Nonbinary actor Liv Hewson, known for their role as Vanessa “Van” Palmer in the series Yellowjackets, recently shared their reasons for not submitting themselves for this year’s Emmy Awards. This decision came after witnessing nonbinary actors J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell win Tony Awards in June. Ghee won the Tony for Best Lead Actor in a musical for their performance in Some Like It Hot, while Newell won Best Featured Actor in a musical for their role in Shucked.
Hewson expressed their admiration for seeing nonbinary individuals proudly represented on such prestigious stages, stating, “To see and hear nonbinary people on stages like that, talking about themselves, loudly and explicitly and proudly, that’s incredible.” However, despite the inspiring acceptance speeches, Hewson stands by their choice to opt-out of the Emmys. They explained that their decision is rooted in the structural issues within the award system, and they don’t believe it would be authentic for them to participate.
Hewson further elaborated on their thought process, noting that the best-case scenario, career-wise, would be receiving an Emmy nomination and, hypothetically, winning the award. However, they expressed that they would not feel comfortable accepting a trophy that categorizes them as an “actress.” They highlighted the disparity in having separate categories for men and women in acting, while all other categories in various fields are gender-neutral. Hewson questioned the notion that acting should be the only job defined by gender.
Liv Hewson is not alone in their desire for gender-neutral acting awards. Other actors, including Emma Corrin and Bella Ramsey, have also voiced their support for such a change. While the Emmy Awards have yet to make any alterations to their categories, they do offer the option for nominees or winners in the actor/actress categories to request the title “Performer” to be displayed on their nomination certificate and Emmy statuette.
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In contrast, several other organizations, such as the Independent Spirit Awards, Grammys, Gotham Awards, British Independent Film Awards, and MTV Movie & TV Awards, have already adopted gender-neutral categories.
Hewson’s stance highlights a growing conversation within the entertainment industry about inclusivity and representation. Nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals are advocating for more visibility and recognition, pushing for changes beyond just awards categories. This momentum is vital for fostering a more inclusive environment that embraces the diversity of talent and identities within the entertainment industry.
The path to gender-neutral acting awards may be slow and met with resistance, but the progress made by other award shows demonstrates that change is possible. As discussions around gender and identity continue to evolve, it is essential for award shows and other institutions to adapt and reflect the diversity and complexity of the individuals they aim to honor.
In conclusion, Liv Hewson’s decision not to submit themselves for this year’s Emmy Awards reflects their commitment to challenging the structural issues within the award system. They join a group of actors advocating for gender-neutral acting awards and highlighting the need for more inclusive representation in the entertainment industry. While change may be gradual, the progress made by other award shows indicates that there is a path towards recognizing and celebrating the diversity of talent and identities in the industry.
