London, England — Bella Ramsey, the star of “The Last of Us,” has expressed her belief that awards shows should maintain distinct categories for male and female performers. In a recent discussion on the Louis Theroux Podcast, the British actress, who identifies as non-binary, emphasized the importance of recognizing female talent in the industry.
Ramsey argued that without gender-specific categories, many women might miss out on nominations. “Recognition for women in the industry must be preserved,” she stated, acknowledging the complexities of the conversation surrounding gender categories. While she believes in maintaining male and female distinctions, Ramsey also raised questions about the inclusion of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals in such categorizations.
Having been nominated for the BAFTA and Emmy awards for her role as Ellie in “The Last of Us,” Ramsey has navigated the challenges of identity in a space that often defines talent along traditional lines. She pointed out that while she tends to identify as an “actor,” the label “actress” does not offend her, although it feels somewhat misaligned with her identity. “It’s just a peculiar term that doesn’t quite fit,” she remarked.
The discourse around gender-neutral awards has gained traction in recent years. The Grammy Awards embraced a non-gendered approach in 2012, and in 2022, the Brit Awards eliminated separate categories for men and women. In contrast, acting awards have largely retained their gendered structure, though reports indicate that the Academy Awards have contemplated moving toward gender-neutral categories.
Ramsey publicly came out as non-binary in 2023, sharing the journey of exploring her identity during the launch of “The Last of Us.” She expressed that, prior to this, she had never considered the significance of pronouns. “I felt stressed about having to choose,” she admitted, noting that her understanding of identity has always evolved rather than being a trend.
Reflecting on her childhood, Ramsey described herself as “a bit of an in-between,” leaning toward masculine expressions. “I grew up feeling more like a little boy than a little girl,” she shared. This self-awareness of her gender identity suggests a deeper conversation about inclusivity in both the entertainment industry and broader society.
As discussions around gender representation continue to unfold, Ramsey’s insights highlight the complexities faced by performers who may not fit neatly into traditional categories. The debate over how best to recognize all performers in awards shows remains ongoing, revealing the changing landscape of identity in the arts.