Woman of the day: Kathryn Bigelow.

Image courtesy of The Times.

Okay so I said I'd create a list in honour of International Women's Day of some of the women who've inspired me along this rocky-roaded journey that is Feminism. But life has got in the way, the clock has struck twelve and I'm in danger of turning into a pumpkin.

So as not to leave good intentions entirely half-arsed, here's to Kathryn Bigelow, finally the first woman ever (that's right EVER) to win an Oscar for best director, for her film 'The Hurt Locker'. An incredibly male dominated industry, with a disproportionate emphasis on youth -particularly with regards to its female actors - has finally acknowledged the work of a female in a directorial role. As far as I know only three women have previously been nominated for this accolade, so its no mean feat that Bigelow walked away with the wee golden man.

Still, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on the film industry more generally. Was this a case of guilty tokenism - the Academy admitting they couldn't keep ignoring the work of female directors - quite easy to do, when according to Xan Brookes of The Guardian about 93% of the directorial work is done by men, or does this mark a turning point? Perhaps this will inspire more young women to work behind the screen, rather than in front of it. Perhaps more films directed by women will be deemed worthy of investment. Only time will tell.

For now though, all I can say is this news made me smile. For on International Women's Day, the Oscar for best director, for the first time ever went to a woman. About bloody time too!