The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that it can not be introducing gender-neutral categories at its awards ceremony.
Despite growing pressure to acknowledge non-binary talent, BAFTA has opted to keep up its traditional male/female categorization, seemingly telling non-binary stars to decide on a side if they need to be recognized for awards.
The move by BAFTA sparked serious contention on social media, as fans shared their varied reactions.
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No Gender-Neutral Acting Categories At The BAFTA Awards
In response to the Each day Mail, BAFTA has snubbed non-binary performers after it opted against making a “non-gendered” acting category for award recognitions.
It noted that nominees would now must select whether or not they compete as “actors” or “actresses.”
The organization released revised guidelines last week, noting that film producers must “confirm the gender/gender identity of every candidate for nomination.”
A source told the news outlet: “It’s as much as the entrant which category they enter into.”
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The BAFTA Award Has Been Debating The Issue Since 2022
BAFTA has been debating the contentious topic since 2022, when its music counterpart, the Brit Awards, moved to make its categories gender-neutral.
On the time, they claimed to be engaged in “proactive and thoughtful consultation” as regards to gendered acting categories and were talking to “sector peers, industry stakeholders and experts.
Nonetheless, with the most recent development, all things remain the identical, although award winners can reportedly decide to have the certificate and mask carry the term “performer” in the event that they so please.
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Social Media Reacts To BAFTA’s Refusal To Create Gender-Neutral Category
The problem has sparked a heated debate amongst fans, with some slamming the association for ignoring calls for an industry trend towards inclusivity.
“In order that they complain about men being in women’s spaces and complain about women in men’s space, but when presented with a 3rd option that might work for everybody, they don’t desire to do it,” a fan wrote, decrying the BAFTA move.
“I’d moderately that they had non-binary categories, it will probably be more peaceful that way,” one other person penned.
“In order that they’ll throw ‘woke gender neutral’ characters in all their shows but they will not do it in real life,” a 3rd user commented.
Meanwhile, other fans appear to think BAFTA made the fitting call.
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One fan wrote, “All of them picked a side after they were offered the acting job!” while one other added, “Finally, some common sense—let’s keep awards easy!”
“Good since the categories are based on sex, not made-up labels utilized by privileged individuals. They usually shouldn’t get to only ‘pick’ a side, the feminine categories are for ladies only,” one other user wrote in agreement.
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Non-Binary Performers Have Opted Against Entry In Gendered Categories
The effect of BAFTA’s decision stays to be seen because it places non-binary performers like Emma Corrin, Emma D’Arcy, and Bella Ramsey in a tough position.
Nonetheless, non-binary performers have previously opted against submitting entries for award consideration because of gendered categories.
For instance, “Yellowjackets” nonbinary star Liv Hewson opted against competing for Primetime Emmy Awards because they felt like they did not have a spot there.
On the time, Hewson was eligible to compete for the supporting drama actress award for his or her role as Vanessa “Van” Palmer on Showtime’s hit psychological drama.
“There’s not a spot for me within the acting categories,” the Australian actor said on the time, occurring to clarify that “it will be inaccurate for me to submit myself as an actress” or “be lumped in with the boys.”
“It’s quite straightforward and never that loaded. I can not submit myself for this because there isn’t any space for me,” Hewson insisted, per the Each day Mail.
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The Brit Awards’ Gender-Neutral Categories Were Controversial
Unlike BAFTA, the Brit Awards not have gendered categories in a move to embrace inclusivity.
The controversial decision to scrap Male/Female categories has seen some artists voice out their concerns, like Adele, who won Best British Artist in 2022.
The “Hello” hitmaker said on stage, “I understand why the name of this award has modified, but I actually love being a girl and being a female artist.”
Last 12 months, there was widespread controversy over the Brit Awards’ Best British Artist nominees being made up of male artists only.
Meanwhile, other award bodies just like the Oscars and the Tonys have retained their “Best Actress” and “Best Actor” categories.
