MTV has announced plans to scrap gender-specific award categories in its annual Movie & TV Awards (formerly MTV Movie Awards) ceremony. The move is a definitive nod towards inclusiveness for those who identify as neither male nor female, elimination of sexism and promotion of gender equality in the movie industry.
Nominees for the Awards are decided by producers and executives at MTV but the public gets to decide who wins by voting on a dedicated web link on mtv.com. Winners of the award show are presented with the “golden popcorn” statue, made by New York firm, Society Awards.
Starting May 7, 2017, when the award will be held in Los Angeles, the Best Actress and Best Actor categories, will be replaced by a non-gendered Best Actor in its Movie & TV Awards. This year’s host is actor and comedian, Adam DeVine.
The move follows the Grammy Awards’ decision in 2011 to dump gender distinctions between male and female singers, collaborations and groups.
MTV also gave a nod to social activism by renaming its Best Fight category to Best Fight the System.
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