WHAT?! Bella Ramsey Nominated for Awards for Last of Us Season 2?!

The internet’s EXPLODING over Bella Ramsey’s award nods for The Last of Us Season 2! Genius move or total madness? You decide! 😵
👉 Dive into the drama here:

The Bella Ramsey Emmy Nomination Controversy: A Polarizing Moment for The Last of Us Season 2

Introduction

The announcement of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations on July 15, 2025, brought historic recognition for Bella Ramsey, who became the first openly non-binary actor to receive multiple Emmy nods for their role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2. The series, a critically acclaimed adaptation of Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic video game, secured 16 nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actress for Ramsey and Outstanding Lead Actor for Pedro Pascal. However, Ramsey’s nomination has sparked intense backlash, with detractors on platforms like X and Reddit labeling it “absurd” and calling the Television Academy “clueless morons.” Critics argue that Ramsey’s performance and casting as Ellie fail to capture the game’s essence, while supporters celebrate their nuanced portrayal and historic achievement. This article explores the controversy, its roots in fan expectations, and its implications for representation and adaptation in gaming and television.

The Last of Us Season 2: A Divisive Continuation

The Last of Us Season 2, which premiered in April 2025, continues the story of Ellie (Ramsey) and Joel (Pascal) five years after the first season, adapting The Last of Us Part II. Set in a world ravaged by a fungal apocalypse, the season follows 19-year-old Ellie on a revenge-driven journey after a devastating loss, introducing characters like Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and Dina (Isabela Merced). The show retained its signature intensity, with standout sequences like the subway car chase, but faced criticism for its darker tone and narrative choices. Despite mixed fan reactions, it earned critical praise, with Rolling Stone calling it “one of the best shows of the year” and securing 16 Emmy nominations, bringing the series’ total to 40 across two seasons.

Ramsey’s performance as an older, more hardened Ellie has been a focal point. Their Season 1 portrayal earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, lauded for capturing Ellie’s vulnerability and defiance. Season 2, with Ellie as the central protagonist, demanded even greater emotional range, which critics like The Wrap praised as “raw, poignant, and complex.” Yet, fan backlash has overshadowed these accolades, focusing on Ramsey’s appearance, gender identity, and perceived failure to embody the game’s Ellie.

The Controversy: Why the Backlash?

The backlash against Ramsey’s Emmy nomination, as seen in posts on X and Reddit, stems from several factors:

Appearance-Based Criticism: Fans of the video game, voiced by Ashley Johnson, argue that Ramsey doesn’t physically resemble Ellie, particularly the muscular, battle-hardened version from The Last of Us Part II. A Reddit thread on r/TheLastOfUs2, with comments like “TLOU deserved better than this crap,” slammed Ramsey’s casting, claiming they lack the “toughness” of the game’s Ellie. Some fans championed Cailee Spaeny as a “better fit” due to her closer resemblance to the game’s aesthetic.

Gender Identity and “Woke” Backlash: Ramsey’s non-binary identity and use of they/them pronouns have fueled toxic reactions, with detractors misgendering them or calling their nomination a “woke” agenda. Comments on X, such as “Best Actress for a non-binary person who wore a binder? Sick,” reflect a segment of fans aligning with anti-diversity sentiments, similar to those seen in controversies over Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Ghost of Yotei. This echoes broader “Gamergate 2.0” rhetoric targeting inclusive casting.

Performance Critiques: Some fans argue Ramsey’s acting lacks the range needed for Season 2’s darker narrative. A post on r/TheLastOfUs2 claimed, “She’s still living in her Game of Thrones era,” suggesting Ramsey’s portrayal feels juvenile compared to the game’s mature Ellie. Others, like a Slate reviewer, noted Ramsey’s “limited range” in expressing rage and sorrow, though they attributed this to weak scripting rather than Ramsey’s ability.

Adaptation Expectations: The game’s fanbase, accustomed to Ellie’s specific look and voice, struggles with the TV adaptation’s creative liberties. As EL PAÍS noted, fans fixated on Ramsey’s appearance—smaller eyes, darker hair—treat the casting as a “personal affront,” ignoring the differences between game and live-action mediums. This mirrors backlash against other adaptations, like Mortal Kombat 2’s Jade redesign.

Defending Ramsey’s Nomination

Despite the backlash, Ramsey’s nomination has strong support. Their historic achievement as the first non-binary actor with multiple Emmy nods was celebrated by outlets like Rolling Stone and Deadline, which praised their “compelling” and “emotionally complex” performance. Showrunner Craig Mazin defended Ramsey, emphasizing that they captured Ellie’s “rage, vulnerability, and survival instincts,” prioritizing emotional authenticity over physical mimicry.

Fans on X, like @TheLastofUsNews, hailed Ramsey’s nod, stating, “Bella Ramsey freaking rules and they deserve this so much.” Critics argue that Ramsey’s casting was deliberate, with Mazin and Neil Druckmann choosing an actor who could embody Ellie’s soul rather than replicate her game model. Black Girl Nerds noted that Ramsey’s portrayal makes Ellie a “believable 14-year-old survivor,” contrasting with the game’s action-heavy “mini-Rambo” depiction, which wouldn’t translate well to live-action.

Ramsey’s approach to gendered categories also garnered praise. Despite discomfort with the “Actress” label, they supported maintaining female categories to preserve recognition for women, a nuanced stance lauded by Collider and Queerty. Their decision to compete in the Lead Actress category, after discussions with Mazin, reflects a pragmatic approach to inclusivity without undermining other performers.

The Broader Context: Gaming Adaptations and Cultural Tensions

The Ramsey controversy mirrors broader tensions in gaming adaptations, as seen in your previous discussions about Mortal Kombat 2, Star Wars Outlaws, and Baldur’s Gate 3. Fans often demand fidelity to source material, but adaptations require creative reinterpretation. The Last of Us Season 1 was a critical darling, earning 24 Emmy nominations, yet faced similar complaints about queer storylines, like Ellie’s romance with Riley or Bill and Frank’s love story. Season 2’s focus on Ellie’s relationship with Dina intensified this, with detractors on r/TheLastOfUs2 calling it a “teen drama” or “woke propaganda.”

The backlash also reflects cultural divides. Ramsey’s advocacy for veganism and Palestinian causes, including signing a Queer Artists for Palestine letter, has been weaponized by critics aligned with MAGA or anti-DEI sentiments, as noted by EL PAÍS. This parallels harassment faced by actors like Tati Gabrielle and Samantha Béart, highlighting a toxic undercurrent in fandoms.

The Industry’s Response and Emmy Context

The Television Academy’s recognition of Ramsey underscores their impact. At 21, they could become the youngest Best Drama Actress winner, surpassing Zendaya’s record. Other nominees, like Kathy Bates (Matlock) and Keri Russell (The Diplomat), face stiff competition from Ramsey’s raw performance. The show’s 16 nominations, including guest nods for Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright, affirm its quality, despite snubs in writing and directing categories.

HBO and Mazin have stood by Ramsey, with the show renewed for a third season focusing on Abby’s arc. However, Neil Druckmann’s departure from the TV adaptation to focus on Naughty Dog projects has raised concerns about the show’s future fidelity to the games, potentially fueling further fan discontent.

The Impact on The Last of Us and Ramsey

The controversy risks overshadowing The Last of Us Season 2’s achievements, much like the Jade redesign debate for Mortal Kombat 2. Ramsey’s decision to deactivate social media accounts, as shared with The Hollywood Reporter, reflects the toll of online hate, which intensified with Joel’s death scene—a moment Ramsey found emotionally taxing to film. Their commitment to the role, including physical training and wearing a chest binder for 90% of filming, shows dedication to embodying Ellie’s strength, even if their body type didn’t match fan expectations.

The nomination also highlights ongoing debates about gendered award categories. Ramsey’s nuanced stance—acknowledging discomfort with “Actress” but supporting female categories—has sparked productive discussions, with Mazin advocating for better recognition of non-binary performers.

Looking Forward: Representation and Fan Dynamics

The Ramsey backlash underscores the challenges of adapting beloved games in a polarized cultural climate. While The Last of Us has proven that inclusive storytelling can succeed, as seen with its 40 Emmy nods across two seasons, fan resistance to change persists. The industry must balance fidelity with innovation, as seen in successful adaptations like Fallout, which embraced creative liberties while honoring its source.

For Ramsey, the nomination is a testament to their talent, but the hate reflects a broader struggle for acceptance of non-binary and diverse actors. As The Story Exchange noted, their historic nod alongside other non-binary and trans nominees like Mj Rodriguez signals progress, but challenges remain. Fans can support inclusive storytelling by engaging constructively, as seen in defenses on r/saltierthankrayt, which call out toxicity while praising Ramsey’s performance.

Conclusion

Bella Ramsey’s Emmy nomination for The Last of Us Season 2 is a historic milestone, but the backlash labeling it “absurd” reveals deep divides in gaming fandoms. Critics fixated on Ramsey’s appearance and identity miss the nuance of their performance, which captures Ellie’s emotional complexity in a way the game’s action-heavy depiction couldn’t. The controversy, rooted in unrealistic expectations and cultural biases, mirrors debates over other inclusive adaptations. As The Last of Us heads toward Season 3, Ramsey’s resilience and the show’s critical success suggest that talent will outshine hate. Will their performance win over skeptics at the Emmys on September 14, 2025? Join the debate and see if this “clueless” nod proves the haters wrong.