Hollywood dazzles with its stars, but the real artistry often happens away from the cameras. From composers and costume designers to producers and showrunners, women behind the scenes are the creative forces turning scripts into iconic films and shows. Their work may not always appear in the spotlight, but it resonates in every frame, every score, and every story we love. These 14 trailblazers have not only mastered their craft—they’ve redefined what it means to wield influence in Tinseltown. From scoring blockbuster hits to running major studios, their contributions are shaping Hollywood today and inspiring generations of future creators.
14. Laura Karpman
Laura Karpman’s music has elevated some of Hollywood’s biggest projects, from Marvel films to Netflix rom-coms like Set It Up. She’s a five-time Emmy and Grammy winner and a tireless advocate for women in the industry, co-founding the Alliance for Women Film Composers. In 2014, she became the first female governor of the music branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Karpman’s influence goes beyond notes and orchestras. She mentors emerging talent, champions inclusion, and proves that behind every powerful score is a visionary shaping the emotional heartbeat of a story.
13. Kristen Anderson-Lopez
Few composers have had the cultural impact of Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The force behind Frozen’s “Let It Go,” Coco, and WandaVision, she’s a two-time Oscar and Grammy winner who has defined the soundtrack of modern family entertainment. Working alongside her husband, Robert Lopez, she’s created songs that stay in fans’ minds long after the credits roll.
Kristen’s work shows the power of storytelling through music. Every note is crafted to convey emotion, and her songs have become part of countless childhood memories, proving that behind every anthem is a genius shaping the magic.
12. Hildur Guðnadóttir
Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir has transformed Hollywood with her haunting, unforgettable scores for Joker and Tár. Winner of multiple Grammys, Golden Globes, an Emmy, and an Oscar, she’s a master of using music to elevate the emotional impact of every scene.
Her compositions aren’t just background; they define the films themselves. Hildur’s innovative approach has set a new standard for cinematic scoring, proving that a single voice can reshape the way audiences experience storytelling.
11. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is a powerhouse producer and the driving force behind Jennifer Lopez’s hit projects, from Maid in Manhattan to Good Trouble. She’s also an author, with her debut novel Climbing in Heels slated for adaptation into a TV series.
Goldsmith-Thomas demonstrates versatility in both mediums, blending creativity and business savvy. Her career proves that producing, writing, and developing stories requires both vision and tenacity, and she has both in abundance.
10. Liz Garbus
Documentary fans owe much to Liz Garbus, whose work includes What Happened, Miss Simone?, Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper, and the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Netflix series. Garbus excels at turning real-life stories into gripping cinematic experiences.
Her commitment to exploring complex lives and social issues has made her a legend in documentary filmmaking. Garbus shows that storytelling behind the scenes is as compelling and influential as anything on the screen.
9. Gillian Flynn
Gillian Flynn transformed dark literary storytelling into a television and film phenomenon. From writing the novel Gone Girl to adapting it for the big screen and penning Sharp Objects, her works are known for their gripping suspense and unexpected twists.
Flynn’s influence extends beyond the page. Her ability to translate psychological intensity into visual media has reshaped modern thrillers, proving that writers behind the scenes can command as much attention as stars in front of the camera.
8. Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay has shattered barriers as a filmmaker and director. She was the first Black woman to win Best Director at Sundance for Middle of Nowhere and the first to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director for Selma. Her work continues to inspire and redefine the scope of Black women in Hollywood.
DuVernay’s films and initiatives highlight social issues while pushing creative boundaries. Her career is a blueprint for empowerment, showing that vision, courage, and storytelling excellence can reshape an industry.
7. Sandy Powell
Sandy Powell’s influence on costume design is legendary. With three Oscars and three BAFTAs, she’s crafted the looks for films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Gangs of New York. In 2025, she was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Powell blends historical accuracy with daring creativity. Her designs aren’t just visually stunning—they define characters and elevate storytelling, proving that costume design can be both art and narrative force.
6. Pinar Toprak
Pinar Toprak made history by scoring Captain Marvel, the first woman to compose for a major superhero film and a billion-dollar box office hit. Her journey from self-funded audition tapes to blockbuster composer inspires aspiring musicians everywhere.
Toprak shows that breaking barriers takes talent, persistence, and vision. Her work proves that women can dominate genres historically dominated by men while leaving an unforgettable mark on Hollywood soundscapes.
5. Rachel Portman
British composer Rachel Portman was the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Original Score with Emma in 1996. She’s scored over 100 films, including The Cider House Rules and Chocolat, and was awarded an OBE in 2010.
Portman’s music blends emotion and narrative, enhancing films with subtlety and elegance. Her career demonstrates that composition is not just background work; it’s an integral storytelling device that can define cinematic history.
4. Bela Bajaria
As Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria shapes the global viewing habits of millions. Under her leadership, the streaming platform garnered 103 Emmy nominations in 2023 alone. Her decisions dictate what stories reach the world.
Bajaria’s influence goes beyond numbers. Her taste and intuition impact pop culture, proving that behind every hit show is a visionary shaping not just entertainment, but global trends.
3. Ruth E. Carter
Ruth E. Carter is the costume designer behind cultural phenomena like Black Panther and Malcolm X. She’s the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design, and the first to win multiple Oscars in any category.
Carter’s work blends cultural history, authenticity, and creativity. Every design tells a story, proving that fashion in film can educate, inspire, and define cinematic worlds.
2. Kathleen Kennedy
Kathleen Kennedy has produced some of the most beloved films of all time, including Jurassic Park, E.T., and Back to the Future. Since 2012, she’s served as President of Lucasfilm, overseeing the Star Wars franchise and guiding it into a new era.
Her influence is unparalleled. Kennedy demonstrates that producing requires vision, strategy, and an unerring ability to balance creativity with business, a true blueprint for Hollywood power players.
1. Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is the ultimate showrunner, the queen of TV drama whose Shondaland empire includes Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Bridgerton. Her storytelling captivates millions and redefines what television can be.
Rhimes’ work goes beyond entertainment; it inspires, challenges norms, and gives voice to stories that might otherwise go untold. She’s the most influential woman behind the scenes, a true legend whose impact will be felt for generations.
Hollywood may spotlight the actors, but the women behind the scenes are the ones shaping the stories we love. From music and costumes to production and showrunning, these trailblazers prove that influence isn’t measured by screen time. Their vision, creativity, and perseverance are the real magic powering Tinseltown.