The MTV Video Music Awards have done away with the traditional ‘male’ and ‘female’ categories this year, making the event that recognises the year’s best video clips completely gender-neutral.
The former ‘Best Male’ and ‘Best Female’ categories have been eliminated, making way for ‘Best Artist of the Year’ with Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Lorde, The Weeknd and Ed Sheeran all competing for the title.
The move is no surprise after MTV axed similar categories in its annual movie awards ceremony this year, with Emma Watson taking out ‘Best Actor in a Movie’ for Beauty and the Beast. Millie Bobby Brown claimed ‘Best Actor in a Show’ for her role in Stranger Things.
“The first acting award in history that doesn't separate nominees based on their sex says something about how we perceive the human experience.
“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.”
Katy Perry has been announced as the host for this year’s awards that will take place in Inglewood, California on August 27.
