Movies

House of the Dragon’s Emma D’Arcy resents being asked about awards categories just because they’re nonbinary

BBG News

As a gamer who has been captivated by the enchanting world of Westeros and its mesmerizing characters, I find myself utterly enthralled by Emma D’Arcy and their portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Their performance is nothing short of extraordinary, a unique blend of charisma, intensity, and vulnerability that brings Rhaenyra to life in ways I never thought possible.

Emma D’Arcy stars as the main character, Rhaenyra Targaryen, in the popular HBO series “House of the Dragon,” a spin-off from “Game of Thrones.” If you’ve witnessed their acting, it’s clear why D’Arcy has gained widespread recognition; they are an engaging and captivating performer, offering a distinctive portrayal of Rhaenyra that seems almost impossible to replicate by another actor. Furthermore, D’Arcy is equally intriguing during interviews, as demonstrated when their interview from 2022 went viral due to them discussing their preferred beverage.

Beyond their unique, sometimes gender-fluid ensembles, D’Arcy stands out at public events. Few are quite as daring in their style. It’s refreshing to see a rising talent making such an impact. As D’Arcy shared with The Guardian, they have a keen interest in identity and the way it can be expressed through clothing, a concept that their stylist, Rose [Forde], fully appreciates. “I get thrilled when I feel like I’m experimenting with personas, and contemplating how various types of clothes connect with different types of environments,” D’Arcy explained. In their everyday life, they prefer clothes from charity shops, finding comfort in the thought that someone else has worn them before. They have a favorite pair of boots that they bought secondhand, which they had repaired multiple times and eventually remade, such was their affection for them.

In terms of personal identity, D’Arcy identifies as nonbinary, a fact that has become both a part of their private life and public image. However, it seems like D’Arcy has a complex relationship with this aspect of themselves. For example, they express discomfort when repeatedly questioned about the need to eliminate Best Actor or Best Actress categories in award shows. They have openly stated, “I find it frustrating being asked to weigh in on such matters as an authority because I’m non-binary.” What seems clear to them is that the current categorization system doesn’t adequately serve the people it aims to represent, but they don’t feel it’s their responsibility to address this issue.

As a gamer, I don’t really fuss over the gender of characters I want to play; I’m open to any role. What truly captivates me is delving into their psyche and understanding their standing within the game world.

It seems D’Arcy might not want to overemphasize their nonbinary identity, yet they acknowledge the rarity and importance of a nonbinary actor like them playing such a significant role, which isn’t common in Hollywood at present. As D’Arcy shared with Them back in June, “I guess it feels like a genuine honor to represent gender nonconformity on screen.” Previously, they thought acting might be distinct from their identity, but now realize that there is room for both to intertwine and interact with each other. It turns out, there indeed is space for such representation.

D’Arcy will reprise her role as Rhaenyra in “House of the Dragon” season 3, a return that may not occur until 2026 on HBO and Max. Until then, you can catch her live performances in the theater adaptation inspired by Greek mythology, titled “The Other Place“, running at the National Theatre in London.

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2024-10-16 17:41

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