Emma D’Arcy’s Golden Globe nomination for the role of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s hit prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, was well deserved. The performer has become a fan favorite, with numerous audience members rooting for her character’s claim to the throne in the series.
As ironic as it might sound, the actor had made certain assumptions in her mind about how they might need to present themselves to make it in the industry. However, her nomination proved that spaces for those like her were expanding in the industry and being recognized by those in positions of power as legitimate.
Emma D’Arcy thought they had to present as a woman to get somewhere in the industry
The performer, now 31, identifies as non-binary. Talking about her experience and what she expected to face from the industry, the actress opened up on the Red Carpet of the 80th Golden Globes, where she was nominated for her work in George R. R. Martin’s World. She said:
“It’s kind of a surreal thing because when I was starting out, I really felt that I had to pretend, to present as a woman in order to find success in this industry,”
The performers felt that their identity as a non-binary person might not get them far enough in the industry, and to chase their dream, they might have to present as a woman just to be taken seriously in the industry. However, in an ironic twist of faith, doing the opposite ended up getting the performer one of the most prestigious nominations in film and television history.
Also Read: House of the Dragon Season 2 Trailer Features the Most ‘Hateful’ War in Game of Thrones History
Emma D’Arcy decided it was time to stop pretending
D’Arcy, while playing a female character in the show, found it exhausting to have to pretend to be a woman in her own life. The performer said:
“It wasn’t sustainable, and I stopped pretending, and weirdly, it’s at that point that I got nominated for best actress at the Golden Globes, which is beautifully ironic.”
The performer has since found acclaim as their authentic self, making it infinitely more important that she be nominated for the award identifying as she does. The performer is pleased with the fact that her just being nominated for the role, opens up a lot of avenues for trans and non-binary people, signaling that spaces for these communities are positively expanding. They said:
“I think the most important thing is that it implies that the space for trans people and gender-nonconforming people is getting bigger all the time. So, I feel very privileged,”
D’arcy reprises her role as Rhaenyra Targaryen in the upcoming season of the House of the Dragon, scheduled to be released in Summer 2024.
