This is not an issue exclusive to Hollywood. Not a day goes by that I don't ask myself "how the fuck did she/he get that position and manage to keep it."
A work buddy was talking to my boss today and he later told me my boss said I made him nervous. I'm the only one in his group that has management experience. This guy wants my affirmation! Holy shit. He's got a PhD in experimental pysch or something, He's got more smarts in his pinkie then I have and he wants my affirmation - WOW. I knew I could be intimidating, but dang, I need to work on my I'm-approachable-and-sweet-demeanor or something.