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20TH CENTURY FOX

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 1 20TH CENTURY FOX

The GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) maps the quantity, quality and diversity of , , bisexual and (LGBT) people in released by seven major motion picture during the 2015 calendar year. GLAAD researched films released by 20th Century Fox, Entertainment, , Columbia, , Studios and Warner Brothers, as well as films released by four major subsidiary studios. The report is intended to serve as a road map toward increasing fair, accurate and inclusive LGBT representations.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 2 From the desk of Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO 4

Methodology 5 Overview of Findings 6 Observations & Recommendations 8

20th Century Fox 10 Fox Searchlight 11

Lionsgate Entertainment 12 15

Paramount Pictures 16

Sony 17 Classics 19

Universal Pictures 21 23

Walt Disney Studios 24 Warner Brothers 25

Additional Film Distributors 27

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 3 FROM THE DESK OF SARAH KATE ELLIS

FOUR YEARS AGO, GLAAD launched the Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) to map the quantity and quality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in films released by the major motion picture studios. Today, we still struggle to find any marked improvement in the representation of LGBT lives on the silver screen. An unfortunate pattern for several years, there remains very little consistency in representation of LGBT people in film. This lack of consistency is not only seen across each studio’s yearly slates (releasing both stand-out inclusive films and problematic representations), but also throughout each studios’ year- to-year performance, as we continue to see studios dropping from a rating of “Good” to “Adequate” or “Failing.” What’s more, films lag far behind other media when it comes to portraying LGBT characters, cementing the industry’s reputation as outdated compared to the groundbreaking inclusion seen on streaming series like , , and Transparent. Given the steady and remarkable changes in the landscape, both in the quantity and quality of LGBT characters, it is clear that what we once considered “Adequate” from the is no longer adequate at all. Therefore, beginning with GLAAD’s fifth SRI in 2017, we will be holding these studios to a higher standard that more fully accounts for the groundbreaking inclusion we see continuing to flourish across other entertainment media. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of LGBT characters that do make it to the big screen continue to lack substance and purpose. Too often, LGBT people are included as the setup of a punchline or exist as an isolated token character who never gets the chance to bloom into a fully formed personality. This lack of care can be seen across the swath of LGBT characters found in mainstream films in 2015, and also manifests in a historically low percentage of films that passed GLAAD’s Test this year. The film industry must embrace new stories reflective of the actual world if it wants to remain competitive and relevant. Lucky for them, there are plenty more stories to be told. It is not enough for LGBT characters to simply be present; rather, these characters must be crafted thoughtfully and better reflect the full diversity of the LGBT community. Leaving LGBT people out of the picture – or including them only as a punchline – keeps old prejudices alive and creates an unsafe environment, not only here in America, but around the world where most audiences see these depictions. Hollywood must do better to improve the messages they are sending. In future versions of this report, major studios’ slates will be rated on a five- scale, from one star (“Failing”) to five stars (“Excellent”). This expanded grading system will allow GLAAD to more accurately report on the state of LGBT representation in mainstream Hollywood films. With this and future iterations of the SRI, GLAAD will continue to hold Hollywood accountable for the stories they are – and more notably, are not – sharing with audiences across the world.

Sarah Kate Ellis President & CEO, GLAAD

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 4 SARAH KATE ELLIS METHODOLOGY

For this report, GLAAD focused its analysis on the seven film studios that had the highest theatrical grosses from films released in 2015, as reported by the box office database Box Office Mojo. Those seven are:

• 20th Century Fox • Lionsgate Entertainment • Paramount Pictures • Sony Columbia Pictures • Universal Pictures • The Walt Disney Studios • Warner Brothers This report examines films that were released theatrically during the 2015 calendar year (January 1 to December 31) under the official studio banners and imprints. Films released by studio “art house” divisions (such as Fox Searchlight) were analyzed separately and not part of the parent studio’s final tally, as these specialty films are typically distributed and marketed to a much smaller audience than their major studio counterparts. These distinctions were informed in part by the box office reporting of Box Office Mojo and other entertainment industry databases. The total number of films that fell within the research parameters is 126. GLAAD also analyzed the films released under four smaller studio imprints that are sometimes referred to as “art house” divisions. The total number of films that fell within the research parameters is 46. This was done to compare the quantity and quality of LGBT representations in these studios’ releases directly to parent companies. These divisions include:

• Focus Features • Fox Searchlight • Roadside Attractions • Each film was researched and reviewed for inclusion of LGBT characters. The total number of LGBT characters was recorded for each film, as well as each character’s race/ethnicity and sexual orientation/gender identity. The films were also reviewed for the presence of general LGBT content and anti- LGBT language or “humor,” though because such content must be considered in context, the language was not quantified for this report. Additionally, each film was assigned to one of five genre categories:

• Comedy • Drama • Family • Fantasy/Science Fiction • Documentary The family category included animated and children’s films rated PG and under. The category of fantasy/science fiction also included horror films and action films not rooted in reality rated PG-13 and above. In the case of films that clearly straddled genre lines, categories were assigned based on the predominant genre suggested by both the film and its marketing campaigns. We must also recognize that some of the films counted here as LGBT-inclusive will not necessarily be seen as such by everyone. Every year GLAAD finds numerous characters that must be subjectively interpreted to be seen as LGBT, require external confirmation of the filmmakers’ intentions, or rely on pre-existing knowledge of source material or a public figure on whom a character is based.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 5 OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS

• Of the 126 releases GLAAD counted from the major studios in 2015, 22 (17.5%) contained Total Major Studio characters identified as Releases With LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual, or Characters 17.5% transgender. This is no change from the 17.5% (20 of 114) of films Total Major Studio from the same studios we found to Releases Without LGBT be inclusive in 2014. Characters 82.5%

• Again, the overwhelming majority of inclusive films (77%) featured gay male characters, an increase of 12 percentage points from the previous report. Less than a quarter of inclusive films (23%) featured lesbian characters and less than 77% one-tenth (9%) included bisexual characters. This is a near reversal 23% from last year’s report, which found 30% of inclusive films featured bisexual characters and only 10% Bisexuals 9% included lesbians. GLAAD counted one trans-inclusive film among all Transgender People 5% releases by major studios in 2015 (Warner Brothers’ Pursuit).

• GLAAD counted 47 LGBT characters among all mainstream releases in 2015, up from 28 last year. Male Male LGBT Characters 77% characters outnumbered females by a ratio of more than three to one (36 to 11). Female LGBT Characters 23%

• The racial diversity of LGBT characters drastically decreased in films tracked in 2015 after an improvement the year before. In 2015, 25.5% were people of color, compared to White LGBT Characters 72.3% 32.1% last year. Of the 47 LGBT characters counted, 34 were white (72.3%), 5 were Latino/a (10.6%), Latino/a LGBT Characters 10.6% 4 were Black/African American (8.5%), and 3 were Asian/Pacific Black/African American LGBT Characters 8.5% Islander (6.4%). One character was non-human (Fabian in Lionsgate’s Asian/Pacific Islander LGBT Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos). Characters 6.4%

Non-Human LGBT Characters 2.1%

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 6 OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS THE VITO RUSSO TEST • As has been the case each year since GLAAD began this report, comedies were the most Taking inspiration from the “Bechdel Test,” which examines the way likely major studio films female characters are portrayed and situated within a narrative, to be LGBT-inclusive. GLAAD GLAAD developed its own set of criteria to analyze how LGBT identified 27 different studio characters are included within a film. The Vito Russo Test takes its films as comedies of the 126 name from celebrated film historian and GLAAD co-founder Vito Russo, tracked, of which 14 (51.9%) were whose book remains a foundational analysis inclusive. By comparison, GLAAD of LGBT portrayals in Hollywood film. These criteria can help guide counted 47 films as filmmakers to create more multidimensional characters while also (action, sci-fi, fantasy/horror), of providing a barometer for representation on a wide scale. This test which only 3 (6.4%) films were represents a standard GLAAD expects a greater number of mainstream inclusive. Additionally, 3 of 35 Hollywood films to reach in the future. dramas (8.6%), 1 of 15 animated/ To pass the Vito Russo Test, the following must be true: family films (6.7%), and one of two documentaries (50%) included LGBT characters. 1 The film contains a character that is identifiably • The most inclusive major lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender. studio tracked this year was Lionsgate, as 8 of 24 films it released in 2015 2 (33%) were LGBT-inclusive. Warner Brothers followed with 5 That character must not be solely or of 25 films (20%), then Universal predominantly defined by their sexual orientation with 4 of 21 films (19%), and Sony or gender identity (i.e. they are comprised of the with 3 of 16 films (19%). Two of Fox’s 17 films were inclusive (12%). same sort of unique character traits commonly Neither Disney nor Paramount used to differentiate straight/non-transgender included any LGBT content in their characters from one another). 2015 slates of 11 and 12 films, respectively. 3

• Last year, GLAAD began examining The LGBT character must be tied into the plot the film releases of four smaller, in such a way that their removal would have a affiliated studios (Focus Features, significant effect, meaning they are not there to Fox Searchlight, Roadside simply provide colorful commentary, paint urban Attractions, and Sony Pictures Classics) to draw a comparison authenticity, or (perhaps most commonly) set up between content released by the a punchline. The character must matter. mainstream studios and perceived “art house” divisions. Of the 46 films released under those studio imprints, we found Only 8 of the 22 (36%) inclusive major studio films 10 to be LGBT-inclusive passed the Vito Russo Test this year, the lowest percent- (22%), a notably higher age in this study’s history, compared to 11 of 20 (55%) inclusive percentage than the parent films released in 2014, 7 of 17 (41%) in 2013, and 6 out of 14 (43%) studio counterparts. This is inclusive films released in 2012. This is a significant drop from the up from the 10.6% (5 of 47) of films previous year when just over half of the inclusive films passed. There from the same divisions that we is clearly much room for industry improvement. More films need to found to be inclusive in 2014. include substantial LGBT characters that pass this simple test. How- ever, as several of the films tracked prove, passing this test in no way guarantees that a film is not problematic or offensive in its portrayal of LGBT people.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 7 Taron Egerton as “Mad” Teddy Smith in Legend (Universal Pictures)

Amber Heard as Zoe in XXL (Warner Brothers)

Julianne Moore and Ellen Page as Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree in Freeheld (Lionsgate Entertainment) Tony Hale as Petey Douglas in (Lionsgate Entertainment)

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 8 OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

• The majority of LGBT characters view of one person, shutting down in mainstream films remain minor opportunities for unique storytelling characters, both in substance which would allow a wider audience and screen time, or just cameo to see themselves reflected as a real appearances. Of the 22 films GLAAD and integral part of the world. There found to be inclusive, 16 (73%) is not just one LGBT experience include less than ten minutes of and there are plenty of diverse and screen time for LGBT characters, groundbreaking stories about the with three quarters (12) of those LGBT community yet to be told. clocking in at less than five minutes. Creators must tell the stories of LGBT characters are still too often our large and diverse community included only in brief appearances, in through the eyes of more than

Charley Palmer Rothwell and Tom Hardy as Leslie Holt and service of punchlines or establishing one character, thereby creating Ron Kray in Legend (Universal Pictures) an urban backdrop. Not only must opportunities for compelling there be a larger number of LGBT storylines. roles, but they must be built with • One of the most telling signs that substance and purpose. Hollywood film is shockingly far • Four studios received “Adequate” behind other media in terms of ratings for their 2015 slates depictions of LGBT people is the (Lionsgate Entertainment, 20th dearth of transgender characters. Century Fox, Sony Columbia While there were no recognizable Pictures, Universal Pictures) while transgender characters in films the remaining three (Paramount tracked in 2014, the lone character Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Warner found in the 2015 mainstream Brothers) were rated “Failing.” Both releases was not an improvement. Paramount and the Walt Disney Warner Brothers’ Hot Pursuit Studio completely excluded LGBT included a brief appearance characters in their 2015 film slates. by a transgender woman, who Additionally, this marks the first existed purely to give the audience time a major studio has had zero something to laugh at when her inclusive films since the first year identity is revealed. Filmmakers GLAAD introduced this report, which should examine what message

Nick Frost as Bill Whilmsley in Unfinished Business tracked the 2012 releases by six they are really sending when they (20th Century Fox) major studios including one with rely on thoughtless humor to no content. That said, “Adequate” exploit an already marginalized is no longer adequate. Beginning in community. next year’s fifth annualSRI , GLAAD • This year, there was a noticeable will be holding studios to a higher resurgence of outright offensive standard to reflect the quality and depictions of LGBT people, which quantity of LGBT representation relied on gay panic and defamatory we are now seeing in other media. stereotypes for cheap laughs. Films must do better to include Among the worst were the Kevin LGBT characters in roles directly Hart-starring films Get Hard and tied to plot and which reflect the The Wedding Ringer, which contain wide diversity of our community, more blatant and incessant gay including people of color, those panic humor than we have seen in a living with disabilities, and a Hollywood film in years. Significant variety of geographical and defamatory content predicated on ideological backgrounds. this type of humor was also found • The racial diversity of LGBT in the non-inclusive film Hot Tub characters remains dismal across Time Machine 2. Humor can be a all media platforms, but film sadly powerful tool for holding a mirror took a step back this year with a up to society and challenging the near seven-percentage point drop norm, but when crafted without in LGBT characters of color. Too thought, it has much the opposite often, these characters are isolated effect and bolsters ignorance and tokens, burdened with representing prejudice. Tony Hale as Petey Douglas in American Ultra (Lionsgate Entertainment) Juan Diego Covarrubias as Alvaro in A La Mala (Lionsgate Entertainment) multiple communities through the

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 9 20TH CENTURY FOX

20TH CENTURY FOX released 17 films in 2015, of which 2 included appearances by LGBT people, amounting to 12%. ONE OF THESE FILMS PASSED THE VITO RUSSO TEST.

2015 RATING ADEQUATE

2014 RATING ADEQUATE RECOGNIZED AMONG SPY HOLLYWOOD’S 2013 RATING Widest theatrical release: 3,715 theaters POWERHOUSE STUDIOS, ADEQUATE the Corporation was Spy stars Melissa McCarthy as a founded by producer William Fox dowdy CIA analyst tasked with going 2012 RATING in 1915, subsequently merging undercover to infiltrate the operation with Twentieth Century Pictures of a deadly arms dealer to save the FAILING (founded in 1933) in 1935 to form world. In one scene, she runs on stage 20th Century Fox. Media magnate and interrupts a performance by a Rupert Murdoch bought the studio techno-styled drag queen to warn the in the mid-1980s, making it a crowd of a bomb on premises. Perhaps subsidiary of . this character could have been further 20th Century Fox is now part of defined given more screen time, but as parent company . is, GLAAD did not count this character Among Fox’s most famous films are in its tally. early blockbuster franchises like 17 Star Wars, Alien, and Die Hard. UNFINISHED Aside from Walt Disney Studios, BUSINESS Films released theatrically 20th Century Fox has one of Widest theatrical release: 2,777 theaters in 2015 under studio & the slightest track records when This raunchy comedy follows a group official imprints it comes to LGBT-inclusive films, but it includes a few standouts in of failed businessmen who travel its repertoire. Myra Breckinridge to Germany in hopes of making a (1970) and The Rocky Horror deal that will save their floundering Picture Show (1975) contain company. Comedian Nick Frost some of the earliest significant appears as Bill, the presumed transgender characters, though intermediary to the deal who turns 2 out to be an assistant. The three men both depictions are arguably Total number of LGBT- more sensationalized than truthful. track him down at a gay bar during the inclusive films In 1982, the studio released Folsom Europe street fair. Leading man the drama , which Dan is speaking with two disembodied was one of the first (and only) men on the other side of a wall who realistically depicted gay love are encouraging him to perform stories ever made by a major sexual favors on them (audiences . Other inclusive films only see the men’s genitalia) before 12 % released over the years include recognizing Bill’s voice when a third Silkwood (1983), The Object of My person shows up. Bill, Dan, and his Percent of LGBT-inclusive Affection (1998), and The Family business partners spend the evening films of studio total releases Stone (2005). partying, and Bill shares that he has turned to anonymous public sex out of insecurity relating to his size and age. While Bill’s story is mostly confined to this one night of partying, he does

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 10 20TH CENTURY FOX / FOX SEARCHLIGHT

FOX SEARCHLIGHT

8 0 0% Films released Total number of Percent of LGBT- theatrically in 2015 LGBT-inclusive films inclusive films of under studio & studio total releases official imprints drive the plot forward by encouraging the men to meet with his boss and close the deal that could save their firm when they are ready to give up. Fox , created in 1994, is a subsidiary of The most that can be said of the film 20th Century Fox and specializes in the release and distribution is that it manages to mostly subvert of independent and foreign films in the , as the expected gay panic as Dan simply well as horror films and dramedies. Fox Searchlight Pictures replies he isn’t interested, rather than is responsible for the release of several LGBT-inclusive and expressing disgust at a man blatantly Academy Award-winning and nominated films, including hitting on him. Boys Don’t Cry (1999), about the murder of transgender man Brandon Teena, and Kinsey (2004), a biopic of the famed sex VICTOR researcher. FRANKENSTEIN Widest theatrical release: 2,797 theaters

This science fiction drama, based on Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, revisits the classic story through YOUTH the eyes of Igor, Dr. Frankenstein’s Widest theatrical release: 149 troubled assistant whom he rescued theaters from the circus. In the film, a closeted Michael Caine stars as retired nobleman, Baron Bomine, hires Igor’s musical conductor Fred who is love interest, Lorelai, to act publicly as on vacation at a luxury resort his consort. Bomine’s screen time is with his daughter/assistant limited to one scene lasting less than a Lena when her husband leaves minute, as Lorelai explains to Igor that her. As Fred tries to console Bomine “prefers the company of men” her, Lena spurns his offer with before she and Igor begin an affair. a rant about the ways Fred Bomine’s appearance was neither hurt her mother, including a good nor bad, but the brevity of the mention of “experimenting moment remains too common for with homosexuality” when he LGBT inclusion. was younger. As Fred never references this in reflections on his own life, but mentions several female love interests, GLAAD did not count this character in its final tally.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 11 LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT

LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT released 24 films in 2015, of which 8 included appearances by LGBT people, amounting to 33%. THREE OF THESE FILMS PASSED THE VITO RUSSO TEST.

2015 RATING ADEQUATE

2014 RATING ADEQUATE THE YOUNGEST OF THE A LA MALA FILM STUDIOS THAT GLAAD 2013 RATING Widest theatrical release: 384 theaters TRACKS, Lionsgate was originally ADEQUATE formed in in 1997 but This Spanish-language romantic has produced some of Hollywood’s comedy follows Mala, an actress 2012 RATING biggest blockbusters in recent who works as a seductress for extra years. Since its inception, the cash, hired by women to flirt with not tracked company has grown significantly their partners in a test of the men’s through acquisitions of other loyalty. She eventually comes to fall companies, including Summit in love with someone she was hired Entertainment in 2012, which to test, who ends their relationship produced the highly profitable after learning her secret. His assistant Twilight film franchise. and best friend, Alvaro, is openly gay and is clearly flirtatious with several The very first film Lionsgate men throughout the film though he released was The Pillow Book never gets a romance of his own. In (1997), in which Ewan McGregor the end, Alvaro leads the film’s climax 24 costarred as a bisexual man, and as he provides Mala an opportunity the company has had quite a to apologize and confess her true Films released theatrically few other notable LGBT-inclusive feelings. Despite falling into the in 2015 under studio & films since. These includeGods overused “gay assistant” trope, Alvaro official imprints and Monsters (1998), But I’m a is depicted as an integral character, Cheerleader (2000), Urbania confident in himself, and accepted (2000), Lost and Delirious by the people in his life. However, the (2001), All Over the Guy lack of a romantic interest for him in (2001), Happy Endings (2005), comparison to all the straight central Precious (2009), Albert Nobbs characters was a missed opportunity. 8 (2012), and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) through Summit Total number of LGBT- Entertainment. AMERICAN ULTRA inclusive films Widest theatrical release: 2,778 theaters Interestingly, the stoner-spy thriller American Ultra positioned a gay CIA agent as the film’s moral center. In a genre that often only includes LGBT characters as villains or one-note 33% stereotypes, it’s refreshing to see a Percent of LGBT-inclusive gay character given substance and the same type of humanizing traits as non- films of studio total releases LGBT characters. Agent Petey Douglas breaks protocol to provide his former boss with weapons to protect herself and sleeper agent Mike, and later

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 12 LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT

disregards direct orders, which would in a movie which encourages viewers have resulted in many civilian deaths COOTIES Widest theatrical release: 29 theaters to look beyond superficial labels and and reports the situation to superiors. stereotypes. Petey’s orientation is established very Jack McBrayer starred as a member organically as just part of his life; he of the ensemble cast of this horror- receives a text message with a picture comedy as Tracey Lacey, one FREEHELD of his partner and their dog asking of the teachers at a small town Widest theatrical release: 148 theaters when he is coming home and saying Ohio elementary school who find they miss him. In a workplace-set film themselves fighting for their lives Freeheld is the only film distributed that could easily have left out any hint after the students are turned into by a major studio last year to be of a personal life, it is notable that the zombies. Lacey is a completely nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. creators made the choice to include undeveloped character whose only The feature, starring out actress an LGBT character as part of the film’s dialogue serves to further the ongoing Ellen Page and Julianne Moore, is world. “is he/isn’t he” gay assumptions and based on the 2007 documentary of jokes. Late in the film, Lacey does the same name about come out in response to a speech police Lieutenant Laurel Hester, who CHILD 44 delivered before the teachers decide fought for her pension benefits to Widest theatrical release: 510 theaters to fight their way out, with one of the be extended to her partner, Stacie Andree, after Laurel learned she This film, about the secret hunt for other instructors responding that she was dying of cancer. Steve Carrell a sadistic serial killer in the 1950s knew all along. This type of “humor” co-stars as Garden State Equality Stalin-controlled USSR, includes a is both extremely worn-out and founder Steven Goldstein, who helps brief subplot about the treatment of simply unamusing. rally press around Laurel’s fight, gay men at that time. Train station and Luke Grimes is her closeted co- employee Alexander stumbles upon worker Todd. While there are several the body of the most recent victim THE DUFF Widest theatrical release: 2,622 theaters characters’ stories unfolding at once, while meeting in the woods with his Laurel and Stacie remain at the lover. The police threaten Alexander This teen comedy about the danger of center, as Moore and Page bring such with jail time and social ruin unless labels included a gay character who heart to their characters. Freeheld was he gives them a list naming “men appeared solely for a seconds-long one of the year’s LGBT film highlights. in this town who have had sex with punchline. While establishing mean other men. Men who have had sex girl Madison as the most popular girl with younger men, with boys.” Shortly at school, narrator and lead character KNOCK KNOCK after providing the list (leading to a Bianca says that even gay men want Widest theatrical release: 22 theaters montage of arrests), Alexander dies to sleep with her, followed by a shot by suicide. The police’s wrongful of an effeminate student saying This film’s premise revolves around conflation of gay men and pedophilia that he would sleep with Madison two villainous women, who have a was indicative of the time of Stalin’s “but I wouldn’t like it.” A series of history of seducing well-off middle- regime, during which gay men were bloopers and behind-the-scenes aged men into having threesomes considered mentally ill and therefore moments play during the film’s final with them before burglarizing their people of interest to be questioned in credits, including a scene of two male homes and blackmailing the men with the case. Overall, the scene has no real teachers sharing a messy kiss in a threats of exposure to their wives. effect on the plot. moment played for laughs. These One of the women remarks that she scenes appear even more outdated “wants to get comfortable with having

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 13 LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT

threesomes” because she “knows like to become, and never gets any that’s the only way he’ll [future resolution of his own. husband] never cheat on me.” Given that these scenes take place in service of the women committing a larger UN GALLO crime, the interactions can be seen CON MUCHOS as situational rather than indicative of either character’s orientation, so HUEVOS Widest theatrical release: 616 theaters GLAAD did not count the women as either lesbian or bisexual characters. This Spanish-language animated The film also briefly includes Louis, family film (released in the U.S. as the assistant to the leading man’s Huevos: Little Rooster’s Egg-cellent wife, who is accidentally killed by Adventure) is the third in the franchise the women. When one of the women following chicken Toto and his group comes on to him, he replies that she of egg . The film cracked the is “barking up the wrong tree” and box office top 10 during its opening that he can tell a liar when he sees weekend, but disappointingly one. This scene, together with the included an outdated stereotypical mannerisms he displays which had character meant solely for the some outlets assuming Louis was audience to laugh at and several gay, can be seen as strong hinting on instances of anti-gay slurs. Fabian is the part of the , but not an egg who works as a makeup artist ultimately conclusive of his sexual at a rooster-fighting club owned by orientation. GLAAD did not count El Padrino (The Godfather). He wears Louis in its tally. a painted-on pink top, exaggerated makeup, and a red scarf. While Fabian has less than one minute of total LOVE THE screen time, every scene is designed COOPERS for audiences to get a cheap laugh Widest theatrical release: 2,603 theaters at his flamboyance and over-the-top delivery. While we would like to see This ensemble drama about a animated film catch up to the LGBT family learning the true meaning of representation featured in animated Christmas includes uptight police TV last year, this is one “character” officer Percy who says he is “only gay that would have been better left on in bed.” He later explains that the the editing floor. reason he is so strictly rule abiding – and by implication the reason he remains closeted – is that his mother forced him to behave in traditionally masculine ways as a child. Percy exists solely to further lead character Emma’s story arc by encouraging her to act as the person she would

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 14 LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT / ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS

ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS 10 2 20% Films released Total number of Percent of LGBT- theatrically in 2015 LGBT-inclusive films inclusive films of under studio & studio total releases official imprints

Roadside Attractions, founded in 2003 by Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff, specializes largely in independent films. Then in 2007, Lionsgate bought a portion of the company. Notable LGBT-inclusive films previously released by the studio include I Love You Phillip Morris (2010), Albert Nobbs (2012), , and The Skeleton Twins (2014).

CHI-RAQ opportunity to shed light on a has been widely criticized for Widest theatrical release: 305 theaters pivotal moment and went on to fail telling a whitewashed version of at the box office. The 1969 riots at the riots, erasing many of the real ’s satirical musical, based the in stories of LGBT people of color and on the ancient Greek comedy were a series of demonstrations by women who were instrumental in Lysistrata, follows the women of members of the LGBT community the rebellion, in order to focus on Chicago as they withhold sex from fighting back against a police the fictitious character of Danny. their gangster boyfriends in hopes force that routinely persecuted Sadly, audiences may have been left of ending street violence. The film LGBT people. Stonewall instead unaware that actual people inspired included brothel runner Big Thelma told a coming-of-age story about several of the characters - including tossing out the line “good thing I’m fictional gay character Danny, a Ramona, loosely based on Sylvia a d*ke,” implying that the strike naïve Midwestern teen who arrives Rivera, and early trans advocate does not affect her. In later scenes, penniless in New York City after Marsha P. Johnson, who appears in an older man notes that even those being kicked out of his home, with the film, but only in a minor role. on the “down low” have sworn a vague sketch of the riots as a Their erasure from this turning point celibacy, before saying he does backdrop to his tale. Once he arrives in LGBT history was unjustified and not know how he knew that when in the city, Danny meets gender unnecessarily revisionist. questioned by the rest of the group. non-conforming homeless teen Ray, This inclusion-as-a-punchline who also uses the name Ramona. remains par for the course for too Ray introduces Danny to a group of many comedies. queer youth who are struggling to survive on the streets, and to the Stonewall Inn - the only gay bar STONEWALL that allows dancing. Finally, fed Widest theatrical release: 129 theaters up by the corrupt cops raiding the It’s rare for a Hollywood film to mafia-owned bar, Danny throws focus entirely on LGBT history, the first brick through a window but 2015’s Stonewall fumbled the and provokes the riots. The film

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 15 PARAMOUNT PICTURES

PARAMOUNT PICTURES released 12 films in 2015, of which 0 included appearances by LGBT people, amounting to 0%.

2015 RATING FAILING ESTABLISHED IN THE EARLIEST HOT TUB TIME 2014 RATING DAYS of the American film industry, Paramount Pictures traces MACHINE 2 ADEQUATE its lineage all the way back to Widest theatrical release: 2,901 theaters 1912 and the founding of the Hot Tub Time Machine 2 included a 2013 RATING Famous Players Film Company, painfully long gag steeped in gay which was one of three companies panic. The men visit the future and FAILING that would merge in 1916 and find themselves on the set of hit game eventually become Paramount. Big- 2012 RATING show Choozy Doozy, where contestant budget, mass appeal franchises Nick must complete a task voted ADEQUATE is how one would describe many on by the audience. Lou, without of the studio’s most recognizable realizing that whoever suggests the releases, including , task must also participate, yells out Transformers, and Mission that Nick should be forced to have Impossible. But if one were to look virtual reality sex with a man. The at Paramount Pictures’ most recent two spend a few minutes expressing crop of films, it may appear that disgust and discomfort at the idea the studio is not particularly fond before the host electro-shocks of taking risks. That has not always them into complying. At the last been the case. second, Lou uses a lifeline to switch places with Adam Jr., and the scene 12 Starting in the mid-nineties, proceeds off-camera with Adam Films released theatrically Paramount released a string of screaming in pain and his fiancé in 2015 under studio & films that were either LGBT-themed watching from home. When the men official imprints or LGBT-inclusive, including Home balk, the film tries to make it seem for the Holidays (1995), Clueless as if it is in on the joke with the host (1995), The Brady Bunch Movie asking, “What’s the big deal with the (1995), Brain Candy (1996), two of you guys sleeping together? Kiss Me Guido (1997), Election You’re acting like it’s 2010.” But (1999), The Talented Mister Ripley the fact that the scene is clearly a (1999), and The Next Best Thing moment meant to give the audience 0 (2000). some cheap homophobic chuckles Total number of LGBT- rather than anything related to the inclusive films In 1997, the studio partnered story or character development with Scott Rudin Productions to makes it clear that the film’s creators release the mass-appeal, gay- still find the idea of two men together themed comedy In and Out, which to be hilarious and strange. garnered a great deal of publicity for a kiss between lead Kevin Kline 0% and love interest Tom Selleck, and became a box office hit. In fact, Percent of LGBT-inclusive In and Out, along with fellow films of studio total releases Paramount releases Mister Ripley and The Hours (2002), are three of the top 10 highest grossing gay or lesbian-themed films in the United States.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 16 SONY COLUMBIA PICTURES

SONY COLUMBIA PICTURES released 16 films in 2015, of which 3 included appearances by LGBT people, amounting to 19%. ONE OF THESE FILMS PASSED THE VITO RUSSO TEST.

2015 RATING ADEQUATE

2014 RATING

FAILING STARTING OUT AS COHN- BRANDT-COHN FILM SALES in THE NIGHT 2013 RATING 1918, the studio adopted the name BEFORE Columbia Pictures in 1924. Thanks to Widest theatrical release: 2,960 theaters GOOD its association with Frank Capra in the This comedy follows three friends 1920s, the studio gradually rose in 2012 RATING throwing their last wild party prominence and over the subsequent before settling into grown-up life. became home to iconic stars ADEQUATE While high, one of the men, Isaac, such as Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, accidentally switches phones with a and Rita Hayworth. Following a brief female friend and begins receiving period of ownership by The Coca- intimate pictures from a man. Cola Company and the spinning The film manages to subvert the off of Tri-Star Pictures (which it response of most buddy comedies subsequently merged with), Columbia as Isaac is intrigued, responding Pictures was acquired by Sony in with compliments rather than panic 1989 and is now a subsidiary of and disgust. Later that night, he and Sony Pictures Entertainment. the female phone owner meet the 16 man, James, at a bar. James openly Overall, Sony Columbia has never flirts with both Isaac and his female Films released theatrically had the most impressive track record friend before eventually leaving with when it comes to LGBT-inclusive films. in 2015 under studio & the woman after Isaac walks away. The 1962 political thriller Advise and official imprints Pansexual singer Miley Cyrus also Consent did contain a subplot about a appears as herself in a brief cameo. Senate chairman who is blackmailed For raunchy “bro comedies,” the over a past affair with a man (and inclusion of a bisexual character and subsequently commits suicide), but the central character’s acceptance of it’s hardly held up as a high point in it can be read as a hopeful - if small - the LGBT cinematic canon. The same 3 sign of progress. can be said for 1992’s Basic Instinct Total number of LGBT- from Tri-Star Pictures, which was inclusive films decried by LGBT groups including RICKI AND THE GLAAD for its defamatory portrayal of lesbian and bisexual women. On FLASH Widest theatrical release: 2,064 theaters a more positive note, Tri-Star Pictures also released popular inclusive films Rock musician Ricki returns home like Philadelphia (1993), Threesome hoping to repair her relationship with 19 % (1994), and As Good as it Gets her family, including Adam (the gay (1997). In more recent years, son she never accepted), after her Percent of LGBT-inclusive parent company Sony Pictures has daughter’s marriage falls apart. At the films of studio total releases released Rent (2005), The Girl With family’s first reunion, she makes some the Dragon Tattoo (2011), and The misinformed comments comparing Mortal Instruments: City of Bones her assumed identity as Ricki to (2013). Adam’s “decision” to be gay. In the

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 17 SONY COLUMBIA PICTURES

end, Ricki is introduced to Adam’s boyfriend and, much to his surprise, sincerely congratulates them on getting together. While Adam’s story is positive overall, earlier in the film, he says identifying as bisexual was “his cover story in college” before as gay. This stereotype of being a part of the transition to eventually coming out as gay has a real-life impact on bisexual people, who are less likely than gay or lesbian people to be out due to their identity being treated as a phase rather than a very real part of their life. Transgender advocate and model Carmen Carrera appears in a split- second, non-speaking cameo credited only as “hair stylist,” so GLAAD did not count the character in its final tally.

THE WEDDING RINGER Widest theatrical release: 3,003 theaters

The Wedding Ringer is another in a long line of films to rely on gay panic and the long-running homophobic “sissy” stereotype for laughs. stars as Jimmy Callahan, a for-rent best man, hired by socially awkward and friendless tax attorney Doug. Doug’s flamboyant wedding planner Edmundo is later revealed to be an associate of Jimmy, Dirty Eddie Sanchez, who decided to “flame up” his personality and mannerisms by appearing more flamboyant to help business. When the men visit Eddie at home, they meet his boyfriend, whom Eddie refers to as both his “girl” and a “bitch.” At the film’s climax, Eddie breaks his flamboyant character by dropping his affected voice and punching the father of the bride in the face after the man calls him a “fairy.” The film also contains several prison rape jokes, anti-gay slurs, and an extended montage of Doug and Jimmy dancing together, played for laughs at the idea of two men touching.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 18 SONY COLUMBIA PICTURES / SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS 18 5 28% Films released Total number of Percent of LGBT- theatrically in 2015 LGBT-inclusive films inclusive films of under studio & studio total releases official imprints

Founded in 1992, Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) is the independent arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which acquires, produces, and distributes independent films and documentaries. Among the many inclusive films SPC has released since its inception are My Life in Pink (1997) about a gender non- conforming child; The Celluloid Closet (1995), a documentary about LGBT representations in film based on the book with the same title written by Vito Russo (co-founder of GLAAD); the Alan Ginsberg-centered story Kill Your Darlings (2013); Pedro Almodovar’s I’m So Excited! (2013); and Love Is Strange (2014).

THE DIARY OF A GRANDMA TEENAGE GIRL Widest theatrical release: 1,061 theaters Widest theatrical release: 795 theaters One of the year’s most impactful films The Diary of a Teenage Girl follows centered on an LGBT character was Grandma the sexual awakening of 15-year- , which follows outspoken old Minnie in 1970s , feminist Elle (out actress ) whose sexual fluidity is portrayed and her teenage granddaughter, as just another part of coming to Sage, as they have one afternoon understand herself, her desires, to gather the money necessary for and what love really means. While Sage to have an abortion. Elle, who at a Rocky Horror Picture Show has distanced herself from many screening, she meets Tabatha, friends in her grief over the passing a charismatic but troubled of her partner, Violet, takes Sage on 20-something with a drug addiction. a road trip through her contacts in Minnie is infatuated with her and hopes of acquiring a loan. The visits the two begin a relationship of include a lesbian feminist bookstore, sorts, partying and getting high. a confrontation with Elle’s recently This leads to a sex scene that jilted ex-girlfriend, and a visit to would have likely been played for transgender tattoo artist Deathy voyeuristic appeal in any other (played by out actress ). It film. Though the relationship does is notable that while an indie imprint Grandma not ultimately work out, Tabatha’s distributed , it received a being female has nothing to do with wide rollout playing on more than the breakup and, indeed, never even 1,000 screens, making back ten times occurs to Minnie as an issue. its production budget and racking up critical acclaim, including a GLAAD Media Award nomination.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 19 SONY COLUMBIA PICTURES / SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

party boy Jacques de Bascher, who LAMBERT & led him to harder drugs and alcohol STAMP abuse. The film’s end fast-forwards Widest theatrical release: 31 theaters to 1989 as he learned that de Bascher This documentary tells the story of had passed away from AIDS-related Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert who, complications. Saint Laurent died in trying to make a documentary of brain cancer in 2008, days after on discontented youth, end up joining in a civil union with Bergé. discovering and managing rock legends The Who. Lambert, who was TESTAMENT OF out at a time when being gay was illegal in England, led a somewhat YOUTH tumultuous life and struggled Widest theatrical release: 104 theaters with drug and alcohol abuse. In This British war drama is based on the mid-70s, the band amid legal the World War I memoir of the same issues, fired both him and Stamp, name written by Vera Brittain, a and Lambert passed away in 1981 young woman who abandons her at the age of 45. He is well regarded studies to become a war nurse after by Stamp and members of The Who her brother, fiancé, and closest and credited with being an integral friends are sent to the front lines. part of the band’s early success as Brittain’s brother, Edward, was killed a personal mentor, manager, and in the line of duty in 1918, shortly studio producer. after army censors read a letter he had written, which indicated he was SAINT LAURENT gay and had been involved with men Widest theatrical release: 59 theaters in his company. While his orientation only became public knowledge after One of two recent biopics about his death, as researched by a Brittain famed designer Yves Saint Laurent, family biographer, the film does hint this film focuses on a period in his life at an affection between Edward and from 1967-76 as his career reached fellow officer Geoffrey. In one scene, its peak at the detriment to his Vera returns to Edward a letter from personal life, including his mental and Geoffrey she found in his pocket that physical health. The film looks at the he says he keeps with him “when stabilizing effects of the relationship I need to hear his voice.” He reads between Saint Laurent, who suffered her an excerpt, in which Geoffrey from bipolar disorder, and his then- addressed Edward as a “dear friend” partner and business manager Pierre and says he knows the men would be Bergé. During this time, Saint Laurent reunited, “either in this world or the began a four-year affair with troubled hereafter.”

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 20 UNIVERSAL PICTURES

UNIVERSAL PICTURES released 21 films in 2015, of which 4 included appearances by LGBT people, amounting to 19%. TWO OF THESE FILMS PASSED THE VITO RUSSO TEST.

2015 RATING ADEQUATE

2014 RATING

ADEQUATE OF ALL THE , Universal Pictures, LEGEND Widest theatrical release: 107 theaters 2013 RATING founded in 1912, is the oldest. In ADEQUATE 2004, Universal Studios merged Tom Hardy stars as twin British with NBC becoming NBCUniversal, gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray 2012 RATING which was acquired by in in this period drama inspired by 2009. Having long focused on mass the true story of their takeover of ADEQUATE appeal films, many of Universal’s 1960s London. Ronnie is a paranoid most classic films came from schizophrenic who glories in the collaborations with director Steven violence of the gangster lifestyle, Spielberg and included Jaws, E.T., and whose actions inadvertently Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. bring about the downfall of the brothers’ criminal empire after Because of that focus on mass he and boyfriend “Mad” Teddy appeal, perhaps it is not surprising Smith arrange for an incompetent that it was not until the 1990s that wannabe gangster to kill the any LGBT content whatsoever began brothers’ business manager. At 21 to appear in Universal films. The one point in the film, the brothers 1991 adaptation of Fried Green also blackmail a closeted member Films released theatrically Tomatoes removed much of the of Parliament, who was a regular in 2015 under studio & source novel’s lesbian content, attendee at orgies held by Ronnie, official imprints though the 1994 comedic drama as part of their plan to be acquitted Reality Bites did feature a prominent of murder charges. The orientation gay character. of the real-life Ronnie has not been consistently identified, as Universal’s other inclusive films have he described himself as gay and also been a mixture of highs and bisexual at different times. For the 4 lows, and include To Wong Foo, purposes of this report, GLAAD Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar has counted Ronnie as a gay Total number of LGBT- (1995), Mulholland Drive (2001), character, as that is what the film inclusive films I Now Pronounce You Chuck and asserts. Notably for the time, his Larry (2007), Bruno (2009), Scott relationship with Teddy is also Pilgrim vs. The World (2010), Kick- widely accepted by everyone except Ass 2 (2013) and Riddick (2013). the brothers’ rivals, whose use of anti-gay slurs is positioned as only one more reason for audiences to 19 % dislike the group. Many Hollywood films have long linked mental Percent of LGBT-inclusive illness and LGBT identities, but films of studio total releases Legend makes it clear that Ronnie’s schizophrenia and hyper-violent personality are not tied to his sexual orientation.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 21 UNIVERSAL PICTURES

PITCH PERFECT 2 that include LGBT characters only of defamatory “humor” directly Widest theatrical release: 3,660 theaters in service of jokes rooted in shallow correlates to the disproportionately stereotypes. Had Sisters hewed more high levels of hate violence that Out Barden Bella singer Cynthia closely to Pell’s real story, the film affects transgender women. The Rose returned in the sequel to the could have also had a leading lesbian scene easily could have been 2012 comedy about college a capella character, which remains incredibly removed without any bearing on groups. Perfect 2 picks up three rare, particularly in comedy. the plot. This film - like most of years later, as the Bellas are about MacFarlane’s work - is designed to to graduate and are determined to appeal to his idea of what straight salvage their damaged reputations by TED 2 cisgender males find humorous, but winning the World Championships. Widest theatrical release: 3,448 theaters he needs to learn that appealing Cynthia Rose’s story is largely limited Director/writer Seth MacFarlane has to one audience does not have to the group; but at the film’s end, she never been particularly thoughtful to mean insulting and alienating mentions that she is now engaged when it comes to the representation others. and has plans to move to Maine of minorities in his work. With Ted Ted 2 also included the return after graduation. Rosie O’Donnell 2 though, he has included some of minor gay character Guy and makes a brief cameo as herself. of his most defamatory and cruel introduced his new boyfriend Rick. There is a needless joke between transphobic jokes. In one scene, The two exist more for comic relief the tournament commentators Ted borrows John’s laptop and than story. Out comedian Kate about “ladyboys in the Philippines,” finds pornography featuring trans McKinnon also appeared as herself demonstrating that while some films women. He yells at John, “You sick in a brief clip. are doing better at including gay bastard. Look at this, ‘chicks with characters, there are still transphobic dicks’! [...] There are no chicks jokes making it to the screen. with dicks, Johnny, only guys with TRAINWRECK Widest theatrical release: 3,171 theaters tits.” John yells back that he has SISTERS a disease, needs help, and it’s a Comedian Amy Schumer wrote Widest theatrical release: 2,962 theaters “relief to finally be caught.” The and starred in this comedy about two smash John’s laptop with a a woman falling in love for the The and - hammer and throw the pieces first time. In the film’s latter half, starring comedy Sisters was written in the Boston Harbor out of fear while Schumer’s character is listing by out Saturday Night Live writer someone would see the porn in off reasons her boyfriend should Paula Pell and loosely based on her his web browser history. First, this not want to be with her, she says relationship with her own sister, offensive language dehumanizes she has been with many men and making it even more disappointing transgender women – reducing asks how many women he has that the film’s lesbian side characters their lived experience as women to slept with. He says three, and she fell into outdated tropes. Kate being “guys with tits.” Furthermore, replies “Me too! I’ve slept with three McKinnon appears as Sam, a high this particular scene fetishizes women too.” While this led to some school friend of the sisters, who transgender women, while shaming outlets describing her character attends the blowout bash with her anyone who may be attracted to as bisexual, the line is treated wife, Craig, and their softball team a trans person. As the majority more as a throwaway joke than friends. Though none of the scenes of Americans continue to learn a real indication of her romantic were outright defamatory, Sisters about trans people through what feelings so GLAAD did not count the can be added to the list of comedies they see in the media, this type character in its final tally.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 22 UNIVERSAL PICTURES / FOCUS FEATURES

FOCUS FEATURES 10 3 30% Films released Total number of Percent of LGBT- theatrically in 2015 LGBT-inclusive films inclusive films of under studio & studio total releases official imprints

Focus Features was established in women only had two minutes of 2002 when USA Films, Universal screen time, it was nevertheless a Focus, and combined positive moment of inclusion. into a single company. Focus Features produces and distributes its own features, in addition to distributing THE DANISH GIRL foreign films, establishing an Widest theatrical release: 440 theaters impressive track record of critically Inspired by the novel The Danish acclaimed and popular LGBT- Girl, a fictionalized portrait of the inclusive films which includeThe painter Lili Elbe and her wife Gerda, Kids Are All Right (2010), Pariah this GLAAD Media Award-nominated (2011), and Milk (2008). Its most film follows their relationship as it commercially successful LGBT- evolves after Lili’s transition. As one inclusive release to date is the 2006 of the first people who sought access Academy Award-winning drama to medical transition in the early part Brokeback Mountain, adapted from of the 20th century, Elbe faced many the Annie Proulx novel about the obstacles. The film also includes romantic relationship between two Henry, a minor gay character who men in 1960s Wyoming. In 2013, it strikes up an eventual friendship released another prominent Oscar- with Lili. It should be noted that nominated LGBT-inclusive film,Dallas The Danish Girl likely brought trans Buyers Club, which tells the story of a issues to an audience that may not MAPS TO THE homophobic cowboy who contracts be watching other trans-inclusive HIV and begins importing and selling STARS entertainment that skews younger Widest theatrical release: 66 theaters unapproved medication to the LGBT like Sense8 and Orange Is the New community. In his venture, he meets Black, as the opening weekend Director David Cronenberg’s attempt Rayon, a trans woman also afflicted numbers revealed that the majority at a satirical drama about the dark by the disease, to whom he eventually of viewers were over the age of 40. and twisted private lives of grows close. features Julianne Moore as washed- up actress Havana Segrand. Havana, A LITTLE CHAOS who is in therapy for abuse suffered Widest theatrical release: 87 theaters at the hands of her actress mother, is obsessed with the idea of re- This period drama about the female 5 FLIGHTS UP launching her career by reprising her contractor hired by King Louis XIV Widest theatrical release: 94 theaters mother’s star-making role in a remake to design and build an element of of her film. At one point, Havana This drama follows a senior couple the gardens of Versailles included engages in a threesome with a male over a chaotic weekend, during two minor gay characters, the producer and another woman in an which they debate selling the King’s ineffectual brother Duke effort to get on the producer’s good Brooklyn apartment they’ve shared Philippe d’Orleans and his aide/ side, and has a hallucination that for 40 years. A lesbian couple visits lover. Philippe’s wife is aware of the woman turns into her mother. during the open house and makes the relationship between the men She runs out, and when the man an offer that the couple considers and is accepting of it, though there asks what happened, she replies, after reading a letter detailing the is obvious tension between her “I’m sorry, I just got uncomfortable. women’s’ struggles to adopt over and the Marquis. The characters I guess I’m a lousy d*ke.” Given that the last six years. The elder couple were neither good nor bad, instead this threesome seems to be more recognizes similarities between serving no real purpose. This lack of situational or transactional than what the women have gone substance remains standard for the representative of genuine interest, through and their own experience majority of LGBT characters. getting married decades ago as GLAAD did not count Havana as a an interracial couple. Though the bisexual character in its final tally.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 23 WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS released 11 films in 2015, of which 0 included appearances by LGBT people, amounting to 0%.

2015 RATING FAILING

OF THE MAJOR U.S. FILM For the first time since beginning STUDIOS, Walt Disney Studios may 2014 RATING this report, GLAAD did not find any be the most recognizable, with a well- LGBT-inclusive content among defined brand identity that has spread FAILING across the globe. Certainly, if asked, Disney’s yearly slate of films. As most Americans could name several recent successful animated films 2013 RATING Disney titles, as many have left a lasting and TV programs have shown impression since childhood. In fact, (Oscar-nominated ParaNorman, ADEQUATE since the first Disney feature film in 1937 (Snow White), family entertainment has ’s ), 2012 RATING been a primary focus for the company LGBT people appearing in “all- that continues to this day. ages” programming - animated or FAILING not - is not the impossible notion it Many of Disney’s most famous distribution imprints are best known for once was. LGBT people are already animated features, including Walt Disney part of families and communities Animation Studios, Animation around the world, and film of all Studios, and the Japan-based Studio genres should reflect that. Ghibli, for which Disney holds U.S. and international distribution rights. On the As sci-fi projects have the live action side, the imprints include Walt special opportunity to create Disney Pictures, , unique worlds whose advanced (best known for the Star Wars saga), societies can serve as a 11 and . Disney also recently acquired , with commentary on our own, the Films released theatrically whom it released the summer blockbuster most obvious place where Disney in 2015 under studio & The Avengers in 2012. could include LGBT characters is official imprints in the upcoming eighth Star Wars Of all the studios tracked in this report, Walt Disney Studios has the weakest film. 2015’s The Force Awakens historical record when it comes to has introduced a new and diverse LGBT-inclusive films. Touchstone Pictures, central , which allows the however, has released a small handful creators opportunity to tell fresh of films with LGBT characters over the 0 years, including the British comedic stories as they develop their drama Kinky Boots (2006), Tim Burton’s backstory. Recent official novels Total number of LGBT- biopic of cross-dressing director Ed in the franchise featured lesbian inclusive films Wood (1994), and romantic comedies and gay characters that could Sweet Home Alabama (2002) and Under the Tuscan Sun (2003). Perhaps also be easily written in to the most impressively, in 1985 Lucasfilm story. produced the filmMishima: A Life in Four Chapters, which wove together passages from gay Japanese writer 0% Yukio Mishima’s autobiography with parts of his fictional novels, including his Percent of LGBT-inclusive secret love for a peer at school. The film films of studio total releases was never officially released in Japan following conservative protests over its portrayal of Mishima as a gay man. It was distributed in the U.S. by Warner Brothers.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 24 WARNER BROTHERS

WARNER BROTHERS released 25 films in 2015, of which 5 included appearances by LGBT people, amounting to 20%. ONE OF THESE FILMS PASSED THE VITO RUSSO TEST.

2015 RATING FAILING

2014 RATING

GOOD STARTED IN THE EARLY 1900S by four Polish immigrant brothers BATKID BEGINS Widest theatrical release: 14 theaters 2013 RATING as a simple business, FAILING following several decades of In this documentary, the city of growth Warner Brothers Pictures San Francisco and the Make-A-Wish 2012 RATING was formally incorporated in Foundation team up to turn the city 1923 as a full-fledged film studio. into Gotham for a day to fulfill the ADEQUATE Since then, Warner Brothers has wish of a dying child, who wants remained at the forefront of the to become Batman’s sidekick for film business and a pioneer in a day. The film included a passing technologies like synced sound appearance by a lesbian couple with and color film. Over the years, their own children at the parade Warner Brothers produced celebrating Batkid. Though the such classics as Casablanca, A moment was brief, it was positive Clockwork Orange, Goodfellas, nonetheless to include LGBT-led and Blade Runner. families, which are still all too rare in film. 25 One of Warner Brothers’ most iconic films also contains one of Films released theatrically the earliest and most celebrated ENTOURAGE in 2015 under studio & gay-coded characters in Widest theatrical release: 3,108 theaters official imprints mainstream American cinema: This film serves as a follow up to Sal Mineo’s tragic Plato in 1955’s the HBO series of the same name, . Over the which ended in 2011, about subsequent years, there were other and the quintessential Hollywood notable inclusive films released by lifestyle. Rex Lee returns as Lloyd, the Warner Brothers, including Dog gay former assistant of lawyer-turned- 5 Day Afternoon (1975), The Color studio executive Ari, who wants Ari Purple (1985), Interview with the Total number of LGBT- to give him away at his wedding. Vampire (1994), and Midnight After ignoring Lloyd and making inclusive films in the Garden of Good and Evil derogatory jokes every time he (1997). Notably, nearly every speaks, Ari does eventually give Lloyd one of those films was based on away in a mid-credits scene likely source material that included missed by much of the audience. LGBT characters. More recently, , appearing as himself, Warner Brothers has also released marries Lloyd and his husband Greg, 20 % inclusive films likeAlexander played by openly gay Olympian Greg (2004), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Percent of LGBT-inclusive Louganis in another of the film’s many (2005), V For Vendetta (2005), J. celebrity cameos. None of these films of studio total releases Edgar (2011), and Tammy (2014). characters have any influence on the plot.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 25 WARNER BROTHERS

GET HARD on the idea that sexual contact groping each other to distract a man Widest theatrical release: 3,212 theaters between two men is repulsive, and who finds them trespassing on his further, the assumption that men property. One of the most problematic films experiencing sexual violence and in several years, the gay panic- rape is inherently funny. exploiting comedy Get Hard, GLAAD’s Studio Responsibility MAGIC MIKE XXL amounts to a nearly two-hour Index has repeatedly found that the Widest theatrical release: 3,376 theaters prison rape joke. Wealthy hedge film industry still relies on outdated This sequel picks up three years after fund manager James (Will Ferrell) and offensive depictions of LGBT the original, as Mike reunites with is sentenced to 10 years in prison people for comedic value, and the Kings of Tampa dancing group for fraud and embezzlement. this film is just another example as they plan to end their careers on a James then hires his car washer of that. Entertainment that relies high note by performing at a stripping Darnell (Kevin Hart) to train him to on stigmatizing marginalized convention. On the road trip to the survive in jail based on the absurd communities for cheap laughs venue, the men meet a photographer assumption that Darnell must prolongs prejudices and creates named Zoe who initially seems be an ex-convict because he is real-world consequences for those interested in Mike before telling him black. In one of the most egregious who can least afford being targeted. she is currently “not going through a sequences, Darnell decides that guy phase.” Though Mike brings her James will not be able to defend onstage for his final dance, the film himself effectively in prison and HOT PURSUIT leaves the two at a place of friendship Widest theatrical release: 3,037 theaters so must learn to perform oral sex rather than insisting on a romantic in the hope of finding someone to This film includes the only ending. Zoe is portrayed by bisexual protect him in exchange for sexual transgender character counted in actress Amber Heard, who spoke in favors. The men go to a popular gay a major studio release in 2015, and the press about working with the spot, and James meets with a man she exists only for a few seconds film’s writers to make her character in the bathroom. After finally hyping as a punchline. During the opening bisexual. The film also includes a himself up enough to go through montage, Reese Witherspoon’s minor gay drag queen character who with giving the man a blowjob, character, Rose, is seen as a child hosts an amateur show where the James hits his head on the stall and riding in the backseat of her father’s Kings perform. While the film heavily the man leaves. James returns to patrol car. Her father arrests a suggests a sexual past between their table to tell Darnell, who has beautiful woman, who climbs in next female characters Rome and , been joined by a man who is hitting to Rose. She tells the woman that she GLAAD did not count these characters on him, that they need to leave is pretty, and the woman in a deep in its final tally. after his failure. The two have an masculine voice replies, “Thanks, innuendo-laden conversation about baby. You are too!” To complete the t “going home and getting hard.” joke Rose turns away, widening her As James and Darnell walk out, the eyes while making an uncomfortable entire restaurant applauds them, face. The film also includes several thinking they are a couple, and the jokes about Rose dressing in butch man who had been speaking with clothing. In one scene, she and Darnell dreamily Daniella, who is being escorted to (con’t from Get Hard) says, “I want court as a protected witness, pretend what they have.” This is just one of to be a lesbian couple, awkwardly many scenes in the film predicated

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 26 ADDITIONAL FILM DISTRIBUTORS

ADDITIONAL FILM DISTRIBUTORS

first theatrical release. Last year, it FILM MOVEMENT released the GLAAD Media Award- Film Movement was launched in nominated feature Appropriate 2002 as a distributor for exceptional Behavior about a Persian-American independent and foreign films. The bisexual woman struggling to studio previously released several reconcile her identities. Gravitas LGBT-inclusive films including also distributed the comedy the Polish drama In the Name Of Addicted to Fresno (2015), from out (2012) about a gay priest who director Jamie Babbit, starring struggles with his vows after he Natasha Lyonne as a lesbian hotel finds himself attracted to a country maid who helps her recovering sex boy named Lukasz; Australian film addict sister cover up an accidental Little Sparrows (2010) about three murder. sisters, including one who is figuring out her identity; 2004’s Canadian dramedy Wilby Wonderful about IFC FILMS & a small town in the wake of a sex SUNDANCE scandal; and the 2014 GLAAD Media Award-nominated Taiwanese film SELECTS Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? Under the AMC Networks umbrella, about repressed optometrist IFC Films distributes independent Weichung, who is unsatisfied with films and documentaries, while its his marriage when he bumps into IFC Midnights arm releases films a former male flame who stirs up in the horror and thriller genre. forgotten emotions. In 2015, Film Another AMC Networks property, Movement released the German Sundance Selects, focuses on the film The Chambermaid about timid distribution of independent films, hotel maid Lynn who hires a female documentaries, and foreign films. dominatrix to help her explore The company’s most successful and relationships and intimacy. The critically acclaimed LGBT-inclusive company also released Breathe, a films include the 2011 drama French film exploring the obsessive Weekend, about two men who begin friendship and intimacy between a relationship shortly before one two lost teenage girls. of them has to leave the country, and the controversial but critically acclaimed French lesbian coming- GRAVITAS of-age drama Blue is the Warmest VENTURES Color (2013). Last year, the company released the documentary Do I Gravitas Ventures was launched in Sound Gay? which explored whether 2006 to distribute entertainment there is such a thing as a “gay voice.” content through Other 2015 LGBT-inclusive releases systems and online. In 2011, the include The Duke of Burgundy, about company expanded its focus with its

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 27 ADDITIONAL FILM DISTRIBUTORS

the sadomasochistic relationship actor and comedian between two women; Match, starring as Nolan, a man coming out late in life Patrick Stewart as a bisexual dance who starts reevaluating his dreary life teacher at the prestigious Julliard after befriending a sex worker. school; and the lesbian wedding dramedy Jenny’s Wedding. STRAND RELEASING MAGNOLIA When Strand Releasing was founded in 1989, its primary focus was the PICTURES distribution of LGBT-inclusive films. In was formed in recent years the independent distributor 2001 and is now owned by Todd has branched out, releasing non-LGBT Wagner and Mark Cuban as a films as well, while maintaining a focus holding of . The on foreign films. Some of the highlights distributor specializes in foreign and among the many inclusive films The Living End independent films with some pictures released by Strand are also released under the Magnet (1992), about a gay movie critic and a Releasing label. Magnolia’s past LGBT- drifter who go on a dangerous road trip; Stonewall inclusive releases include Life Partners (1995), a fictionalization of the Yossi and Jagger (2014) starring Leighton Meester ; (2002), and Gillian Jacobs as best friends about two Israeli army officers who (one gay, one straight) trying to get have to hide their love for each other, Yossi their lives in order. In 2015, Magnolia as well as the sequel (2013); and Lilting released the GLAAD Media Award- (2014) about the bond formed nominated film Tangerine, about by a British man and the Chinese- two transgender sex workers on a Cambodian mother of his deceased fateful Christmas Eve in . partner. Last year, Strand released The company also distributed the the GLAAD Media Award-nominated Mala Mala documentary Best of Enemies about documentary exploring bisexual author . Puerto Rico’s drag and transgender communities over a three-year period. Additional films include Futuro Beach, Cupcakes, Gerontophilia, Guidance, Xenia, Drown, and The Summer of Open Road Films was launched in Sangaile. 2011 as a joint project by the U.S.’s two largest theatrical chains, AMC Theatres and Regal Entertainment THE WEINSTEIN Group. Last year, it released the COMPANY GLAAD Media Award-nominated film Dope which had two theatrical runs Founded in 2005 by brothers Bob in 2015. Dope, which premiered at the and , The Weinstein , follows three Company produces and distributes films nerdy best friends (including butch and creates content for television. Its lesbian Diggy) whose lives are turned most significant inclusive films to date upside down after discovering a cache include Transamerica (2005, released of drugs. in conjunction with IFC Films), in which a transgender woman discovers she has a long-lost son, as well as Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), A Single DISTRIBUTION Man (2009), Philomena (2013), and the critically acclaimed Alan Turing biopic Starz Distribution, formerly IDT The Imitation Game (2014). In 2015, Entertainment and Starz Media, Weinstein released the GLAAD Media was founded in 2003 as an arm Award-nominated period drama Carol, of Starz Inc. designed to produce based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel and acquire original programming The Price of Salt. The film, which has content, feature films, anime, and picked up over 180 award nominations, other filmed entertainment. Previous explores lesbian sub-culture in the LGBT-inclusive releases include the 1950s through the relationship between documentary To Be Takei (2014), affluent Carol and shop girl Therese about the life of actor and advocate as they fall in love despite apparent George Takei. Last year, the distributor differences in class and background. released the drama Boulevard for The novel was notable in the 1950s as a limited run. The film starred late one of the few inclusive works that had

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 28 ADDITIONAL FILM DISTRIBUTORS

the possibility of a happy ending for IT IS UNSURPRISING that smaller its queer characters, defying the social studios, which don’t often have the constructs of the time. Another 2015 budget to compete for box office inclusive release was Burnt. attention against the majors, are still distributing the majority of stand-out WOLFE RELEASING LGBT-inclusive films. These movies are given limited reach, often only Established in 1985, Wolfe Releasing is playing on screens in major cities, and the oldest distributor in North America audiences only find these features if to solely focus on LGBT-inclusive they go specifically looking for them. cinema. The company distributes Given the groundbreaking LGBT independent films that tell stories stories we are now seeing in other of the LGBT community. Though entertainment media, mainstream the company has an impressive major film releases appear more and roster of films, a few are particularly more outdated as they continue to noteworthy. The 2004 drama Brother include us only in service of punchlines to Brother is about an interracial gay or to add authenticity to an urban couple who meet an older gay man setting. in Harlem, telling them about gay life during the Harlem Renaissance. The As we approach the fifth anniversary French drama Tomboy (2011) follows of the SRI, it is clear that the current a gender non-conforming child who rating of “Adequate” is inadequate decides to live as a boy after moving in grading Hollywood’s failure to to a new neighborhood, and Reaching include authentic LGBT characters and for the Moon (2013) is a biographical storylines. GLAAD will continue to hold film about the relationship between film studios accountable for the stories Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo these companies choose to tell on our Soares and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet screens. Lucky for them, we still have Elizabeth Bishop. As with 2014, Wolfe plenty of stories to be told. did not release any films theatrically last year. However, it did distribute several LGBT-inclusive films through digital on demand and DVD/Blu Ray. These included the GLAAD Media Award-nominated feature Boy Meets Girl, about a trans woman living in small town Kentucky looking to fall in love. Other releases include The Girl King, Liz In September, Of Girls and Horses, All About E, and In the Grayscale.

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 29 GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Team GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Team not only works with entertainment- related media platforms to encourage fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of LGBT people, but also to combat problematic content and instances of defamation in these industries. This process involves reading scripts, viewing rough cuts, pitching story ideas, consulting with writers and producers, working with talent to better inform them about portraying LGBT characters, and arranging entertainment-related events and panels. GLAAD also promotes LGBT-inclusive projects through GLAAD’s newsroom, social media, the weekly LGBT TV listings, “Must-See LGBT TV,” and through its annual GLAAD Media Awards. Zeke Stokes, Vice President of Programs zstokes@.org Ray Bradford, Director of Programs – Entertainment Media [email protected] Megan Townsend, Strategist – Entertainment Media [email protected]

Entertainment Media Interns GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Interns join the Programs Team in researching and monitoring LGBT-inclusive content on television and in film. They assist in conducting research for the Studio Responsibility Index, Where We Are on TV report, and contribute to GLAAD’s newsroom. Ferdinand Botha Institute of the Arts – Class of 2016 Grace Delmar Biola University – Class of 2016 Katie Levine University of – Class of 2017 Raina Deerwater Emerson College – Class of 2016

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 30 20TH CENTURY FOX

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITY INDEX 2016 31 20TH CENTURY FOX

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBT acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.

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