Battle of the Sexless

The Oscars could ditch best actor and actress awards for a gender-neutral category. Not everyone likes the idea

- JESUS MESA

THE OSCARS MAY SOON UNDERGO a major and controversial change as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences explores replacing the best actor and best actress categories with gender-neutral awards.

As more awards shows adopt gender-neutral categories, the academy is considering following suit, but acknowledges it's in the "early exploration stage," academy CEO Bill Kramer said in a late-June interview in Variety.

The trend began when the Grammys created single gender-neutral categories for best pop, country and R&B performances in 2012. Since then, some film and TV awards have too, including the MTV Movie & TV Awards, the Gotham Awards and Independent Spirit Awards.

But such a change for the main acting categories at Hollywood's flagship award ceremony would be remarkable.