Lilly Ledbetter's Fight for Equal Pay Comes to the Screen

The new film "Lilly" chronicles the true story of one woman's historic battle against workplace discrimination.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:33pm

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Lilly, a new film starring Patricia Clarkson, tells the story of Lilly Ledbetter's decades-long fight for equal pay at the Goodyear tire factory in Alabama. The movie follows Ledbetter's journey from factory worker to champion of equal rights, chronicling her legal battle that ultimately led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first law signed by President Obama.

Why it matters

The film highlights the ongoing challenges working women face in achieving pay equity, and how Ledbetter's courageous fight for justice had far-reaching implications for workers across the country. By depicting this complex legal and social issue through a gripping human drama, the movie encourages audiences to reflect on the injustices that may be happening in their own workplaces.

The details

Lilly Ledbetter worked at the Goodyear tire factory for nearly 20 years, unaware that she was earning thousands of dollars less per year than her male colleagues doing the same work. After an anonymous note revealed the pay discrepancy, Ledbetter sued Goodyear, beginning a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court. Although she ultimately lost her case due to technical issues, her fight led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which reset the clock on the time limit for filing pay discrimination claims.

  • Lilly premiered on October 10, 2024, at the Hamptons International Film Festival, just two days before the passing of Lilly Ledbetter herself.
  • The film saw a limited theatrical release on May 9, 2025, coinciding with Mother's Day weekend.
  • The digital release followed shortly after, with the film becoming widely available on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home by June 10, 2025.

The players

Lilly Ledbetter

A former factory worker at Goodyear who fought a long legal battle against pay discrimination, ultimately leading to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

Patricia Clarkson

The acclaimed actress who stars as Lilly Ledbetter in the film.

Rachel Feldman

The director of the film, who first introduced herself to Lilly Ledbetter in 2013 and spent over a decade bringing the project to life.

J. Todd Harris

The producer who joined the project in 2020, helping to secure additional talent and funding.

Meryl Streep

The acclaimed actress who endorsed the film in 2020, helping to attract more talent and resources to the project.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.