Bella Ramsey Shares Their Take On Debate Around Gendered Categories At Awards Shows
The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey has shared their thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding gendered categories at acting awards shows.
In recent years, many non-binary performers have been required to submit themselves in the gendered Best Actor or Best Actress categories in order to be recognised at ceremonies like the Baftas, Golden Globes, Emmys and Oscars.
Because of this, many critics have been calling for organisers to ditch categories specifically for male and female performers, in lieu of one gender-neutral Best Actor prize, in a move that would hopefully promote inclusivity of gender non-conforming performers.
After her Oscar win in 2019, Lady Gaga said she hoped the Academy would introduce gender-neutral categories in the future, while Emma Corrin – who is non-binary – has also backed these calls for other awards shows.
Bella – who disclosed their own non-binary gender identity while promoting season one of The Last Of Us in 2023 – was asked for their take during an interview with Louis Theroux on his podcast.
They responded: “I think it’s so important that the recognition for women in this industry is preserved.
“I think the ‘gendered categories’ conversation’s a really interesting one and I don’t have the answer. I wish that there was something that was an easy way around it.”
Bella claimed: “I think that it is really important that we have a female category and a male category – but then, where do non-binary and gender con-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.”
In 2023, non-binary performer Liv Hewson chose not to submit themself for Emmy consideration for their work in Yellowjackets due to the issue of gendered categories.
They said at the time: “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.
“It’s quite straightforward and not that loaded. I can’t submit myself for this because there’s no space for me.”
At the time, Bella said that they’d also considered not submitting themself at the Emmys, but ultimately chose to enter into that year’s Best Actress race.
They told Vanity Fair: “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.”
Similarly, British singer Sam Smith declined to submit themself for consideration at the 2021 Brit Awards.
The Brits eventually removed gendered categories in 2022, replacing Best British and Best International Male and Female with just Best British Artist and Best International Artist.
Adele won the inaugural award, but controversy arose a year later, when the Brits failed to recognise a single woman in the category.
Since then, the number of nominees in this category has been increased, with Raye and Charli XCX winning it in 2024 and 2025, respectively.