​​‘Women wouldn’t get nominated’: Last of Us star Bella Ramsey says awards shows need male and female categories

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Bella Ramsey Advocates for Separate Gender Categories in Awards Shows"

​​‘Women wouldn’t get nominated’: Last of Us star Bella Ramsey says awards shows need male and female categories analysis cover image The Guardian 8.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/07/women-wouldnt-get-nominated-last-of-us-star-bella-ramsey-says-awards-shows-need-male-and-female-categories
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TruthLens AI Summary

Bella Ramsey, the star of 'The Last of Us', has voiced strong support for maintaining separate award categories for male and female performers in the entertainment industry. Speaking on the Louis Theroux Podcast, Ramsey highlighted the importance of gender distinctions in award nominations, arguing that without separate categories, many women might be overlooked. The British actress, who identifies as non-binary, expressed concern over the potential implications of merging categories, stating, "I think it’s so important that recognition for women in the industry is preserved." Although Ramsey acknowledges the complexity of the conversation around gender in awards, they emphasize that current structures help ensure visibility for female talent within a competitive industry. They also raised questions about how non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals would fit into any new category system, acknowledging the ongoing debate without claiming to have all the answers.

Ramsey's comments come in the context of their own experiences in award nominations, having received nods for Best Actress at both the BAFTAs and the Emmys. They noted a feeling of discomfort with being labeled strictly as an actress, preferring the more inclusive term 'actor' while recognizing the nuances of identity in the industry. The conversation around gender-neutral awards has gained traction over the years, with some awards shows, like the Grammys, adopting gender-neutral categories. However, acting awards have largely retained their gendered structure. Ramsey's candid reflections on their identity, including their journey to identifying as non-binary, shed light on the broader discourse surrounding gender and representation in the arts, indicating a need for ongoing dialogue and evolution within award frameworks to reflect diverse identities and experiences.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights Bella Ramsey's views on the necessity of maintaining separate award categories for male and female performers in the entertainment industry. This topic comes at a time of ongoing debate about gender identity and representation in various fields, including acting. By expressing their perspective, Ramsey contributes to the larger conversation about gender inclusivity and recognition for all performers.

Implications of Separate Categories

Ramsey's assertion that the current awards framework is essential for recognizing women in the industry raises questions about inclusivity. They suggest that without gendered categories, many female performers could be overlooked, which could lead to fewer opportunities for women in a competitive landscape. This highlights a tension between striving for gender neutrality and ensuring equitable recognition for historically marginalized groups.

Discussion on Gender Identity

The acknowledgment of their non-binary identity adds another layer to the discussion. Ramsey's uncertainty about where non-binary individuals fit within existing frameworks shows the complexities of gender identity in awards categorization. This reflects broader societal challenges in adapting to evolving understandings of gender, with Ramsey expressing a sense of ambivalence towards the terms "actor" and "actress."

Awards Show Trends

The article notes trends in other awards shows, such as the Grammys and Brit Awards, which have moved towards gender-neutral categories. This context is significant as it indicates a shift in the entertainment industry, potentially influencing how awards are structured in the future. The Academy Awards' exploration of gender-neutral acting categories suggests a growing recognition of the need to adapt to societal changes.

Potential Societal Impact

The conversation surrounding gender categories in awards could have broader implications for societal attitudes toward gender and representation. If awards shows begin to adopt gender-neutral categories, it may encourage a more inclusive environment in the entertainment industry, ultimately influencing how gender identity is perceived in society at large. Additionally, this discussion could affect the economic landscape by changing how talent is marketed and recognized.

Audience Reception

This topic resonates particularly with communities advocating for gender inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights. By addressing the importance of recognizing diverse identities, the article appeals to a demographic that values social justice and equality. This could foster a supportive community around Ramsey's views, further influencing public opinion on the matter.

Market Influence

While the article may not have a direct impact on stock prices or market trends, it could influence entertainment industry stakeholders, such as production companies and talent agencies, to reconsider their approaches to gender representation. This shift could affect how they invest in projects and promote talent, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Relevance to Global Dynamics

The discussions surrounding gender identity and representation are increasingly relevant in today's global discourse, reflecting broader societal shifts. This news aligns with ongoing movements advocating for equality and diversity, making it a timely addition to current conversations worldwide.

The article appears to be a genuine effort to address important issues in the entertainment industry, presenting a perspective that encourages discussion rather than manipulation. However, the complexities of gender identity and representation mean that the conversation will continue to evolve, as will public perceptions and industry practices.

In conclusion, the reliability of this article stems from its engagement with a relevant and ongoing cultural debate, showcasing a nuanced perspective on the intersection of gender and representation in awards shows.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/07/women-wouldnt-get-nominated-last-of-us-star-bella-ramsey-says-awards-shows-need-male-and-female-categories

The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey has said awards shows should preserve separate prize categories for male and female entertainers.

The British star, who identifies as non-binary, said it was important to distinguish performers, as “a lot of women wouldn’t get nominated” if there was one category for all actors.

Speaking on theLouis Theroux Podcast, Ramsey said: “I think it’s so important that recognition for women in the industry is preserved.

“The gendered categories conversation is really interesting. I don’t have the answer, and I wish that there was an easy way around it, but I think that it is really important that we have a female category and a male category.

“But then, where do non-binary or gender non-conforming people fit into that? I don’t know,” they added.

Ramsey was nominated for best actress at the Baftas in 2024 and Emmys in 2023 for their portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us. The Emmys were criticised for nominating Ramsey in the actress category.

“I’ve always called myself an actor, but I don’t think that those words have to be taken away,” Ramsey said on the podcast.

“If people call me an actress, I have a ‘that’s not quite right’ instinct, but I 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 debate over gender-neutral entertainment awards has simmered for years. The Grammys, which celebrate achievements in the music industry, have been gender neutral since 2012, and the Brit awards scrapped male and female categories in 2022.

Acting gongs have almost entirely remained gendered, although the Academy Awards were reported to be exploring the possibility of gender-neutral acting categories last year.

Ramsey came out as non-binary in 2023. They told Theroux they had never thought about pronouns previously, but had to choose when the first series of The Last of Us was coming out.

“I was so stressed out about it because I didn’t know, and I didn’t really care,” they said. Ramsey told Theroux they had previously rejected the term “non-binary” because of not wanting to be seen as “trendy”.

“It was just something that had been very obvious since I was young. I’d always call myself a tomboy, but it wasn’t that I was like a boyish girl. I was always a bit of an in-between, leaning more to the boy’s side to be honest.

“I feel like I grew up more as a little boy than I did a little girl. I always felt more masculine, more on that side of the spectrum, I guess.”

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Source: The Guardian