Bella Ramsey, the non-binary actor acclaimed for roles in The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, has publicly supported the continuation of gendered acting award categories. Despite identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns, Ramsey emphasizes the importance of maintaining separate categories for male and female performers to ensure women’s recognition in the entertainment industry.
In a recent appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Ramsey discussed the complexities surrounding gendered awards. They acknowledged that while the current system doesn’t perfectly accommodate non-binary actors, eliminating gender distinctions could inadvertently marginalize women. Citing the 2023 Brit Awards, where no women were nominated after adopting a gender-neutral “Best Artist” category, Ramsey highlighted the potential risks of such changes.
Ramsey also reflected on their personal experiences, noting that although they don’t identify as female, they were comfortable being nominated in the “Lead Actress” category at the Emmys for The Last of Us. They expressed a desire for more inclusive solutions, such as categories based on the character’s gender, but recognized the challenges due to the scarcity of non-binary roles.
The discussion underscores the ongoing debate within the entertainment industry about how to balance inclusivity with the need to recognize and celebrate diverse talents. While some award shows have adopted gender-neutral categories, concerns remain about ensuring equitable representation for all performers.
Ramsey’s perspective adds a nuanced voice to the conversation, advocating for a thoughtful approach that preserves recognition for women while seeking ways to inclusively honor non-binary and gender-nonconforming artists.
