It is impossible to provide an exact number of Oscar-winning films that pass the Bechdel test because the test is subjective and its application can vary.
The Bechdel test, created by cartoonist Alison Bechdel, measures a film's representation of women. To pass, a film must have at least two female characters who:
- Talk to each other
- About something other than a man
Many films, including Oscar winners, fail to meet this seemingly simple criteria. For example, The Silence of the Lambs (1991) features two strong female characters, but their entire conversation revolves around the male antagonist, Hannibal Lecter.
However, other Oscar-winning films, such as Thelma & Louise (1991) and Moonlight (2016), clearly pass the Bechdel test.
While the Bechdel test is not a perfect measure of gender representation, it serves as a valuable tool for highlighting the lack of female-centric narratives in film.
It is important to note that the Bechdel test is only one metric for evaluating gender representation in film. Other factors, such as the complexity and depth of female characters, the diversity of female voices, and the portrayal of women's experiences, are also crucial.
