How sexism still blights Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD remains as sexist as ever, with female film characters portrayed as young, passive and trapped at home, a study found.

Researchers analysed 40 films – including Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Greatest Showman – and found female characters significantly more cheerful than male ones, but being mostly allowed passive emotions such as sadness and surprise.

The Korean study also found female characters on average seven years younger than male ones, putting them most often in their twenties while men were in their thirties.