In a move that’s sparking serious side-eye, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) are standing firm on keeping gendered categories in their awards shows, despite mounting pressure to go gender-neutral.
Non-Binary Stars Demand Representation at the BAFTA Awards
This decision comes after non-binary stars like Emma Corrin, Bella Ramsey, and Emma D’Arcy found themselves stuck choosing between “Best Actor” or “Best Actress” categories, thanks to the current rules.
The backlash isn’t exactly new, and the organization’s chief exec even admitted back in 2023 that talks about genderless categories were on the table. Apparently, these discussions have been in the works since 2022, with the promise of “proactive and thoughtful consultation.”
“It’s difficult for me at the moment trying to justify in my head being non-binary and being nominated in female categories,” Emma Corrin told BBC. “When it comes to categories, do we need to make it specific as to whether you’re being nominated for a female role or a male role?
But here we are, and Bafta is still asking film producers to declare the gender identity of nominees ahead of the 2025 ceremony, according to a scoop from the Daily Mail.
The Bafta website recently confirmed that next year’s acting categories will, once again, be split between male and female performers.
A spokesperson from Bafta told HuffPost UK, “We review our Awards categories every year… however, our industry-wide consultation on this subject will continue for future years.” So, maybe there’s still hope for change, but don’t hold your breath.
Interestingly, other creative categories like directing, cinematography, and fashion are already gender-neutral at the Baftas. And across the pond, the Brit Awards made the leap to gender-neutral categories in 2023.
That change saw Adele, Harry Styles, and Raye snagging the British Artist of the Year award, while its international equivalent was taken by female powerhouses like Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and SZA.
Read also: 10 Non-Binary Artists That Should Definitely Be On Your Radar
Meanwhile, the Oscars have also dipped a toe into the gender-neutral conversation. Academy CEO Bill Kramer recently confirmed to Variety that discussions are in the “early exploration stage.” And with big names like Lady Gaga and Elliot Page backing the move, it’s clear that this debate isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
So, will the Baftas eventually cave to the pressure, or are they set in their ways? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Hollywood’s gendered awards drama is far from over.
