Women's opportunities in creative industries have grown, say stars

Actresses Isla Fisher and Lesley Manville have observed an increase in opportunities for women within the creative industries, though both agree that further progress is necessary. The comments were made at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year 2026 awards ceremony held at Claridge’s in London.

Increased Representation and Power

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Isla Fisher, 50, told the Press Association that the industry has changed since she began her career. "I think there are more opportunities behind and in front of the camera," Fisher said. She added that women are now represented in more positions of power as film-makers and authors, and that this improvement is ongoing. "We still have a long way to go," Fisher stated.

Fisher was attending the event to present the artist of the year award to film-maker Sam Taylor-Johnson, whom she described as a fearless inspiration.

A Long Road to Change

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Lesley Manville, 70, reflected on the evolution of women's presence in the arts. "The industry has changed since I started," Manville told PA. "It’s been in dips and troughs. It’s beginning to change for the better, but there’s a long way to go." The Phantom Thread star explained that change has occurred because women have had to actively seek out and assert their voices. "We’ve had to shout loud, and we’ve had to bang on doors and say that things weren’t right," she said.

Elizabeth Debicki, an Oscar-nominated actress, concurred that "there’s still a lot to fight for" in the industry. She noted that while positive change can fluctuate, it is encouraging to see more female film-makers empowered. Mikey Madison, another attendee, also commented on the fluctuating nature of positive change but found it wonderful to see more female film-makers being uplifted.

Debicki added that she learns a great deal each year about her craft and how she wishes to conduct herself within the industry, looking up to many accomplished women who navigate it with grace.