BAFTA tells non-binary stars to pick a side as they refuse to introduce woke gender-neutral categories

BAFTA has dealt a blow to non-binary artists by deciding – after two years of debating the thorny issue of ‘gendered’ acting categories – that nominees must pick a side and decide whether they wish to compete as an ‘actor’ or an ‘actress’.

The announcement puts non-binary artists – including Emma Corrin, Emma D’Arcy and Bella Ramsey – in a difficult position.

Last week, revised guidelines were released stating that film producers must “affirm the sex/gender identity of each candidate for nomination.”

A source added: ‘It is up to the participant in which category he/she registers.’

After its music peers, the Brit Awards, decided to go gender neutral in 2022, BAFTA announced that it was conducting “proactive and thoughtful consultations” on the topic of gendered acting categories and was speaking to “industry peers, stakeholders and experts”.

The announcement puts non-binary artists – including Emma Corrin, Emma D’Arcy (left) and Bella Ramsey (right) – in a difficult position

Ultimately, they decided not to make any changes, thereby excluding the growing group of non-binary artists.

A BAFTA spokesperson said the ‘actor’ and ‘actress’ categories would be retained, but the certificate and mask could be labelled ‘artist’ if the winner so wished.

The British, meanwhile, no longer have gender-specific categories such as Best Male Solo Artist (a move widely believed to have been inspired by non-binary singer Sam Smith).

Adele, who won Best British Artist in 2022, said on stage: “I understand why the name of this award has changed, but I really love being a woman and a female artist.”

Last year, there was outrage when it emerged that the shortlist for Best British Artist consisted entirely of men.

In 2022, the Oscars and Tonys also began discussions about the possibility of gender-neutral categories, but both organizations have retained their Best Actress and Best Actor categories.

The debate over gender-neutral categories has proven controversial in recent years.

The Crown star Emma – who uses the pronouns “they” and “them” – previously claimed that awards ceremonies are not “inclusive enough” and that change would ensure everyone felt “recognised and represented”.

Speaking to the BBC Today Programme about the possibility of gender-neutral categories at major awards ceremonies, Emma said: ‘I hope for a future where that happens.

“I think the categories are not inclusive enough right now. It’s about making sure everyone feels recognized and represented.”

The Brits no longer have gender categories such as Best Male Solo Artist – a move widely believed to have been spearheaded by non-binary singer Sam Smith (pictured this month)

Emma added that more representation is needed across the different roles in the entertainment industry to create ‘more urgency’ around addressing this issue.

They asked, ‘Do we have to specifically indicate in the categories whether you’re being nominated for a female or a male role?

‘You can talk about awards and representation, but the conversation really needs to be about more representation in the material itself, in the content that we see for non-binary people, for queer people, for trans people, and then I think a lot will change.

“As those roles come into play, meaning more people and more actors play those roles, I think there will be more urgency to address these questions.”

Emma has publicly identified as non-binary since 2021 and has shared her gender identity journey publicly on social media.

The actress told The Today Programme: ‘Your gender identity is very much about how you feel and how you want to be seen by others, and that can be very triggering and can make you feel uncomfortable if you’re not being seen fairly or correctly.

“I think it was necessary for me to be open and honest about it, otherwise I would have felt like I was being misjudged.”

The film star added that they were not concerned that talking openly about their gender identity would limit the roles they would be offered in the future.

Emma explained: “I would never sacrifice my integrity or honesty because of work I may or may not get,” they said.

‘My non-binaryness is not a rejection of femininity or my womanhood in any way. It’s kind of an embrace of it.

“I still want to play women. My experiences on Earth have always been female, and now it’s a very fluid one.”

All Saints’ Shaznay Lewis (pictured in March) claimed women are being ‘ignored and excluded’ by the gender-neutral Brit Awards after bosses scrapped categories for men and women

In contrast, All Saints star Shaznay Lewis warned that women risk being “ignored and excluded” by gender-neutral categories.

The 48-year-old singer referenced the gender-neutral Brit Awards when she said that removing male and female categories will mean a generation of girls miss out on the chance to win.

She told the Radio Times: ‘Progressive ideas should benefit everyone, but how can that be the case if we don’t recognise female artists – the female artists who are symbols of empowerment for millions of young, ambitious women?

‘The birth of the new award was accompanied by the demise of both the Best Male and Best Female award categories. Women, as expected, suffered as a result.

“It doesn’t feel right and I have to ask why women are being ignored and excluded now. Is it because we’re not seen as equally bankable by the industry?”