Bella Ramsey Defends Gendered Awards: “Recognition for Women in the Industry Is Preserved’”
Bella Ramsey, the breakout star of HBO’s “The Last of Us”, has become a key voice in the ongoing conversation about gender and representation in the entertainment industry. As a non-binary performer who uses they/them pronouns, Ramsey recently opened up on The Louis Theroux Podcast about the complexities of award categories and identity in Hollywood.
Bella Ramsey on The Value of Gendered Categories
Ramsey offered a thoughtful take on why gendered award categories still matter. “I don’t have the answer and I wish that there was something that was an easy way around it, but I think that it is really important that we have a female category and a male category,” they said, adding that it’s important that “recognition for women in the industry is preserved.”
While the conversation around gender-neutral categories is growing, Ramsey emphasized the need for women’s recognition not to be lost in the process. They floated ideas like honoring performances in female roles, but noted the challenges such shifts might bring, especially for non-binary or gender-diverse portrayals.
Ramsey also spoke candidly about the discomfort they feel with being called an “actress.” “I have a guttural, ‘That’s not quite right,’ instinct to [being called an actress],” they said. “But I just don’t take it too seriously… it doesn’t feel like an attack on my identity.”
They were clear that their identity isn’t about following trends, saying, “I’m not non-binary to be ‘trending,’ but because I grew up more as a little boy than I did a little girl. It’s been very obvious since I was young. I always called myself a tomboy, but it wasn’t that I was a boyish girl, I was always like a bit of an in-between. Leaning to most of the boys side.” They added, “To be honest, I grew up more as a little boy than I did a little girl. I always felt more masculine or more on that side of the spectrum. I guess at the moment I don’t feel like I have access to femininity.”
Bella Ramsey Breaks Grounds at the Emmys
In 2023, Ramsey earned an Emmy nomination for their role as Ellie in “The Last of Us”, marking a significant moment for non-binary visibility in Hollywood. If nominated again, they could become the youngest winner of the Outstanding Lead Actress award, a title currently held by Zendaya.
Ramsey’s reflections come as other non-binary actors, like “Yellowjackets” star Liv Hewson, have called out the lack of inclusive categories. Meanwhile, shows like the Gotham Awards have already taken steps toward gender-neutral recognition. As the industry evolves, voices like Ramsey’s are helping to shape a more inclusive future—one where all performers, regardless of identity, can be seen and celebrated.
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