Nonbinary actor Liv Hewson, who stars in Showtime's television series "Yellowjackets" as a lesbian soccer player, said in an interview that they aren't going to be participating in this year's Emmy Awards over its lack of nonbinary categories.
An Emmy nomination would have been a first for the 27-year-old Australian actor, but as Hewson told Variety in an interview, "there’s not a place for me in the acting categories."
It would be inaccurate for me to submit myself as an actress. It neither makes sense for me to be lumped in with the boys. It’s quite straightforward and not that loaded. I can’t submit myself for this because there’s no space for me," Hewson said.
Hewson said that the solution to her issue isn't to add a separate category for nonbinary actors, but rather to make the categories similar to ones like "best director" and "best cinematographer." In those cases, the categories aren't separated by gender.
We’re not going to start awarding best female and male director or female or male cinematographer,” Hewson said, “because we all understand that implicitly would be insulting. You can keep things as they are right now... I just won’t be participating."
Hewson plays as a damaged teenage goalkeeper in Showtime's new hit drama "Yellowjackets." She also has other acting credits, including a role on Netflix's "Santa Clarita Diet."
Variety previously reported that Hewson was among the show's nominees for the Emmy's lead actress drama award category.
Other cast members have been “incredibly supportive” of Hewson's decision to opt-out of the Emmy's, Hewson told Variety, with the outlet adding the shows cast members have been "especially" supportive after Hewson received top surgery.
Hewson reportedly added that her decision to opt-out of this year's Emmy season will help further the conversation in Hollywood when it comes to nonbinary actors.
It’s worth talking about,” Hewson says. “And I very gently and respectfully ask that people get their gears turning a little.”
This year's Emmy Awards are set for September 12.