This really is the epitome of #girlpower
This picture posted by Melissa McCarthy last night is a fantastic reminder of the power of women. Tweeting out using the hashtag #girlpower, the photo features all the Ghostbusters female cast and crew that are working on the hugely anticipated remake.
The film itself, which is due for release next year, has already received a ton of criticism for casting female actresses as the four main leads - Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. However this simple image is a stark reminder of how important it is to champion and support women in a very sexist industry.
Although the four leads have been hailed as heroes for recreating the iconic eighties film, and taking a lot of stick from haters, this was a gentle reminder that they weren’t the only women making this all happen. Surrounded by their female colleagues in the photograph, signs were held to let us know exactly what crucial parts this women play in keeping the business going, from fellow actors to producers, stunt doubles, cast assistants, hair and make-up artists, set decorators and script writers.
The image was directed at Ellen DeGeneres who began a social media movement using the #girlpower hashtag to highlight strong women’s achievements and to empower young girls and women around the world to not let anyone hold them back.
This image has already received hate, accusing the women of discriminating and ignoring their male colleagues, but it’s important to remember that in Hollywood women, and people of colour, are still routinely discriminated against. In fact, the numbers are pretty dismal. For example, recent studies have revealed that women directed only 7 per cent of the 250 top grossing films, whilst female protagonists made up only a measly 12 per cent of last years top-grossing films.
As well as this, the gender pay gap is still very much alive. Jennifer Lawrence was named the highest earning actress of this year, however she still earned significantly less than her male counterparts – something that echoed last year when Sandra Bullock who had taken the top spot was earning $24 million less than Robert Downey Jr, the highest paid actor.
So whilst it’s evident that the glass ceiling is still firmly in tact, we’re so pleased to see images like this making the rounds on social media. We can’t wait for this remake, and as Melissa McCarthy rightly captioned it, “When we stand together, we are unstoppable.”