Bella Ramsey advocates for preserving women’s awards recognition

In recent discussions about awards shows, Bella Ramsey, a British actor known for their role in 'The Last of Us,' voiced strong support for maintaining separate awards categories for male and female performers. As someone who identifies as non-binary and prefers they/them pronouns, Ramsey's viewpoint highlights the ongoing debate within the entertainment industry regarding gender recognition in award ceremonies. While some organizations, like the MTV and Brit Awards, have moved towards gender-neutral categories, the inclusion of non-binary performers in traditional categories remains a complex issue. Ramsey emphasizes the importance of preserving recognition for women in the industry, as merging categories could result in fewer opportunities for women artists, referencing a troubling trend when the Brits eliminated their gender-specific awards in 2023 that led to an all-male nomination list. In a candid exploration of their own identity, Ramsey recounted their journey in navigating the pronouns that best represent their identity. Initially uncertain about labeling themselves, they reflected on their upbringing and how they identified as a tomboy, feeling a blend of female and male traits. Despite their own non-binary identity, Ramsey expressed that traditional terms like 'actress' can still have value for others who identify with them, suggesting that language around gender should remain inclusive rather than prescriptive. Furthermore, acknowledgments about the potential changes in awards shows and categories spotlight the necessity to adapt to contemporary discussions of gender identity. With the Oscars considering the merge of best actor and best actress categories, Ramsey articulated their perspective as a non-binary individual: while they don't take the shift personally, the broader implications on recognition and inclusivity intributions resonated with them. They also discussed the ramifications this could have for recognition, noting that if the Academy and other institutions merge categories, it might overlook many talented female performers, which they find concerning. In contrast, Kayla Nicole, a broadcaster who gained some fame due to her previous relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce, is striving to establish her identity beyond being labeled as someone's ex-girlfriend. During a recent podcast appearance, she called for the media to focus on her professional achievements rather than her past romances. Nicole, who has previously experienced backlash from fans of Kelce's new partner, Taylor Swift, underscored the frustration she feels when press coverage centers on her former relationship rather than her career as a sports journalist and influencer. Highlighting her efforts in wellness and therapy, Nicole aims for a shift in how her contributions to the media are perceived, advocating for her own narrative to be told independently of her past associations.