July 27, 2023

Famous Females Behind the Screen

by: Talia Women emerge as visionary leaders of the film industry, breaking barriers and redefining the male-dominated industry. Today we dive into the filmographies of famous female film producers including Shonda Rhimes, Kathleen Kennedy, Céline Sciamma, Chloé Zhao, Julia Ducournau and Greta Gerwig.

Shonda Rhimes worked on globally distributed titles. The American TV producer also founded her own production company Shondaland. This year, she is reported to be one of the richest female entertainers in the United States with a net worth of $250 million. She has earned 5 nominations for Grey's Anatomy, Inventing Anna and Bridgerton while being a BAFTA honouree earlier this year.

Kathleen Kennedy, also serving as the president of Lucasfilm is one of the most respected film producers today. Kennedy worked on box grossing titles including the Star Wars franchise and recent titles such as Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Ahsoka. Her astounding portfolio of 70 feature films including Jurassic Park, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and The Adventures of Tintin has garnered 120 Academy Award nominations and 25 wins. A prestigious filmmaker, she is noted to have a net worth of $350 million.

Céline Sciamma wrote cinematic titles including Water Lilies, Tomboy, Girlhood, Lady on Fire and more. The French filmmaker’s works received critical acclaim, gleaning awards from Athens, Cabourg and Turin film festivals, including the prominent Louis Delluc prise. She is also openly queer, aiming to address a wider audience with her influential works. Sciamma’s net worth is estimated to range from $1 to $5 million.

Chloé Zhao is known for her independent films including Songs My Brothers Taught Me, Nomadland, The Rider and more. Her debut feature Songs My Brothers Taught Me premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, earning a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Nomadland earned an Oscar and a BAFTA win. Zhao’s net worth is estimated to be around $500K to $800K.

Julia Ducournau’s debut short film Junior earned her the Petit Rail d’Or in Cannes back in 2011. Her following works including Raw and Titane scooped up prestigious wins, including the Sutherland Award at the London Film Festival and the Palme d’Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival respectively. The French director is estimated to be worth around $2 million.

Greta Gerwig found success from her solo directional debut with Lady Bird, which earned the American filmmaker several awards. Following is Little Women, which was nominated for an Academy Award as well as a BAFTA award. Her newly released title Barbie has already scooped up a Golden Trailer Award for the best teaser this year. Her net worth is reported to be $4 million.

There is a sense of excitement and hope surrounding the potential of up-and-coming female directors in the years to come. Their contributions to the art of filmmaking are not only diversifying narratives on the big screen but also inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender or background. As they continue to rise, their work will undoubtedly pave the way for a more inclusive, creative, and visionary future in filmmaking.

To never miss a story — sign up for Viral Weekly free newsletter to stay up-to-date with compelling TV and Film news and views.

Back to Listing

---