BAFTA Refuses To Create Gender-Neutral Acting Categories, Wants Non-Binary Stars To Pick A Side

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that it will not be introducing gender-neutral categories at its awards ceremony.

Despite growing pressure to recognize non-binary talent, BAFTA has opted to maintain its traditional male/female categorization, seemingly telling non-binary stars to choose a side if they must be recognized for awards.

The move by BAFTA sparked serious contention on social media, as fans shared their varied reactions.

According to the Daily Mail, BAFTA has snubbed non-binary performers after it opted against creating a "non-gendered" acting category for award recognitions.

It noted that nominees would now have to choose 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 each candidate for nomination."

A source told the news outlet: "It is up to the entrant which category they enter into."

BAFTA has been debating the contentious topic since 2022, when its music counterpart, the Brit Awards, moved to make its categories gender-neutral.

At the time, they claimed to be engaged in "proactive and thoughtful consultation" on the subject of gendered acting categories and were speaking to "sector peers, industry stakeholders and experts.

However, with the latest development, all things remain the same, although award winners can reportedly choose to have the certificate and mask carry the term "performer" if they so please.

The issue has sparked a heated debate among fans, with some slamming the association for ignoring calls for an industry trend towards inclusivity.

"So they complain about men being in women's spaces and complain about women in men's space, but when presented with a third option that would work for everyone, they don't want to do it," a fan wrote, decrying the BAFTA move.

"I would rather they had non-binary categories, it would probably be more peaceful that way," another person penned.

"So they'll throw 'woke gender neutral' characters in all their shows but they won't do it in real life," a third user commented.

Meanwhile, other fans seem to think BAFTA made the right call.

One fan wrote, "They all picked a side when they were offered the acting job!" while another added, "Finally, some common sense—let's keep awards simple!"

"Good because the categories are based on sex, not made-up labels used by privileged individuals. And they shouldn't get to just 'pick' a side, the female categories are for women only," another user wrote in agreement.

The effect of BAFTA's decision remains to be seen as it places non-binary performers like Emma Corrin, Emma D'Arcy, and Bella Ramsey in a tricky position.

However, non-binary performers have previously opted against submitting entries for award consideration due to gendered categories.

For example, "Yellowjackets" nonbinary star Liv Hewson opted against competing for Primetime Emmy Awards because they felt like they didn't have a place there.

At the time, Hewson was eligible to compete for the supporting drama actress award for their role as Vanessa "Van" Palmer on Showtime's hit psychological drama.

"There's not a place for me in the acting categories," the Australian actor said at the time, going on to explain that "it would be inaccurate for me to submit myself as an actress" or "be lumped in with the boys."

"It's quite straightforward and not that loaded. I can't submit myself for this because there's no space for me," Hewson insisted, per the Daily Mail.

Unlike BAFTA, the Brit Awards no longer 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 changed, but I really love being a woman and being a female artist."

Last year, there was widespread controversy over the Brit Awards' Best British Artist nominees being made up of male artists only.

Meanwhile, other award bodies like the Oscars and the Tonys have retained their "Best Actress" and "Best Actor" categories.