BAFTA has handed a setback to nonbinary performers by requiring awards nominees to choose between competing as ‘actors’ or ‘actresses’, following a two-year debate on the complex issue of ‘gendered’ acting categories.
The announcement has placed non-binary performers, such as Emma Corrin, Emma D’Arcy, and Bella Ramsey, in a precarious position.
Film producers are required to “confirm the gender/gender identity of each candidate for nomination,” according to revised guidelines that were released last week.
The entrant is responsible for selecting the category into which they will join, according to a source. BAFTA disclosed that they were conducting “proactive and thoughtful consultation” regarding gendered acting categories and were consulting with “sector peers,
industry stakeholders, and experts” in response to the 2022 decision by their music counterparts, the Brit Awards, to adopt a gender-neutral approach.
In the end, they chose not to implement any changes, thereby effectively excluding the expanding community of non-binary performers.
According to a BAFTA spokesperson, the actor and actress categories would persist; however, the certificate and mask could include the term “performer” if the recipient desired.
Meanwhile, the British no longer have gendered categories, such as Best Male Solo Artist, a change that is widely believed to have been influenced by non-binary singer Sam Smith.
Adele, who was awarded the Best British Artist in 2022, stated on stage, “I comprehend the rationale behind the name of this award; however,
I am deeply passionate about my identity as a female artist.” The Best British Artist shortlist was exclusively male last year, which elicited outrage.
Both the Oscars and the Tonys initiated consultations regarding the potential for gender-neutral categories in 2022. However, they have maintained their ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Actor’ categories.
In recent years, the debate regarding gender-neutral categories has been contentious.
Emma, the heroine of The Crown, has previously stated that awards ceremonies are not “inclusive enough”
and that change would allow all individuals to feel “acknowledged and represented.” She also uses they/them pronouns.
In an interview with the BBC’s Today Programme, Emma expressed her optimism for the possibility of gender-neutral categories at significant awards ceremonies, stating, “I aspire to a future in which that is accomplished.”
At present, I believe that the categories are insufficiently inclusive. It is about the ability of all individuals to feel recognized and represented.
Emma further stated that in order to foster a greater sense of urgency regarding the subject, it was necessary to increase the representation of women in entertainment industry positions.
They inquired, “Is it necessary to specify whether you are being nominated for a male or female role when it comes to categories?”
The conversation should focus on the lack of representation in the material itself, in the content that we are viewing for non-binary,
queer, and transgender individuals. While it is permissible to discuss awards and their representation, I believe that this will produce significant change.
I believe that there will be a greater sense of urgency to resolve these concerns when those roles become more prevalent, which will result in a greater number of individuals and actors portraying them.
Emma has publicly identified as non-binary since 2021 and has shared their journey with their gender identity on social media.
