(CNN) Women play starring roles in a flurry of films that will carry through the holiday season. But when it comes to the status of women in Hollywood, as Thursday's Golden Globe nominations suggested, it often feels like there's a step back -- or at least a pause -- for every step forward.

A shortage of quality roles for women -- especially older women -- has been a longstanding concern in the movie business, prompting many actresses to migrate to television.

Still, this year's roster of year-end films -- many chasing awards consideration -- has yielded what feels like an unusually strong crop of female-driven vehicles, although that enthusiasm has been tempered by the lack of recognition for women behind the scenes.

This weekend brings "Mary Queen of Scots," starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, which comes on the heels of another period costume drama, "The Favourite," which amassed Globe bids for all three of its leads, Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone.

Margot Robbie (center) in 'Mary Queen of Scots'

Other new offerings include "Ben is Back," starring Julia Roberts as a mom dealing with the return of her drug-addict son; and "Vox Lux," a provocative, sure-to-be-polarizing drama, with Natalie Portman as a rock star who achieved fame through a public brush with tragedy.

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