10 new feminist icons you should definitely follow this year

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Directors Anna Boden (L) and Ryan Fleck speak onstage during Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” Global Junket Press Conference at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 22, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Anna Boden

As Marvel’s first ever female director, Anna Boden has certainly left her mark on the film industry already, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopping anytime soon.

As a woman myself, I’ve noticed the striking lack of female directors out there, especially Oscar-nominated ones. As we noted in our initial Pop Culture Report Card, it’s shocking that we’ve seen just one woman ever win for Best Director — Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker in 2009.

We’re hoping to see way more female director nominees next year, not just at the Oscars but throughout all awards season. And with so many films directed by women coming out this year, including Captain Marvel, we’re extremely hopeful.

Not only is Captain Marvel the first Marvel movie starring a woman in the lead role (Brie Larson, the hero we all need right now) but it’s also being praised as the first to be directed by one (Anna Boden, another hero we need right now).

While much of this list has been focused on politics and activism, it’s also important to recognize women who are being celebrated in their field. Feminism doesn’t just go down in D.C.

We need women in the House, in the Senate, in roles of leadership, playing sports, on camera and behind it. Seeing strong women in roles like this will continue to inspire more women to take a stand in their own life.

"“The story lends itself to a [feminist narrative]. We just found what we thought was strong and powerful about this character and stayed to that story. No, we’re not trying to make this movie about all women—we can’t make it about all women’s journeys—but we want to just be really true to this woman’s journey.” – Anna Borden"