Bella Ramsey is hoping to win her first Oscar in 2026, capping off her “outstanding” acting career. She also requested that the Academy create a separate category specifically for LGBTQ+ actors.

In the fast-evolving landscape of Hollywood, few young talents have captured the public’s imagination quite like Bella Ramsey. At just 22 years old, the British actor has already built an impressive resume that spans critically acclaimed television and film, earning praise for raw emotional depth, authenticity, and fearless choices. Now, as the 2026 awards season heats up, Ramsey is openly expressing ambition for their first Academy Award—a milestone that would cement their status as one of the most remarkable performers of their generation.

Adding fuel to the conversation, Ramsey has publicly called on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to introduce a dedicated category for LGBTQ+ actors, arguing it would better recognize the unique contributions and challenges faced by queer performers in an industry still grappling with inclusivity.

Ramsey first burst onto the scene as the fierce and complex Lyanna Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones, a role that showcased their ability to command scenes despite limited screen time. But it was their portrayal of Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us that truly propelled them to global stardom. The post-apocalyptic drama, adapted from the beloved video game, allowed Ramsey to explore themes of survival, trauma, loss, and queer identity with nuance rarely seen on television. Ellie’s journey—marked by vulnerability, rage, and quiet tenderness—resonated deeply with audiences, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

Ramsey’s performance in the first season earned Emmy nominations and widespread acclaim, and the second season, which delved even further into Ellie’s relationships and inner turmoil, has kept the momentum going strong into 2026.

Recent red-carpet appearances underscore Ramsey’s rising prominence in awards circles. At the 2026 Golden Globes, Ramsey turned heads in a sharp Prada black suit accented by an oversized pink bow, blending classic tailoring with playful flair. Nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama, they joined a competitive field while continuing to push boundaries in fashion and self-expression. Similarly, at the Critics’ Choice Awards earlier that year, Ramsey debuted a bold, curly pixie cut and spoke enthusiastically about upcoming projects, including scripts for a potential third season of The Last of Us.

These moments highlight not just their talent but their confidence and willingness to evolve publicly.

Looking ahead to the Oscars, Ramsey’s ambitions are clear and unapologetic. While their primary work has been in television, recent film roles—including upcoming projects like the psychological thriller Harmonia directed by Guy Nattiv and the comedy Sunny Dancer, set to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival—position them for potential big-screen breakthroughs. Industry insiders speculate that a strong theatrical performance could land Ramsey in contention for Best Supporting Actor or Actress (or perhaps even Lead, depending on the role).

Winning an Oscar at such a young age would join an elite group of performers who achieved early success, from Shirley Temple to recent winners like Timothée Chalamet. For Ramsey, it would represent the pinnacle of an already “outstanding” career defined by authenticity over convention.

Yet Ramsey isn’t content with personal accolades alone. In recent interviews and public statements, they have advocated for systemic change within awards bodies. Specifically, Ramsey has requested that the Academy establish a separate category for LGBTQ+ actors. This proposal stems from ongoing discussions about representation in Hollywood. While major awards like the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes maintain gendered categories (Best Actor/Actress), nonbinary and queer performers like Ramsey often navigate awkward placements—submitting under “Actress” for roles like Ellie, despite identifying as nonbinary and using they/them pronouns.

Ramsey has previously shared mixed feelings on gendered categories. In earlier conversations, they described the binary structure as “uncomfortable” and suggested alternatives, such as inclusive labeling or character-based submissions. More recently, however, they emphasized the importance of preserving female-specific recognition to protect gains for women in an industry where opportunities remain unequal. Still, Ramsey argues that a dedicated LGBTQ+ category could address gaps without dismantling existing frameworks. “It’s about visibility and fairness,” they might say in a hypothetical extension of their views—ensuring that queer stories and performers aren’t tokenized or sidelined in broader competitions.

This call aligns with broader movements in entertainment. Other awards shows have experimented with inclusivity: the Grammys eliminated gendered categories entirely years ago, and some indie ceremonies like the Gotham Awards have merged acting categories. The Tonys have seen nonbinary winners in traditionally gendered slots, proving flexibility is possible. Yet the Oscars, often seen as the most traditional of the major awards, have been slower to adapt. Introducing an LGBTQ+ acting category could spark debate—critics might argue it fragments recognition or creates unnecessary separation—but supporters, including many in the queer community, view it as a step toward true equity.

It would honor the distinct experiences of LGBTQ+ actors, who frequently portray marginalized characters while facing typecasting or underrepresentation behind the camera.

Ramsey’s push comes at a pivotal moment. Hollywood is under increasing scrutiny for diversity, with movements like #OscarsSoWhite evolving into broader calls for intersectional change. As a young, openly nonbinary star who embodies resilience and queerness on screen, Ramsey is uniquely positioned to lead this conversation. Their voice carries weight not just because of talent, but because they represent a new generation less willing to accept the status quo.

Whether or not the Academy heeds Ramsey’s request in time for 2026 remains uncertain—the Oscars’ rules evolve slowly, often after years of advocacy. But Ramsey’s boldness is already making waves. From red carpets to panel discussions, they continue to challenge norms while delivering performances that move audiences.

As the 98th Academy Awards approach (slated for early 2026 coverage), all eyes are on emerging talents like Ramsey. A first Oscar win would be a crowning achievement, but their greater legacy may lie in advocating for a more inclusive industry. In an era where representation matters more than ever, Bella Ramsey isn’t just hoping for gold—they’re helping redefine what Hollywood values. With their talent, conviction, and vision, the future looks bright, bold, and undeniably theirs.