This is the first time MTV has done away with its gender-based acting categories, in an attempt to put actors and actresses in the same neutral categories.
Accepting the award on Sunday night’s ceremony, the 27 year old actress said, “MTV’s move to create a genderless award for acting will mean something different to everyone. But to me, it indicates that acting is about the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and that doesn’t need to be separated into two different categories.”
She further added, “I think I’m being given this award because of who Belle is and what she represents. The villagers in our fairy tale wanted to make belle believe that the world was smaller than the way she saw it with fewer opportunities for her, that her curiosity and passion for knowledge and her desire fore more in life were grounds for alienation. I loved playing someone who didn’t listen to any of that. I’m so proud to be a part of a film that celebrates diversity, literacy, inclusion, joy, and love the way that this one does.”
The ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ actress also acknowledged Asia Kate Dillon, who handed over the award to Watson and identifies as a non-binary. Dillon’s role on ‘Billions’ is the first gender non-binary character on American television. Watson thanked Asia saying, “Empathy and the ability to use your imagination should have no limits. This is very meaningful for me, both to be winning the award and to be receiving it from you, Asia. Thank you for educating me in such an inclusive, patient, and loving way.”
This was Emma Watson’s fifth nomination and first win at the MTV Awards. ‘Beauty And The Beast’ also bagged the top honor of the evening, ‘MOVIE OF THE YEAR.’
Beauty and The Beast is still enjoying a successful run at the worldwide box office and has already crossed the $1 Billion mark
Watch Emma’s inspirational speech below: