The Last Of Us star shares nuanced perspective on representation and recognition in an evolving industry.
In a refreshingly candid conversation on The Louis Theroux Podcast, nonbinary actor Bella Ramsey offered thoughtful insights into the ongoing debate around gendered acting categories. The critically acclaimed performer, who rose to prominence with their powerful portrayal in HBO’s hit series The Last Of Us, acknowledged the layered complexities of this issue facing the entertainment industry.
“I don’t have the answer and I wish that there was something that was an easy way around it,” Ramsey explained, emphasizing their belief that “it is really important that we have a female category and a male category” to ensure that “recognition for women in the industry is preserved.” Their perspective highlights a crucial concern shared by many—how to create more inclusive spaces without inadvertently diminishing hard-won visibility for underrepresented groups.
Ramsey’s comments reflect deep consideration of how award categories might better serve the diverse spectrum of gender identities. They suggested potentially renaming categories to “best performance in a female character,” while acknowledging this approach would create new challenges for actors portraying nonbinary characters on screen—an increasingly important form of representation.
Despite receiving an Emmy nomination in the Lead Actress In A Drama Series category in 2023 (with potential for another nomination for The Last Of Us’ second season), Ramsey described their personal discomfort with the “actress” label. “I have a guttural, ‘That’s not quite right,’ instinct to it,” they shared, while adding, “I just don’t take it too seriously… it doesn’t feel like an attack on my identity.” Their experience illustrates the personal negotiation many performers navigate between industry structures and authentic self-expression.
Ramsey’s perspective exists within a broader conversation that includes diverse nonbinary voices. Yellowjackets actor Liv Hewson made headlines by withdrawing from Emmy consideration in 2023, explaining, “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.” This stance resonates with other prominent nonbinary actors including Billions’ Asia Kate Dillon, Hacks’ Carl Clemons-Hopkins (who made history as the first nonbinary actor to win an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor In A Comedy), House of the Dragon’s Emma D’Arcy, The Crown’s Emma Corrin, and Broadway performer Justin David Sullivan.
The industry appears to be responding to these important conversations. Several prestigious awards bodies have already implemented gender-neutral categories, including the Gotham Awards (since 2021), the Independent Spirit Awards, and the Berlin Film Festival. The Grammy Awards have utilized gender-neutral categories since 2012. Even the Academy Awards are reportedly in “the early exploration stage” of restructuring their gendered categories, though they remain “still investigating how it could look.”
As the entertainment world continues evolving toward greater inclusivity, thoughtful voices like Ramsey’s contribute valuable perspective to a conversation that balances celebration of progress with recognition of the ongoing work needed to create truly representative spaces for all performers.
