Emmy Awards to replace 'Actor' and 'Actress' statues with 'Performer' if requested

The Emmy Awards are recognizing gender inclusivity in their organization.

It was announced on June 22 that the Television Academy's Board of Governors has approved the rule on allowing nominees and winners to request to change their nomination certificate and statues with "Performer" instead of "Actor" or "Actress."

"No performer category titled ‘Actor’ or ‘Actress’ has ever had a gender requirement for submissions," the Television Academy wrote in a statement submitted to Deadline. "Now, nominees and (or) winners in any performer category titled ‘Actor’ or ‘Actress’ may request that their nomination certificate and Emmy statuette carry the term ‘Performer’ in place of Actor or Actress."

This, however, will not make any changes on the way the actors and actresses per categories are selected. 

The move was in response to recent requests from gender non-conforming stars to make the awards more inclusive. 

The change will take effect during the upcoming 2021 Emmy Awards season, just ahead of the Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be on July 13.