The Academy's (Long Overdue) Gift to Female Filmmakers

On Sunday evening, 7 March 2010, a woman, Kathryn Bigelow, won the Best Director (as well as the Best Picture) Oscar for a film called The Hurt Locker.  This, as it turned out, was a historic event.  No woman, in the long history of the Academy Awards, had ever won a Best Director Oscar.  Why?  Had no woman ever directed a movie before?  No, obviously not.  Although, reportedly, it is more difficult for a female director to garner funding`, or financing, for a film project, especially if the movie is a major project, with much tech.  I've also been told, it's nearly impossible for a woman to be hired as the director of a major studio movie, unless they can secure rights to a project (such as a novel or stage play) AND secure independent funding (or fund it themselves, out-of-pocket).

So, what does Miss Bigelow's Oscar win mean for her?  Hopefully, it will mean that she can fund her next project, far more easily.

So what does Miss Bigelow's Oscar win mean for other female filmmakers?  Hopefully, it will make it much easier for other female filmmakers to be taken seriously, and give them greater access to funding/financing.  It should also make it easier for woman to become film and television directors and producers.

Just a few thoughts on, what I believe to be, a very long overdue event in entertainment history.  I welcome comments from my audience, as always.