Why the Path to Stardom for Actresses is More Complex Than It Appears

Historically, the film industry was built on a foundation of male-centric narratives. The "hero's journey" has long been the dominant storytelling structure, casting men as the central protagonists in action, adventure, and drama films. Actresses were often relegated to supporting roles as love interests, damsels in distress, or side characters, their on-screen presence serving to advance the male lead's story rather than their own. This tradition has created an enduring imbalance in the sheer number of leading roles available to each gender.