Emma D’Arcy not only introduced the LGBTQ+ community to its new favorite drink, they’re providing visibility for nonbinary actors in a way they never previously thought was possible.
In a red carpet interview with E! News at Tuesday’s Golden Globes Awards, The House of the Dragon actor told the outlet that being recognized for their role as Rhaenyra Targaryen was “surreal,” since in the initial phase of their career, they “really felt that [they] had to present as a woman in order to find success in this industry.”
“It wasn't sustainable, and I stopped pretending,” D’Arcy added. “And weirdly at that point I got nominated for Best Actress for the Golden Globes, which is like beautifully ironic.”
Beyond the implications for their personal success, the actor stated that the most important aspect of their nomination was that “the space for trans people and gender non-conforming people is getting bigger all the time.”
The star also dished on their look, a stunning oversized black blazer paired with a black skirt worn over pants. They described this look, rather accurately, as “child piano prodigy and maybe the recital's not gone well.” In a separate interview with Vogue, they added that their makeup, including a streak of blue eyeshadow below their eye to look like a tear trail, was meant to indicate that the recital had gone poorly.
“I'm doing that but I'm also doing trans, because I'm wearing some trousers and a skirt at the same time — and nothing says nonbinary like wearing both a skirt and trousers,” they joked.
The Golden Globes have weathered a significant amount of controversy, but D’Arcy’s observation on the growing recognition of trans talent was certainly true of Tuesday night’s ceremony. During his acceptance speech for the Carol Burnett Award, Ryan Murphy led a much-overdue standing ovation for Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who became the first trans actress to win the Golden Globe for best actress last year. Billy Porter, recreating his iconic tuxedo dress from the 2019 Oscars, also received a shoutout from Murphy.
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