Bella Ramsey, the star of HBO's acclaimed series The Last of Us, has shared their insights on the contentious debate surrounding gendered categories at acting awards shows. As discussions about inclusivity and representation intensify, many non-binary performers find themselves navigating a landscape that often requires them to fit into traditional gendered categories such as Best Actor or Best Actress. This ongoing dilemma has sparked calls from critics advocating for the elimination of these categories in favor of a single, gender-neutral award.
During a recent episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, articulated their views on the subject. "I think it’s so important that the recognition for women in this industry is preserved," they stated, emphasizing the need to maintain female and male categories while acknowledging the challenges faced by gender non-conforming individuals. "But then, where do non-binary and gender non-conforming people fit into that? I don’t know. I’ve literally sat and tried to think my way to the answer, and haven’t got there," Ramsey admitted.
Ramsey's comments come amid a broader movement within the entertainment industry to reconsider how performances are categorized. In recent years, awards shows like the Gotham Awards and Spirit Awards have moved towards gender-neutral categories, eliminating separate Best Actor and Best Actress awards. This shift aims to create a more inclusive environment for performers who do not identify strictly as male or female. However, the question remains: does this approach risk diminishing the visibility and recognition of women in the industry?
Notably, Lady Gaga expressed similar sentiments back in 2019 after her Oscar win, hoping for a future where gender-neutral categories would be the norm. Emma Corrin, another prominent non-binary figure in the industry, has also supported the call for awards shows to adopt gender-neutral categories.
In 2023, non-binary performer Liv Hewson opted not to submit for Emmy consideration for their work in Yellowjackets, citing the lack of a suitable category. "There’s not a place for me in the acting categories. It would be inaccurate for me to submit myself as an actress. It neither makes sense for me to be lumped in with the boys," they stated, highlighting the limitations imposed by the existing categories.
Ramsey also considered not submitting for the Emmys but ultimately chose to enter the Best Actress category. They expressed their desire for non-binary actors to be celebrated, stating, "I don’t want the limitations in terms of the language in the categories to be a reason that non-binary actors like me can’t be celebrated. And it can open up a conversation about how it feels – as long as I’m aware of the fact that it’s not ideal, but also that finding alternatives is really complex."
Adding to the conversation, British singer Sam Smith declined to submit for consideration at the 2021 Brit Awards. The Brits later removed gendered categories in 2022, replacing Best British and Best International Male and Female with just Best British Artist and Best International Artist. While Adele won the inaugural award, controversy erupted the following year when no women were recognized in the category, leading to an increase in the number of nominees.
Ramsey's perspective is particularly valuable given their own experiences in the industry. They shared that while they do not identify as female, being labeled as an "actress" does not feel entirely accurate. "I have a guttural, ‘That’s not quite right’ instinct to [being called an actress]," Ramsey explained. "But I just don’t take it too seriously. It doesn’t feel like an attack on my identity. It’s just a funny thing that doesn’t really fit."
The 21-year-old actor reflected on their upbringing, stating, "I feel like I grew up more as a little boy than I did a little girl. I always felt more masculine or... yeah, more on that side of the spectrum, I guess." This personal context adds depth to their advocacy for maintaining separate categories, as they recognize the importance of representation for women in the industry.
As the debate over gendered categories continues, Ramsey's thoughts highlight the complexities involved in redefining how performers are recognized. While the push for gender-neutral awards aims to foster inclusivity, it also raises concerns about the potential erasure of women's achievements in the industry. As the entertainment world grapples with these issues, the voices of actors like Ramsey will be crucial in shaping the future of awards recognition.
The conversation around gender categories is not new, yet it remains a pressing concern as society evolves. Many performers, including trans actors, are navigating this landscape, with individuals like Elliot Page being eligible for Best Actor and Karla Sofía Gascón for Best Actress. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and representation, challenging traditional norms in the entertainment industry.
Ultimately, the journey towards a more inclusive awards system will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration among industry stakeholders. As performers like Bella Ramsey continue to advocate for their peers, the hope is that the industry will find a way to recognize and celebrate all artists, regardless of gender identity.
