Celebrating Brilliance: The Top 20 Female Screenwriters Shaping Cinema
In the cinematic world, a realm where stories come to life and dreams are painted on the silver screen, the role of screenwriters is pivotal. Historically, this industry has been male-dominated, but a remarkable shift is underway, led by a vanguard of female screenwriters. These women are not just contributors; they are revolutionaries, pioneers who are redefining the essence of storytelling in film and television.
The journey of female screenwriters is a tale of transformation and resilience. Early 20th-century figures like Frances Marion, Anita Loos, and Jeanie MacPherson didn't just write scripts; they were instrumental in crafting the narrative blueprint of Hollywood. However, as the industry expanded and the studio system solidified, women's roles in screenwriting diminished, leaving their contributions undervalued for decades.
Today marks a new chapter. Trailblazers like Diablo Cody, Oscar-winner for "Juno" (2007) and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creative force behind "Fleabag" (2016-2019), are not only reshaping industry norms but also challenging societal perceptions. They, along with many others, are tackling complex and taboo topics, creating dynamic and diverse female characters, and introducing narrative arcs that resonate across broad audiences. Their work is more than entertainment; it's a profound commentary on society, culture, and the human experience. Additionally, the growing support for women in screenwriting and filmmaking is fostering a more inclusive and representative film industry.
Brought to you by Kinolime, this article celebrates these pioneering women who are scripting a revolution, creating a tapestry of stories that are as diverse, complex, and authentic as the voices behind them. So without further ado, and in no particular order, the very best 20 screenwriters working today.
The Top 20 Female Screenwriters
Céline Sciamma
A French screenwriter and director, Sciamma is known for her minimalist style, often exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and female relationships. Her films, including "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" (2019) and "Petite Maman" (2021), focus on visual storytelling and emotional depth, often featuring minimal dialogue.
Check out how Portrait of a Lady On Fire exhibits Céline’s masterful use of sound, little dialogue, and intimate emotional storytelling.
Chloé Zhao
A celebrated Chinese filmmaker, Zhao is known for her unique, naturalistic storytelling, primarily in drama, exploring self-discovery in the American West. Her films, like "Nomadland" (2020) and "Eternals” (2021), combine fiction and nonfiction, often with non-professional actors, emphasizing marginalized characters and challenging traditional narrative structures.
The below excerpt from Nomadland highlights the loose structure and shifting focus of her characters and dialogue.
Shonda Rhimes
An American screenwriter, producer, and author, Rhimes is famous for her complex, character-driven TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" (2005-present) and "Scandal" (2012-2018). Her "ShondaSpeak" style weaves personal and professional lives into compelling narratives, managing multiple storylines and keeping viewers engaged with diverse casting and intricate plotlines.
Diablo Cody
An American screenwriter, producer, author, and director, Cody is celebrated for her unique blend of humor, honesty, and emotional depth. Her notable works include "Juno" (2007), which won her an Academy Award, and "Jennifer's Body" (2009), known for its feminist themes and dark humor.
Here is a scene from Juno, which concisely communicates her capability to handle dramatic subject matter with grace and humour, as well as providing a uniquely female perspective.
Keli Goff
An American screenwriter, journalist, and playwright, Goff's work primarily focuses on drama and political commentary. Her notable contributions include "Being Mary Jane" (2013) and "Black Lightning" (2017-2021), where she brings a keen eye for detail and socio-political dynamics.
Misha Green
Known for her work in drama and supernatural genres, Green's writing is characterized by its depth and creativity. Her series "Lovecraft Country" (2020) blends horror, historical fiction, and social commentary, showcasing her ability to bring fresh perspectives to traditional genres.
HERE IS A SCENE from Lovecraft Country, in which the African American characters are interrupted by a burning cross, placed in their lawn by their unwelcoming white neighbors. This evidences her ability to blend historical fiction with stylized, vicarious revenge.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
An acclaimed English writer, producer, and actress, Waller-Bridge is known for her unique contributions to television and film. Her works, like "Fleabag" (2016-2019) and "Killing Eve" (2018-2022) are marked by sharp wit, dark humor, and complex themes, exploring female experiences and relationships.
The below excerpt from Fleabag uses an unconventional fourth wall break to add a comedic twist to a break up scene.
Sofia Coppola
An American filmmaker and actress, Coppola is celebrated for her distinctive style in screenwriting and directing. Her works, like "Lost in Translation" (2003) and "Marie Antoinette" (2006), focus on character-driven narratives, blending modern sensibilities with historical contexts.
HERE IS A SCENE from Lost In Translation, which is a conversation between Charlotte’s husband and an actress she doesn’t know, from Charlotte’s perspective. Charlotte feels sidelined and ostracized. This is a deeply personal moment, rarely viewed from a female perspective.
Meg LeFauve
An American screenwriter, LeFauve is known for her work in animation and superhero films, such as "Inside Out" (2015) and "Captain Marvel" (2019). She blends emotional storytelling with imaginative flair, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated genres.
In the below excerpt from Inside Out, the anthropomorphic emotion, Joy, is cast into a pit of fading memories during Riley’s adolescence.
Greta Gerwig
An American actress, playwright, screenwriter, and director, Gerwig is known for her work in independent films and major studio projects. Her screenwriting, seen in films like "Lady Bird" (2017) and "Little Women" (2019) often blends comedy and drama, focusing on nuanced character development.
HERE IS A SCENE from Lady Bird, which showcases the scope of her characters – flipflopping between petulant, begging, then petulant again.
Katherine Kearns
An emerging talent in television, Kearns is known for her work in drama and thrillers. She has contributed to critically acclaimed shows like "Yellowjackets" (2021-present) and "Hacks" (2021-present), showcasing her versatility and ability to handle complex narratives.
HERE IS A SCENE from Yellowjackets, in which the writing contrasts a serious moment with comedic intervals – all while impressively juggling an ensemble roster of characters.
Kelly Marcel
A multi-talented English artist, Marcel's screenplays span various genres, including her adaptations of "Fifty Shades of Grey" (2015) and her work on the "Venom" films (2018-present). Her approach focuses on character motivation and story structure, adapting existing works to new genres.
Karen Croner
An American screenwriter known for drama, Croner's writing often explores emotional themes and character-driven stories. Her works include adaptations like "One True Thing" (1998) and comedy-drama blends like "Admission" (2013).
HERE IS A SCENE from Admission, which comedically handles poignant and reflective character moments in a mother-daughter relationship.
Shauna Cross
An American screenwriter and novelist, Cross is known for her work in comedy and drama, often featuring unconventional female protagonists. Her writing, as seen in "Whip It" (2009) and "If I Stay" (2014), combines humor and heartfelt storytelling.
HERE IS A SCENE from If I Stay, in which a relationship unravels.
Jennifer Kent
An Australian screenwriter and director, Kent has made a mark in horror and psychological thrillers. Her works, including "The Babadook" (2004) and "The Nightingale" (2018), tackle themes like grief and historical racial violence, achieving worldwide success.
In this excerpt from The Babadook, single mother Amelia feels uneasy trying to comfort her son.
The Wachowski Sisters
Lana and Lilly Wachowski are known for their diverse works, including "The Matrix" (1999) and "Cloud Atlas" (2012). Their films often explore identity and adaptation, creating original works and adapting significant works for the screen.
HERE IS A SCENE from the Matrix, which has become iconic. The subtext for the blue pill / red pill choice is hotly debated, with many considering the ‘prison’ discussed being an allegory for gender.
Amanda Silver
Part of a writing duo with Rick Jaffa, Silver has contributed to blockbuster franchises like the modern "Planet of the Apes" franchise (2014-present) and "Avatar 2” (2021), as well as working on three confirmed sequels. Her work balances blockbuster spectacle with strong characterization.
This excerpt from Rise of the Planet of the Apes cleverly uses limited or non-verbal characters but still conveys their characteristics.
Abi Morgan
A Welsh writer, Morgan has tackled a variety of British subjects in her career. Her works include "The Iron Lady" (2011) and "Shame” (2011), in addition to successful stage and television writing, often focusing on intense personal and historical themes.
HERE IS A SCENE from the Iron Lady, written to highlight incessant pressure on Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Karen McCullah / Kirsten Smith
This writing duo have written some of most iconic rom-coms and 'chick-flick' features of the 21st century, such as "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999) and "Legally Blonde" (2001), infusing their scripts with feminist and post-feminist ideologies. Also, additional points for meeting and bonding over margaritas while writing a female-led action comedy on a cocktail napkin.
In this excerpt from Legally Blonde, Elle is a proactive protagonist and successfully embarrasses her ex-boyfriend.
Kelly Reichardt
Known for her slow-paced, contemplative films, Reichardt's work focuses on themes of solitude and struggle. Her films, including "Old Joy" (2006) and "Wendy and Lucy" (2008) often take place in Oregon and are marked by their intimate storytelling.
HERE IS A SCENE from Wendy and Lucy which encapsulates the quiet, sometimes awkward intimacy of Reichardt’s characters and set ups.
In Conclusion
The impact of these incredible female screenwriters on Hollywood and beyond is undeniable. Their unique stories and viewpoints don't just entertain; they inspire new generations and bring fresh, diverse voices to the forefront of filmmaking. These women have transformed the way we see movies, challenging traditional norms and offering deeper insights into the human experience.
Their work is more than just stories on a screen. It's a powerful tool for self-reflection and cultural change, encouraging us to think differently and understand others better.
We encourage you to delve deeper into the narratives crafted by these talented women. Each screenplay, movie, and character they've brought to life offers a unique lens through which we can view the world. By engaging with their stories, we contribute to the ongoing evolution of cinema, where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated. Let's continue to explore and embrace the rich tapestry of stories these female screenwriters have woven, marking a new era of storytelling in Hollywood and beyond.
