Emma D'Arcy says their Golden Globe nomination "implies the space for trans people and gender non-conforming people is getting bigger".
The 30-year-old actor, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon, is nominated for best television actress at the 80th annual Golden Globes ceremony in Los Angeles.
Emma is the only nominee from the show.
Speaking from the red carpet, the star said being at the star-studded event felt "surreal" and that they are very "privileged" to have been invited.
"I mean, it’s kind of a surreal thing, right?
"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. It wasn’t sustainable, and I stopped pretending," they said at the ceremony.
"Weirdly, it’s at that point that I got nominated for that dress at the Golden Globes, which is like beautifully ironic," they told E! at the awards.
Emma continued: "I think the most important thing is that for me, it implies the space for trans people and gender non-conforming people is getting bigger.
"So I feel, like, very privileged."
The star identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
Following Emma's nomination, some fans questioned the use of gendered acting categories at award shows.
One person tweeted: "Aren’t they non-binary? I’m curious how much longer the HFPA is going to separate awards by gender."
"Absolutely deserved recognition. I can’t help but wonder who classified them as an 'actress'," another said.
A third fan suggested: "Being nominated in both categories would be the biggest flex ever for an actor."
Last year's Golden Globes saw Michaela Jaé Rodriguez become the first transgender actress to win an award.
The 31-year-old was awarded Best Actress in a TV Drama for her portrayal of Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the FX series Pose.
After hearing that she had won the accolade, the actress and singer took to social media to share her excitement.
She wrote in a post on Instagram : "OMG OMGGG!!!! Wow! You talking about sickening birthday present. Thank you."
"This is the door that is going to open the door for many more young, talented individuals. They will see that it is more than possible," the award-winner continued.
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