Why, in 2024, Do Award Shows Still Have Gendered Acting Categories?
2023 should have been Liv Hewson’s year. The 27-year-old actor quickly became a fan favorite on the Showtime series Yellowjackets, playing the tough-as-nails, secretly soft-hearted queer soccer goalie Van Palmer to perfection. But when Emmys season rolled around, a long-standing issue with the traditionally gendered award-show format reared its head again: Hewson, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, ultimately chose not to submit themself for consideration.
The Issue of Gendered Award Categories
Hewson belongs to a spate of nonbinary and gender-nonconforming actors who have found themselves at a crossroads during awards season, torn between receiving industry recognition for their work and being seen as their authentic selves. The gender segregation of award shows poses a challenge for nonbinary performers like Hewson, Bella Ramsay, Emma Corrin, Asia Kate Dillon, Indya Moore, Sara Ramirez, and Lily Gladstone.
The Call for Change
With an increasing number of nonbinary and gender-nonconforming actors in TV and film, the question arises: Why are award shows still clinging to a format that forces honorees to pick a gender? Calls for a shift to less gendered categories have been made, citing the need for inclusivity and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community.
Challenging the Status Quo
The Academy, known for its lack of diversity, faces the challenge of adapting to reflect the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community. While some argue that gender-neutral categories may overlook women, examples from other award shows like the Independent Spirit Awards and the Berlin Film Festival show that it is possible to reward performers without binary gender divisions.
Looking Towards the Future
As viewership of award shows declines and cultural norms evolve, there is a growing need for the Oscars and other major award shows to address the reality of gender diversity in America in 2024. By embracing gender inclusivity, these institutions can stay relevant and reflect the diverse landscape of the film industry and society as a whole.
In conclusion, the time has come for award shows to move away from gendered acting categories and towards a more inclusive and representative approach that celebrates talent regardless of gender identity.
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