The actor, who plays a cisgender character on the Showtime drama, reveals why they withdraw their name from the running for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
- Apr 27, 2023
AceShowbiz - "Yellowjackets" star Liv Hewson, who is non-binary, shares that they choose to sit out the 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards. Speaking with Variety, the actor reveals why they withdraw their name from the running for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
"There's not a place for me in the acting categories," Hewson, who plays a cisgender character named Van Palmer on the Showtime drama, explains. "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."
The 27-year-old, whose pronouns are they/them, continues, "There is an implied fatalism there, which suggests that we've all agreed that equality is impossible. And that's sad." They add, "We're not going to start awarding best female and male director, or female or male cinematographer. Because we all understand that implicitly would be insulting. You can keep things as they are right now - I just won't be participating."
In the interview, Hewson additionally shares that Showtime and their fellow cast members of "Yellowjackets" have been "incredibly supportive" of their decision. They hope their stance to be meaningful and make Hollywood continue to discuss the complex matters, saying, "It's worth talking about. And I very gently and respectfully ask that people get their gears turning a little."
While Hewson opts to skip the 2023 Emmys, J. Harrison Ghee, a non-binary actor on FOX's anthology crime series "Accused", will submit themselves for lead actor in a limited series Emmy consideration. They will also be vying for a Tony nom for lead actor (musical) for the revival of "Some Like It Hot".
"It's not a gendered profession to me, and I was grateful to be asked for consideration on where I wanted to be viewed," Ghee shares. "Making that decision wasn't hard on my spirit. It was just to be confident and intentional about my work and meeting the moment."
