Highlighting Diversity in Cinema: The Launch of 'Who to Watch: 2026 Film FYC Guide'
In a significant move towards promoting gender equity in the film industry, Women In Film (WIF) and ReFrame have unveiled the 'Who to Watch: 2026 Film FYC Guide'. This initiative aims to spotlight the contributions of women and gender diverse individuals eligible for awards, particularly during this awards season. The guide serves as an essential resource for industry voting bodies and advocates for a more inclusive recognition of talent.
Kirsten Schaffer, the CEO of WIF, highlighted the alarming statistics that reflect a systemic issue within Hollywood. In 2025, women garnered just 29% of Oscar nominations, while nonbinary and transgender filmmakers received a mere 0% and 0.4%, respectively. Schaffer points out that these figures underscore the need for increased visibility and recognition of underrepresented filmmakers. The 'Who to Watch' guide seeks to counteract this trend by showcasing outstanding work from women and gender diverse creatives, ultimately enhancing their prospects for sustainable careers.
To launch the awards season, WIF and ReFrame recently hosted 'Changing the Ratio', an event that brought together women, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers along with industry leaders engaged in meaningful discussions and networking opportunities. This initiative marks the third collaboration between WIF and ReFrame, further emphasizing their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in the film sector.
The importance of inclusive storytelling cannot be overstated; it encourages empathy, fosters dialogue, and drives economic growth. Yet, the film industry remains one of the largest cultural storytelling platforms globally, which has largely overlooked diverse voices. According to ReFrame's 2024 report, only 14 directors out of the top 100 films were women, with even fewer being women of color. In contrast, gender-balanced productions have been shown to significantly outperform their counterparts, achieving double the average revenue at the box office.
As part of their ongoing advocacy, WIF and ReFrame will celebrate diversity at the upcoming 19th Annual WIF Oscars Nominees Party on March 13, 2026. This event has, since its inception in 2007, aimed to honor and uplift women, trans, and nonbinary Oscar nominees across all categories, thus transforming individual recognition into sustained career trajectories. The party serves not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a powerful platform to amplify talent, which resulted in over 2 billion media impressions last year alone.
In March 2026, ReFrame will release its comprehensive Report on Gender and Hiring in Film, continuing its efforts to analyze and promote gender inclusion within the filmmaking process. The report evaluates key roles such as writers, directors, and cinematographers based on the ReFrame Domestic Film Stamp criteria, which is designed to enforce equity across all production levels, rewarding both gender and ethnic diversity.
Founded by the Sundance Institute and WIF, ReFrame utilizes a unique peer-to-peer approach, engaging with decision-makers across over 50 partner companies to implement systemic change in the creative hiring process. This initiative seeks to mitigate biases while tracking progress towards achieving a more diverse representation within the film industry.
WIF, established in 1973, continues to champion gender equity through advocacy, professional development, and comprehensive industry research. With the aim of driving meaningful change, WIF opens pathways for new talent and dismantles the systemic barriers that hinder women and gender diverse individuals within the screen industries. Their wide-reaching initiatives have impacted thousands across the film, television, and streaming landscapes.
The launch of the 'Who to Watch: 2026 Film FYC Guide' is a vital step in reshaping the industry narrative, ensuring representation, and advocating for underrepresented voices. As the film industry moves forward, such initiatives will play a crucial role in realizing the potential that diverse storytelling holds for all.
Kirsten Schaffer, the CEO of WIF, highlighted the alarming statistics that reflect a systemic issue within Hollywood. In 2025, women garnered just 29% of Oscar nominations, while nonbinary and transgender filmmakers received a mere 0% and 0.4%, respectively. Schaffer points out that these figures underscore the need for increased visibility and recognition of underrepresented filmmakers. The 'Who to Watch' guide seeks to counteract this trend by showcasing outstanding work from women and gender diverse creatives, ultimately enhancing their prospects for sustainable careers.
To launch the awards season, WIF and ReFrame recently hosted 'Changing the Ratio', an event that brought together women, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers along with industry leaders engaged in meaningful discussions and networking opportunities. This initiative marks the third collaboration between WIF and ReFrame, further emphasizing their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in the film sector.
The importance of inclusive storytelling cannot be overstated; it encourages empathy, fosters dialogue, and drives economic growth. Yet, the film industry remains one of the largest cultural storytelling platforms globally, which has largely overlooked diverse voices. According to ReFrame's 2024 report, only 14 directors out of the top 100 films were women, with even fewer being women of color. In contrast, gender-balanced productions have been shown to significantly outperform their counterparts, achieving double the average revenue at the box office.
As part of their ongoing advocacy, WIF and ReFrame will celebrate diversity at the upcoming 19th Annual WIF Oscars Nominees Party on March 13, 2026. This event has, since its inception in 2007, aimed to honor and uplift women, trans, and nonbinary Oscar nominees across all categories, thus transforming individual recognition into sustained career trajectories. The party serves not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a powerful platform to amplify talent, which resulted in over 2 billion media impressions last year alone.
In March 2026, ReFrame will release its comprehensive Report on Gender and Hiring in Film, continuing its efforts to analyze and promote gender inclusion within the filmmaking process. The report evaluates key roles such as writers, directors, and cinematographers based on the ReFrame Domestic Film Stamp criteria, which is designed to enforce equity across all production levels, rewarding both gender and ethnic diversity.
Founded by the Sundance Institute and WIF, ReFrame utilizes a unique peer-to-peer approach, engaging with decision-makers across over 50 partner companies to implement systemic change in the creative hiring process. This initiative seeks to mitigate biases while tracking progress towards achieving a more diverse representation within the film industry.
WIF, established in 1973, continues to champion gender equity through advocacy, professional development, and comprehensive industry research. With the aim of driving meaningful change, WIF opens pathways for new talent and dismantles the systemic barriers that hinder women and gender diverse individuals within the screen industries. Their wide-reaching initiatives have impacted thousands across the film, television, and streaming landscapes.
The launch of the 'Who to Watch: 2026 Film FYC Guide' is a vital step in reshaping the industry narrative, ensuring representation, and advocating for underrepresented voices. As the film industry moves forward, such initiatives will play a crucial role in realizing the potential that diverse storytelling holds for all.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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