time for Muslim Girls and Women to Have Their Moment in TV and Film
By Armani It’s time for the entertainment industry to evolve beyond Princess Jasmine. For the longest time, Disney’s “Aladdin” icon […]
Together Women Can from LeanIn.Org
LeanIn is launching “Together Women Can” to celebrate the power of women supporting each other. The campaign is anchored by […]
Vimeo to Fully Fund Female Filmmakers With New ‘Share the Screen’ Initiative
We all know it’s a little bit more competitive for females to “make it” in the photography and film industries. […]