The Last Of Us Emmy backlash as openly non-binary Bella Ramsey receives best actress award
As fans, we should recognize those responsible for creating entertainment franchises we enjoy – especially their creators!
Later this year is the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on September 18 (19 for UK). Recognised worldwide for their accomplishments, these prestigious events in America continue to occupy one of their coveted places among events on our annual calendars.
Best Call Saul, Ted Lasso, Wednesday and Andor are among the favorites at this year’s Emmys; Succession led the field with 27 nominations followed closely by The Last of Us with 24.
HBO’s live-action adaptation of Naughty Dog IP The Last of Us features two leading actors as protagonists – Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie.
Pascal has been nominated as Best Actor alongside such luminaries as Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul), Jeff Bridges (The Old Man), as well as Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong representing Succession.
Bella Ramsey has been nominated in the ‘Best Actress’ category alongside Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters), Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets), Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), Keri Russell (The Diplomat) and Sarah Snook (Succession).
So what exactly is wrong with these nominations? For “Best Actor”, nothing seems amiss; as for ‘Best Actress”, Bella Ramsey is openly non-binary and uses they/them pronouns; Emma D’arcy who portrays Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen on HBO’s House of the Dragon is also nominated under this category for going by they/them pronouns!
Ramsey admitted during an interview with NME in May 2023 that finding alternative nomination categories may be challenging and felt uncomfortably when nominated as Best Actress at this year’s Emmys award ceremonies, calling for “more space” for non-binary actors at award ceremonies to be recognized and celebrated.
Bella Ramsey recently teased that season two of The Last of Us will be much darker, while episode three from season one’s Long, Long Time has received critical acclaim as an iconic work of cinema. No release date for season two has been set but its anticipated arrival by 2025 can only increase optimism for audiences worldwide.
Season one of HBO’s Last of Us television series can now be streamed in its entirety through Max in the US and Sky Atlantic in the UK.
