why Lilly is being hailed as a powerful tribute to motherhood — a film that explores the strength, complexity, and fierce devotion of women. Read the guest column now.
The upcoming film Lilly, set for theatrical release on May 9, 2025, shines a spotlight on the extraordinary life of Lilly Ledbetter, a tireless advocate for equal pay and women’s rights. Directed by Rachel Feldman and starring Academy Award-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson, the film delves into Ledbetter’s decades-long battle against workplace discrimination and her pivotal role in shaping labor law in the United States.
she was being paid significantly less than her male counterparts for the same work. Upon discovering this disparity, she filed a lawsuit that escalated to the U.S. Supreme Court. Although the Court ruled against her in 2007 due to a statute of limitations technicality, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s dissent encouraged Ledbetter to take her fight to Congress. Her efforts culminated in the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, the first bill signed into law by President Barack Obama, which reset the statute of limitations for filing equal-pay lawsuits with each discriminatory paycheck.
The film Lilly not only portrays Ledbetter’s legal battle but also offers an intimate look at her personal life, highlighting the emotional and familial toll of her activism. Clarkson’s portrayal captures the resilience and determination that defined Ledbetter’s character.
Lilly premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 10, 2024. Tragically, Ledbetter passed away two days later at the age of 86, having seen her life’s story honored on screen. Her legacy endures, inspiring continued advocacy for workplace equality.p
As the film prepares for its wide release, it serves as both a tribute to Ledbetter’s groundbreaking contributions and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights in the workplace.