Hollywood sexism being investigated by government officials

The American Civil Liberties Union requested an investigation into gender employment

(2016 Getty Images)

It's hard to believe there was a time when the issue of gender disparity in Hollywood wasn't deemed common knowledge.

The lack of prominent roles for female actors, directors and both within the industry's filmmaking cycle has been an increasing problem over the decades, with the lower pay wage only the tip of the grander issue's iceberg.

It has now been confirmed that US federal officials are to investigate sexism within the film industry in response to a request from the American Civil Liberties Union.

A probe has been launched by the US Equal Employments Opportunity Commission and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Speaking to Associated Press, ACLU's Melissa Goodman said: "Our hope is that they’ll push industry leaders to address the ongoing violations of civil rights women directors in the industry have experienced and are experiencing.

"We're very encouraged by how seriously the government have taken this."

The statistics speak for themselves: Dazed and Confused report how, last year, only 7% of 2015's top films were directed by women while, rather disconcertingly, 38% of the top-grossing films failed to cast women in lead roles.

There's no telling the outcome of the federal investigation although it serves as an encouraging statement of intent to drastically improve the industry's gender disparity.

In a proactive move, Jessica Chastain and Alicia Vikander are just two actors who have launched 'female empowering' production companies in recent months.

The latter's company - named Vikarious - will see her produce and star in Euphoria alongside Eva Green. It will mark the English-language debut of Swedish director Lisa Langeth.