Emma Corrin, star of The Crown, has proposed merging the best actor and best actress categories at major film awards into a single, gender-neutral category.
Corrin told, “I look forward to a future in which this occurs.”
The celebrity, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, continued, “I do not believe that the categories are currently inclusive enough.”
The organizations responsible for the Baftas and Oscars have indicated that they are involved in negotiations regarding the issue.
Corbin stated, “Everyone must be able to feel noticed and represented.”
The 26-year-old previously won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Emmy for their portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown’s fourth season, but it was when Corrin still accepted she/her pronouns.
This year, they are featured in two high-profile films: My Policeman and Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
“Right now, it’s difficult for me to rationalize being non-binary and being nominated in feminine categories,” Corrin added.
Corrin pondered because they predominantly play female roles: “When it comes to categories, do we need to specify whether you are being nominated for a female or male role?
“You can talk about awards and the representation there, but the real conversation needs to be about having more representation in the material itself, in the content that we are seeing for non-binary people, for queer people, and trans people, because I believe that will bring about significant change.
“When these roles become available, i.e., when more people and actors portray them, I believe the urgency with which these questions will be addressed will increase.”
A representative for Bafta stated that the organization was “involved in proactive and thorough consultation on this topic.” It is believed that the Academy, the organization behind the Oscars, is conducting studies and holding conversations on the topic.
The music industry is at the forefront of the discussion over gender-neutral categories. In 2012, the Grammys became gender-neutral, while the Brit Awards this year amalgamated its male and female solo categories into an artist of the year award.
Chart-topper Adele was awarded the first trophy. In her acceptance speech, she stated, “I understand why the name of this award has changed, but I truly like being a woman and a female artist. I do. I am so proud of us.
This argument is more nuanced than it appears. Even though gender-neutral categories are viewed by some as socially progressive, they may have unintended repercussions, and there are several variables to consider.
Initially, this move may result in less equality in the long run. Currently, the Oscars guarantee two male and two female acting winners each year, but a merger might result in a shift over time.
Consider the most recent champions as an illustration. It is improbable that Jessica Chastain would have defeated Will Smith if they had competed in a single category.
This is partial because this year’s contest for best actress was wide open, whereas Smith was considered a lock in his category.
However, this is also because the best film category overlaps more with the best actor than the best actress. Unlike Smith’s picture, Chastain’s was not even nominated for the top prize. As a result, women may have a more difficult path to victory.
It is not difficult to foresee the long-term fury if a judgment like this led to recurrent deprivation of recognition for deserving victors, particularly women.
This is not the only obstruction. The Academy is comprised of thousands of members, many of whom have been in existence for decades and are eager to preserve the Oscars’ traditions. Obtaining the support of a few of them may prove tough.
The emotions of other performers should also be considered. If gender-neutral categories were established at the Oscars, the number of acting prizes would be reduced from four to two, permanently decreasing an actor’s chances of winning an Oscar by fifty percent.
While many Hollywood celebrities perceive themselves to be progressive, their inflated egos will not make them thrilled about giving up prizes (and the career boost that comes with them).
It is important to note that the present paradigm does not discriminate against trans actors – both Elliot Page and Laverne Cox could be nominated in the current gendered categories – but it does not accommodate non-binary stars.
However, how should this be approached? Creating a new, distinct category for them would be unrealistic, as there would be insufficient nominees. A further proposed approach in which actors submit for the gender of the character they are portraying would be a temporary solution until non-binary characters became more prevalent in movies.
To date, only a handful of film awards have eliminated gender-specific acting categories, but in August, the Independent Spirit Awards, which honors filmmakers outside of the major studios, became one of the most prominent award organizations to combine the best actor and best actress categories into a single award with ten nominations.
Similar actions were taken by the British Independent Film Awards, the Gotham Awards, and the Berlin Film Festival before this.
Corrin makes these remarks as they prepare to perform an adaption of the 1928 novel Orlando by Virginia Woolf, which investigates gender identity.
Orlando begins his existence as a young man in the 16th century and transforms into a lady in the 20th century, experiencing affairs and heartbreaks along the way.
Corrin stated, “On a deeply personal level, I can relate to the journey of gender and the celebration of fluidity.”
They have become social media icons for non-binary identity by sharing their gender transition. Additionally, they released images of themselves wearing a breast binder last year.
Corrin explained that they opted to share their story publicly because “it was a journey that was at the core of who I am and who I was when I began talking about it.”
“Your gender identity has a great deal to do with how you feel and how you want to be viewed or are seen by others. This can be quite upsetting or unpleasant if you don’t believe you’re being seen accurately or correctly.
“I believe it was vital for me to be forthright and honest about it because else I would have felt misunderstood.”
They feel that “visibility and representation” are crucial to the “essential and urgent” discussions surrounding gender in contemporary culture.
“I know how much I’ve been assisted by public figures who have been honest and giving with their journeys, and how much it has made me feel soothed, acknowledged, and on the correct road.
And I believe that if I could help in any way by being honest, it would be a good thing.
They expressed no concern that their forthrightness might restrict the types of employment they were offered in the future.
“I would never compromise my integrity or honesty for the possibility of employment.” My non-binary identity is in no way a rejection of femininity or my femininity. This is an acceptance of that.
“I still want to portray ladies, my experience on earth has been a female one, and now it’s a very fluid experience.”
