Introduction to the Debate
The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey has expressed support for award ceremonies that keep separate categories for male and female actors. The British star, who identifies as non-binary and asks to be referred to with they/her pronouns, said it is important that "recognition for women in the industry is preserved". However, Ramsey also acknowledged the complexity of the issue, particularly when it comes to non-binary and gender-specific individuals.
The Complexity of Award Categories
Ramsey was nominated for Best Actress at the BAFTAs and Emmys, and while they didn’t find it insulting, they did acknowledge that the term "actress" doesn’t entirely fit. The organizers of the Oscars have explored the idea of merging the categories of Best Actor and Best Actress, but this has sparked debate about how non-binary actors should be treated in awards. Other ceremonies, such as the MTV and Brit Awards, have switched to all-encompassing gender-neutral prizes.
Preserving Recognition for Women
Ramsey emphasized the importance of preserving recognition for women in the industry, but also acknowledged that they don’t have the answer to how non-binary and gender-specific individuals should fit into the existing categories. They suggested that one possible solution could be to categorize based on the character depicted, but noted that this could be problematic when it comes to non-binary characters. Ramsey also pointed out that many people prefer to be described as an actress, and that the term shouldn’t be taken away.
The Use of Pronouns
Ramsey, who is 21, said that they hadn’t thought about the use of pronouns until The Last of Us started in 2023, and that it was a question they had to decide on. They acknowledged that they had rejected the term non-binary for a long time because they didn’t want to be seen as "trendy". Ramsey said that they had always felt like they didn’t fit into traditional gender categories, and that they had grown up feeling more like a boy than a girl.
The Ongoing Debate
The question of how awards can categorize actors is a long-term debate in the entertainment industry. Most awards currently invite actors to submit themselves for the category in which they feel comfortable. However, some non-binary actors, such as Emma Corrin and Liv Hewson, have spoken out about the need for more inclusive categories. Others fear that gender-neutral categories would lead to women being underrepresented. The issue remains complex, with no easy solution in sight.
Conclusion
The debate around award categories and non-binary actors is ongoing, with no clear answer. Ramsey’s comments highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for more inclusive and nuanced approaches. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that this debate will continue, with actors, awards ceremonies, and fans weighing in on the best way to recognize and celebrate talent.
