Are Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain Changing Women's Roles in Hollywood?

During a talk at the SXSW Film Festival, Lena Dunham spoke about the level of sexism in Hollywood and how her "Girls" co-star Adam Driver has had more opportunities in the industry than any of her other co-stars.

"There isn't a place right now for me in studio-funded movies," said Dunham, Variety reported.

Despite Dunham's words, recent franchises and Oscar winners seem to tell a different tale of Hollywood. 

Hollywood has always seen a lack of complex female roles and has often relegated women to playing femme fatale or innocent girl cliches. However, a recent trend shows that Hollywood is making more room for women to take on more nuanced roles.

Last year proved a successful year for Jessica Chastain as she dominated the first weeks of the year with her Oscar-nominated film "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Mama." Both films ended up becoming huge hits and proved Chastain was a viable draw. This year she will star in "A Most Violent Year," which could define her box office potential.

Sandra Bullock recently starred in "Gravity," which became the sixth-highest grossing film of the year. The movie made $271 million domestically and $712 million worldwide. The movie also garnered 10 Oscar nominations and won seven. It was one of the biggest surprises.

Jennifer Lawrence has also shown her strength in attracting moviegoers and is increasingly becoming one of the most popular celebrities. She has carried the first two "Hunger Games" movies to make over $800 million domestically and has also starred in "American Hustle" and "Silver Linings Playbook," two extremely well received films, which were also big hits at the box office. Lawrence has two more "Hunger Games" films on the way, which should continue the franchise's success. Additionally, the actress has already been offered a number of important leading roles including "East of Eden" and "Burial Rites."

Cate Blanchett proved that women could still sell tickets even if it is with a smaller independent film. "Blue Jasmine" may not have been the highest-grossing Woody Allen film, however, it still managed to make a staggering $31 million. She also won an Oscar for her role.

Other films led by women last year included "Philomena," "Saving Mr. Banks," "August: Osage County" and "Blue is the Warmest Color."

Disney has also realized the power of women in film. Angelina Jolie is headlining their latest blockbuster "Maleficent." The film is expected to sell as well as "Alice in Wonderland" did in 2010; that film also included a number of major female roles.

Lionsgate recognized the attraction to the "Hunger Games" and decided to produce Veronica Roth's "Divergent," which could become the next big franchise and could also reassure Hollywood that woman can sell big movies. Shailene Woodley is on the verge of a major career as estimates have already tracked a potential $65 million opening.

After a successful 2013, this year could see the potential of leading women rising. Mia Wasikowska lead the new film "Tracks," while Charlotte Gainsbourg takes on a challenging role in Lar Von Triers' "Nymphomaniac." Amy Adams will tackle the role of Margaret Keane in "Big Eyes," while Marion Cotillard will appear in "The Immigrant," her most vivid American role to date.

Carey Mulligan takes the leading role in Thomas Vinterberg's "Far From a Madding Crowd," while Quvenzhane Wallis could also become a box office draw in "Annie." Natalie Portman will also get a title role in a female-oriented western, "Jane Got a Gun."

Nicole Kidman will grace the Cannes Film Festival for the third straight year, this time headlining the opening of the festival in "Grace of Monaco."

While woman still do not get as much attention as men in Hollywood, the trend is clearly changing.