2025 and 2026 delivered standout films directed by women, yet these projects remained few and far between compared to male-directed counterparts. Industry statistics show female director representation actually backsliding despite years of diversity initiatives and public commitments from major studios.

The numbers reveal systemic barriers persisting beyond surface-level support programs, with women filmmakers struggling to secure consistent employment between projects.

Bryce Dallas Howard has now spoken about this troubling trend.

Bryce Dallas Howard addressed the declining numbers of women directors while attending the Variety Power of Women event, emphasizing that current industry efforts fall short of meaningful change.

“The numbers are an indication of something real, so whatever is currently being done is not enough. I think that there’s been a lot of focus on mentorship. Focusing on sponsorship is crucial,” she said.

Howard described the economic realities preventing talented filmmakers from sustaining careers between sporadic directing opportunities.

“It’s really difficult to get paid to do the thing that you want to do in this business and so that the amount of time between jobs is so significant that unless you come from privilege or you have another job that somehow allows you to be flexible in some way shape or form,” she explained to Variety. The actress-director argued that sponsorship needs to extend into the development process itself.

“There must be more. It’s got to continue on to sponsorship it has to,” Howard stated, pointing toward research, development, workshops and exploratory work as areas where emerging filmmakers need backing. Her comments put the emphasis on sustained investment in creative careers rather than support that ends once a single project receives approval.

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Howard’s message arrives as Hollywood continues to debate how representation can translate into lasting careers.

Bryce Dallas Howard joins Aaron Paul in Anything But Ghosts, the mysterious upcoming feature from writer-director Curry Barker and writer-star Cooper Tomlinson that wrapped production earlier this month. Plot details remain under wraps, though Barker co-wrote the script with frequent collaborator Tomlinson, who stars opposite Paul with Barker also appearing in the movie.

The director confirmed this will be part of the Obsession universe, expanding the cinematic phenomenon that became the toast of the Toronto Film Festival and landed the fest's biggest sale. Howard brings extensive genre experience from the Jurassic World trilogy, Rocketman, The Village, and Argylle.

Her directing credentials include key episodes of Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew, demonstrating versatility across acting and behind-the-camera role.

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What do you think about Bryce Dallas Howard’s call to move Hollywood from mentorship toward sponsorship? Let us know in the comments.