BAFTA tells non-binary stars to pick a side as they refuse to introduce woke gender-neutral categories

BAFTA has dealt a blow to nonbinary performers,deciding – after spending two years debating the thorny question of 'gendered' acting categories – that awards nominees will have to pick a side and choose whether they want to compete as 'actors' or 'actresses'. 

The announcement places non-binary performers – like Emma Corrin,Emma D'Arcy and Bella Ramsey – in a tricky position. 

Revised guidelines released last week say that film producers must 'confirm the gender/gender identity of each candidate for nomination'. 

A source adds: 'It is up to the entrant which category they enter into.' 

Following the decision in 2022 by their music counterparts the Brit Awards to go gender neutral,BAFTA revealed that they were engaged in 'proactive and thoughtful consultation' on the subject of gendered acting categories and were speaking to 'sector peers,industry stakeholders and experts'.

All Saints' Shaznay Lewis (pictured in March) claimed women are being 'disregarded and excluded' by gender neutral Brit Awards after bosses scrapped male and female categories

In contrast,All Saints star Shaznay Lewis warned women face being 'disregarded and excluded' by gender neutral categories.

The singer,48,was referencing the gender neutral Brit Awards when she said scrapping male and female categories will deny a generation of girls from having the experience of winning.

She told Radio Times: 'Progressive ideas should benefit everyone,but how can that be the case if we do not acknowledge female artists - the female artists who are symbols of empowerment to millions of young aspiring women?

'The birth of the new award has seen the demise of both best male and the best female categories and women,predictably,have suffered as a result. 

'It does not feel right and I have to ask why women now face being disregarded and excluded. Is it because we are not seen as equally bankable by the industry?' 

OscarsBBCBella RamseyEmma CorrinAdele