Proof That Actresses Over 35 Are Still Killing It

Man, Hollywood seems like a really brutal place to be female. Sexism is rampant and undeniable, and actresses are often discarded as they age, since they're no longer seen as marketable in an industry that values youth and conventional attractiveness over all else. It's a bummer. Even Maggie Gyllenhaal, one of our most beloved indie actresses of the past decade, is finding it hard. She admitted in an interview with The Wrap that although she's 37, she was recently turned away from a role as the lover of a 55-year-old man for being "too old". Say what, now?

Sure, hearing that women are being told they're too old while men simply never have an expiry date and can continue to have a successful career, unhindered by the conventions women in Hollywood face every single day, is depressing — but it's hardly surprising. And unfortunately, it doesn't look like it's going to change any time soon. But here's the thing: women over a certain age, be it 35 or 50, don't suddenly lose their talent overnight. Who made up these rules, and why are we adhering to them? The simple fact is, there are some amazing women who are "too old" that are still killing it in Hollywood, so bow down.

Meryl Streep (65)

Sorry, world, but Meryl Streep is the queen and you'd all do well to recognize this and BOW DOWN. I'd go so far as to say she's the best living actress, and certainly one of the Top 5 of all time.

Julianne Moore (54)

Julianne Moore is another fantastic actress who continually takes part in some incredible films. I don't think there's been a single one of her movies that I've seen that I've disliked. That's saying something.

Julia Roberts (47)

Hello! Julia Roberts is just as amazing and in-demand today as she was in 1990, when Pretty Woman came out. I rest my case!

Cameron Diaz (42)

Cameron started out as a model before making a splash in the acting world, and while some of her recent choices (*cough* Annie remake *cough) have been less than stellar, she's still booking them roles!

Judi Dench (80)

Judi Dench is a British institution, at this point, and despite the fact that she's 80, she's still kicking ass and taking names in Hollywood — she's even got four projects lined up for 2016 already.

Sandra Bullock (50)

Sandra needs no introduction, so I won't bother. I'll just remind you that she was up for Best Actress at the Oscars just this year for her amazing performance in Gravity. Enough said.

Emma Thompson (56)

Emma Thompson is one of the funniest, most intelligent women in showbiz full stop, and that says nothing for how talented she is as an actress. Ugh, I love her.

Jodie Foster (52)

Jodie Foster has been acting since she was a kid, and she's not slowing down any time soon. Try to stop her! Or don't waste your time, because you won't be able to.

Halle Berry (48)

Halle has been the epitome of Hollywood hotness (not in the physical sense, but she is gorgeous) for years, and she's built an incredible career of diverse projects over the years that — hey, what do you know — she's still building on. Love her!

Nicole Kidman (47)

If you know what's good for you, you love Nicole Kidman. That's all I really have to say about that. Also, Margot at the Wedding was an amazing movie.

Helen Mirren (69)

Helen Mirren gives me LIFE. When's the last time you saw a nearly 70-year-old woman twerking at an Ivy League college? NEVER, that's when.

Oprah Winfrey (61)

It's Oprah. Show some respect.

Jennifer Aniston (46)

We all loved her as Rachel Green on Friends, but we continue to love her in everything else she does, too. I don't know a single person who doesn't love Jennifer Aniston, which means thankfully, I must know people with good taste.

To be honest, this list could have been SO much longer. Everyone from Jennifer Connelly and Catherine Zeta-Jones to Naomi Watts, Viola Davis, and Angelina Jolie could have been on here (and should be). "Older" actresses are amazing, and Hollywood needs to start recognizing.

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