Former “Crown” star Emma Corrin demanded Friday that more award shows start including gender-neutral categories.
According to the “My Policeman” star — who came out as non-binary in July of 2021 — it is time for award shows to start merging the “best actor” and “best actress” categories, reports BBC.
“I don’t think the categories are inclusive enough at the moment,” said Corrin. “It’s about everyone being able to feel acknowledged and represented.”
The 26-year-old is best known for their portrayal of Princess Diana in the fourth season of the Netflix hit “The Crown.”
While calling for more LGBTQ+ representation, Corrin said film and television are partly to blame.
“The conversation needs to be about having more representation in the material itself, in the content that we are seeing for nonbinary people, for queer people, for trans people, because then I think that will change a lot,” said Corrin.
“When those parts come up, meaning more people and more actors are playing those roles, then I think there will be more of an urgency with which these questions will be addressed.”
Corrin added that there is “hope for a future” where neutral categories are the norm.
“It’s difficult for me at the moment trying to justify in my head being non-binary and being nominated in female categories,” Corrin said. “When it comes to categories, do we need to make it specific as to whether you’re being nominated for a female role or a male role?”
Some award shows — including the BAFTAs — have spoken about taking steps to de-gender categories.
According to a spokesperson for the British awards, they were “engaged in proactive and thoughtful consultation on this subject.” It is also believed that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the group behind the Oscars — is looking into changing the categories as well.