Three first-time Emmy nominees this year include Jenna Ortega, following Patty Duke as the second-youngest nominee for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series; Dominique Fishback, for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series/Anthology/Movie; and Bella Ramsey, for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Though Ramsey identifies as nonbinary, they don’t specify pronouns and also hasn’t chosen to withdraw from consideration due to the gender binary in acting categories. Yellowjackets star Liv Hewson, however, has chosen to withdraw consideration as they are also nonbinary, but choose not to be slotted into a binary category. Hewson spoke to Teen Vogue about the decision to withdraw from consideration due to the lack of nonbinary categories.
Hewson could have been a rookie nominee, too, but doesn’t even have a shot at being nominated as there is no welcoming place for them in the categories. Ironic, given this year the Emmys gave GLAAD the Governors Award for their work in promoting queer visibility and representation in media. It just shows that though there have been strides made, there is still some road yet to be walked.
They looked amazing, though, as Hewson showed up rocking a tux with wide-leg trousers and a tailed morning coat, left open over their chest, their scars visible from top surgery.
Hewson also spoke to Teen Vogue about their surgery, saying, “I cannot tell you the complete, fundamental shift that I have felt in the year since having surgery. […] It feels different in my body than it ever has. I have just never been happier. I've never been more centered. I've never felt more stable and present and alive. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself.”
Bella Ramsey, too, opted for a suit, a green number from Prada with like, two shirts. I think that’s a red turtleneck under a purple button-down? Too many shirts! I’m all for an undershirt, but a turtleneck? It’s too much! It makes my neck itch just thinking about it.
Dominique Fishback, meanwhile, went for a classic ballgown, a bedazzled blue halter from Miu Miu. And Jenna Ortega ditched the Goth vibes for a very feminine, structured embroidered number from Dior. It’s sheer, so it still has a little edge, but this is one of the softest things Jenna has ever worn. Whether dressing against expectations or dressing to represent their actualized self, the rookies came to play this year.
