Performers who aren’t male or female, like Emma Corrin, Emma D’Arcy, and Bella Ramsey, have to make a tough choice. The new rules from BAFTA require film makers to confirm the gender or gender identity of nominees.

In contrast, the Brit Awards added gender-neutral categories in 2022 after non-binary singer Sam Smith pushed for them. BAFTA says it talked to experts and people with a stake in the business but ultimately decided not to make any changes.

 

A BAFTA representative said that the categories for actor and actress will stay the same, but winners can choose to have the word “performer” added to their award and mask.

In 2022, the Oscars and Tonys also looked into gender-neutral titles, but they kept the ones they had before.

Emma Corrin was worried that award events weren’t welcoming enough, and she pushed for gender-neutral categories so that everyone could feel like they were recognised and included.

Corrin stressed how important it is for the entertainment business to have more women and people from under-represented groups in order to make real changes.

Gender-neutral categories are still being debated, which shows that we need to understand each other better and include everyone.

The choice by BAFTA has led to a bigger discussion about identity and representation in the entertainment business.

Non-binary performers and supporters say that gendered categories make it harder to be creative and miss out on chances.

Others think that gender-neutral groups would help make things more open and diverse.

The problem goes beyond awards shows and shows how the business as a whole has a hard time with representation.

No matter how the conversation changes, one t