'The Last of Us' Showrunner Talks Gendered Awards Categories, Emmy Nom for Nonbinary Star Bella Ramsey

"The Last of Us" creator and showrunner Craig Mazin opened up about the two dozen Emmy nominations the show's first season garnered – including a nom for nonbinary star Bella Ramsey – and what it would mean to dispense with gendered awards categories.

Variety noted that the HBO hit, which is based on a video game, has been nominated for more Emmys this year than any other show except for that other HBO juggernaut, "Succession."

Ramsey, though nonbinary, has been nominated in the best actress category, which prompted the publication to note that Ramsey "has spoken about being uncomfortable with gendered awards categories," and to ask Mazin about his "take on how the Emmys could honor nonbinary performers".

"I talk about everything with Bella, so of course we've spoken about this," Mazin disclosed. "It's a really interesting challenge. On the one hand, the conversation about gender has transformed dramatically and in a very progressive and positive way. On the other hand, we have to practically make sure that by moving away from gendered categories, we don't shortchange traditionally overlooked folks ... and we know that in non-gendered categories like directing and writing, women have been historically under-appreciated.

"I don't know the answer," Mazin added, "but I have every expectation that non-binary performers will soon be recognized in the respectful and appropriate way they deserve."

Aside from Ramsey's nomination, co-lead Pedro Pascal has been nominated, as have seven guest stars, among them Murray Bartlett (who is openly gay) and Nick Offernan, who played a long-time gay couple in the series' widely acclaimed third episode. The series has also been nominated for best drama.

"We didn't set the record apparently," Mazin said. " 'NYPD Blue' had 27 nominations in their first season, but that was 1993. So that's the most in 30 years for a new show."

Saying the show's successes so far have left him with "mixed emotions," Mazin also offered his thoughts about the writers' strike, which has now become a double bill in Hollywood with actors also going on strike earlier this week.

"I want to support the working artists that made the show," Mazin offered. "It's unfortunate that we're celebrating what we're doing while struggling with these companies that just don't want to treat artists fairly. So like I said, mixed emotions.

"I look at this as an opportunity to remind everybody that our business runs on the work and talent of artists and employees – all of whom are in labor unions. And all of them deserve fair contracts and the ability to earn a living wage and do their jobs with dignity. That's my term paper on that."