Jameela Jamil has shared her thoughts on award shows having gender-neutral categories and has suggested the introduction of a separate category for non-binary people. She believes that this move would help maintain a fair representation of women in award shows.
The Need for Non-Binary Categories
Jameela Jamil took to Instagram to voice her opinion on award shows having gender-neutral categories. She believes that creating a separate category for non-binary people would provide a fair representation of both genders. Jamil suggested that Hollywood should not completely shut out women, given the known disproportionate amount of men vs women winning at award shows. She feels that award shows should look to expand the possibilities so that both gender non-conforming (GNC) people and women have a fair shot in an industry that has struggled to treat others equally to men.
Jamil acknowledges the disparity that exists in award shows and feels that it would create growing ire amongst women who get shut out of award opportunities. She argues that creating only one spot for a winner amongst thousands of actors in an industry that favors men would not help women or non-binary people. Instead, award shows should look to open more doors and create more tables, not narrow the opportunities for everyone, including GNC people.
Jamil clarified that her sentiment comes as the Oscars looking to get rid of gendered acting awards. As we see with the director award, which is genderless, it’s rare to even see a woman nominated, never mind win. She believes that award shows should follow the lead of the Independent Spirit Awards and the British Independent Film Awards, which have already shifted to gender-neutral categories. MTV has also been doing this for years in both their VMAs and Film & TV Awards shows.
Jamil concludes by stating that if non-binary people have enough talent to restructure entire award shows, which is great, then award shows should add a category rather than run the accidental risk of erasing women. As an audience member, she states that she has no horse in this race and would like to see more opportunities for everyone.
The entertainment industry has been struggling to maintain diversity and equality in award shows. Jameela Jamil’s suggestion of introducing a separate category for non-binary people is a step towards creating a fair representation of both genders. It is essential to expand the possibilities so that both GNC people and women have a fair shot at award shows. The entertainment industry should follow the lead of award shows like the Independent Spirit Awards, the British Independent Film Awards, and MTV, which have already shifted to gender-neutral categories.