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UCLA Report Shows Streaming Film Diversity Plummeting as Trump Administration Targets DEI

UCLA's Hollywood Diversity Report documents a sharp decline in diversity among streaming films in 2025, with BIPOC actor representation falling from 51% to 36% and similar drops in directors and writers. Researchers warn the trend will worsen as Trump's anti-DEI campaign prompts major media companies to scale back diversity initiatives.





Quick Facts
Who
UCLA's Institute for Entertainment and Media Research Initiative
What
Published second annual Hollywood Diversity Report on streaming films
When
2025
Where
United States
- Published second annual Hollywood Diversity Report on streaming films
- Analyzed representation in 89 English-language streaming original films
- Found significant declines in BIPOC and women representation
- Trump signed executive orders ending DEI programs
- FCC Chair signaled merger approvals could be affected by DEI practices
A new UCLA report reveals a significant decline in diversity among streaming films released in 2025, with representation of women and people of color dropping substantially across both on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles. The Hollywood Diversity Report, published by UCLA's Institute for Entertainment and Media Research Initiative, analyzed 89 English-language streaming original films released on major platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, documenting troubling downward trends that reverse years of industry progress.
The data shows stark decreases in minority representation across multiple categories. The share of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leading actors fell to 36 percent in 2025, down sharply from 51 percent in 2024. Behind the camera, BIPOC directors declined to 31.5 percent from 41 percent, while BIPOC writers dropped to 21.3 percent from 30 percent. Women also experienced significant setbacks, with their share of lead roles falling to 58 percent from 61 percent, and women directors declining to 23.6 percent from 28 percent. Women writers remained relatively stable at 37 percent.
The timing of this diversity decline coincides with President Donald Trump's aggressive campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. On his first day in his second term, Trump signed an executive order ending DEI programs in federal government, followed by additional orders targeting DEI initiatives among federal contractors and in the private sector. His Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr signaled that companies' DEI practices could affect their merger approvals. In response, major media companies including Disney have scaled back their diversity efforts.
Report co-author Ana-Christina Ramón warned that diversity is expected to decline further as projects produced during Trump's second term reach audiences. While many films analyzed in this year's report were developed before Trump's return to office, they reflect an early wave of conservative backlash against DEI initiatives. The shift carries particular weight given streaming's dominance in American entertainment consumption, with 96.4 million households using streaming devices and Nielsen reporting that streaming accounted for roughly 48 percent of TV viewing in March 2025, compared with 20 percent for broadcast and 21 percent for cable.
The report underscores a reversal of years of progress driven by industry campaigns like #OscarsSoWhite, which had successfully pushed Hollywood toward recognizing both the moral and financial benefits of diverse hiring practices. The data suggests that political pressure against DEI initiatives may prove more consequential to media representation than previous industry momentum, raising questions about entertainment diversity in the coming years.
Why This Matters
This report signals a fundamental shift in Hollywood's approach to diversity, driven by political pressure rather than industry initiatives. As streaming commands nearly half of American TV viewership, declining on-screen and behind-the-scenes diversity affects representation seen by 96+ million households. For readers and investors, this trend forecasts weaker creative talent pipelines, reduced consumer choice, and potential market volatility in media companies as regulatory and cultural scrutiny intensifies.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2024
WirePrevious year baseline: 51% BIPOC leading actors, 41% BIPOC directors, 30% BIPOC writers
Jan 1, 2025
WireDiversity metrics in streaming films decline significantly; 89 streaming original films analyzed
Jan 1, 2025
Wire89 English-language streaming original films released; diversity metrics decline across all measured categories
Jan 1, 2025
WireTrump signed order directing federal contractors not to engage in 'racially discriminatory DEI activities'
Jan 1, 2025
WireBrendan Carr signals company merger plans could face trouble over DEI practices
Jan 1, 2025
WireMajor media companies including Disney scale back or rethink DEI efforts
Jun 17, 2026
WireUCLA publishes Hollywood Diversity Report analyzing 2025 streaming films