Gender-Neutral Awards Are ‘Perfectly Reasonable,’ According to Sam Mendes

Sir Sam Mendes believes it is “inevitable” that award categories will become gender-neutral. In order to make the film industry more inclusive, the “Empire of Light” director believes it is “perfectly reasonable” to eliminate separate male and female categories when awarding honors.

“I completely understand it, and I believe it is unavoidable in the end. That’s how I see things going, and I think it’s perfectly reasonable “He told the BBC that.

The 57-year-old filmmaker, who won an Oscar for “American Beauty” in 2000 and a BAFTA for “1917” in 2020, insisted that award shows are primarily about “selling” movies and entertaining TV viewers.

“People forget about awards, I think this happens all the time, they use it as a bellwether for the industry, but the truth is awards are a TV show,” he added.

“Awards, you know, are there to promote films. If that film wins an award, I’m more likely to see it, and that’s exactly what you’re doing. It’s not about you, it’s not about the industry’s art or craft; it’s about selling movies.”

But Sam insisted that he was not dismissing his previous accolades. He went on, “I’m not dismissing their significance, but they were there to promote films and the craft and art of filmmaking. They are the shop window, but they are not the product.”

Emma Corrin, who identifies as non-binary and uses gender-neutral pronouns, previously called for gender to be removed from award ceremonies.

“”I hope for a future in which that happens,” the “Crown” star said. At the moment, I don’t believe the categories are broad enough. It’s difficult for me right now to justify being non-binary and being nominated in female categories in my head. Do we need to specify whether you’re being nominated for a female or male role when it comes to categories?”