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British Soap Awards Institute Gender-Neutral ‘Leading Performer’ Category for Upcoming Nominations & Fan Voting

Photo: ITV

The UK’s British Soap Awards are back after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and with it will come some changes as revealed by ITV who hosts the ceremony.

This year when the nominations are announced on April 22nd, the usual Best Actor and Best Actress prizes will be consolidated into one category – Best Leading Performer.  That means that cast members from EastEndersCoronation StreetEmmerdale, The Doctors, and Hollyoaks no matter the gender will compete against one another if nominated.

The Best Leading Performer category will be one of three that is decided on by fan voting.  For full details on categories and voting please go to www.britishsoapawards.tv from next Tuesday 19th April at 10am – the updated 2022 information will be available on the website from this date once the long list opens.

In addition to Best Leading Performer, Best British Soap and Best Family, will also be voted on by the fans.  The remaining 14 categories will be decided on a vote from a ‘panel of experts’

Look for the British Soap Awards to return to UK TV in June.

So, what do you think? Do you like the idea of both actors and actresses competing against each other in the Leading Performer category? Would you like to see more gender-neutral categories in award shows here in the U.S.? Comment below.

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Violet LemmSoaphoundKayDeborah ClarkBarbara hollis Recent comment authors
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Jamesj75
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Jamesj75

This is wokeness on steroids!!! Look, I am all for gender equality and inclusion. I understand the need to include trans persons in every part of life, including the British Soap Awards show. A better route would be simply as follows: if a trans person — now I will attempt to use the correct pronouns — is deemed worthy of nomination, then simply include that person in the actor category if the trans person considers himself a male or include that person in the actress category if the trans person considers herself a female. Problem solved…

Steve
Guest
Steve

James
Your solution seems very viable for trans performers. The SAG Awards years ago went with “male actor” and “female actor”. It could be argued that terminology is more excluding than the traditional actor and actress categories of the major award shows.

The Grammys removed gender-specific categories years ago, but television and film are different media entirely. The Daytime Emmys have combined the previously gender-specific guest performance and younger performer categories. It would be peculiar to see one lead category where Maurice Benard competes with Maura West.

Combining the categories could just lead to increased competition and jealousy amongst cast members.

Soaphound
Guest
Soaphound

Jamesj75 and Steve: I agree with your analyses. There’s a time when inclusion becomes illogical and doesn’t mean inclusion at all except for those who hold a specific opinion. But you can’t go by me.. I object to unisex bathrooms. If a trans person chooses to use a certain bathroom, fine. But I shouldn’t be forced to use a unisex facility. That doesn’t sound inclusionary to me.

Jamesj75
Guest
Jamesj75

Steve, thank you for your reply. I appreciate your expansion and clarity on these points. I agree with your points about combining categories leading to increased competition and jealousy. If combining the genders would mean fewer nominees, it wouldn’t be fair to limit those who might be considered as nominees. I hadn’t paid attention to the Daytime Emmys guest and younger performer categories. Further, with regard to the Daytime Emmys, it seems that the awards aren’t as meaningful with just four soaps on the air. But that’s certainly not the fault of those still working in the industry.

davlestev1
Guest
davlestev1

My understanding is that all performances will be judged on simply just that…overall performance, instead of best male/best female, it’s simply who knocked it out the park period. We’re so use to the actors separated by sex at every awards show, that what makes logical sense appears mind blowing. I think it’s smart.

Jamesj75
Guest
Jamesj75

davlestev1, thank you for your reply and viewpoint. I certainly get what you’re saying (same as with Soaphound), but my mind is still blown. Then, again, I don’t like that the Oscars can have as many as 10 Best Picture nominees when it was traditionally five. Change comes hard for some of us, even when we appreciate and practice diversity and acceptance.

JenW
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JenW

I think this is a strange idea frankly. As Steve notes above, it puts [male actor] and [female actor] against each other; and doesn’t it reduce the number of awards. Don’t like this at all.

I do enjoy voting in the Brit Awards (when I remember)

Barbara hollis
Guest
Barbara hollis

Bloody ridiculous Gender awards why, ?? Keep it best actor and best actress why change it after all these years?

Deborah Clark
Guest
Deborah Clark

There is no need for gender neutrality. There should be separate ctegories for best actor and best actress. People are getting ridiculous trying to wipe out any differences between people.

Kay
Guest
Kay

You think ??? Hey let’s strip naked go to a park get down on all fours and pretend we are a dog! Can’t wait until this stupid insanity is shown the door . Women have a vagina Men have a penis deal with it!!

Soaphound
Guest
Soaphound

LOL, Kay. But I wonder how long before even those basic distinctions are denied, relabeled, neutered, or banned altogether. I hope I’m long in the grave before that time!

Violet Lemm
Guest
Violet Lemm

Kay
I agree with you. So sick of all this crap. All these people so unsatisfied with what they were born with, so they just switch it out. As per your last sentence, they can’t deal with what they have so just get a new and improved model. Also these so called greedy, etc,etc doctors ready and willing to load up kids with hormones to help their transition.

Soaphound
Guest
Soaphound

I agree, Deborah. The worst part for me is that if I disagree about this topic, I’m labeled a bigot, a hater, or worse. When, in reality, it’s often the opposite. I’ve never labeled anyone the way I’ve seen folks who share our view label us as “haters”. Sorry but two wrongs don’t make a right. Unless I’m “wrong” about that, too.

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Photo: ABC

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What was your favorite song of  the extraordinary Tina Turner ? Are you saddened to learn of her passing? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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