The Harsh Data Behind ‘Barbie’ and Taylor Swift’s Success

Matt is joined by Dr. Stacy Smith—the founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative—to discuss the state of female representation in Hollywood and how “The Year of the Woman” after major box office hits from ‘Barbie’, Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ and Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance' might not be accurate. They also discuss the state of casting older men and women in Hollywood, the DEI initiatives of major studios, new inclusion standards for the Oscars, and the responsibility of the Academy to bring about change in Hollywood. Matt finishes the show with a prediction on the new Apple sports app. For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Dr. Stacy Smith Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices