On May 16, 2025, Bella Ramsey earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Astra Television Awards for their compelling portrayal of Ellie Williams in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2. The announcement, shared widely across platforms like X, underscores Ramsey’s rising star power and the critical acclaim surrounding their performance in the post-apocalyptic drama. The series itself secured 13 nominations, including Best Drama Series, reflecting its cultural and critical impact. Ramsey’s nod places them among top contenders, with fans and critics alike praising their ability to embody Ellie’s complex emotional journey.
The Last of Us Season 2, which premiered on April 13, 2025, adapts the 2020 video game The Last of Us Part II, diving deeper into Ellie’s story of vengeance and loss. Ramsey, 21, reprises their role as the hardened survivor, navigating a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic. Their performance, particularly in episode 2, “Through the Valley,” has been hailed as a tour de force, capturing Ellie’s grief and rage after a pivotal loss. Critics, including ScreenRant, have lauded Ramsey’s ability to convey raw vulnerability and ferocity, especially in scenes depicting Ellie’s quest for retribution alongside Dina, played by Isabela Merced. The Astra nomination follows Ramsey’s previous Emmy and BAFTA nods for Season 1, cementing their status as a formidable talent.
The Astra Television Awards, organized by the Hollywood Creative Alliance, celebrate excellence in television, and Ramsey’s nomination reflects their standout work in a competitive field. Posts on X erupted with excitement, with users like @TheLastofUsNews noting the show’s 13 nominations, including Ramsey for Best Actress and Pedro Pascal for Best Actor. Fans have championed Ramsey’s casting since Season 1, despite early skepticism from some game fans. “Bella Ramsey IS Ellie,” one X user declared, praising their ability to silence doubters with a performance that mirrors the game’s emotional depth. The nomination also highlights Ramsey’s advocacy for inclusive representation, as they identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns.
Ramsey’s journey to this nomination has been marked by resilience. They faced initial backlash for their casting in 2021, with some fans questioning their fit for Ellie due to physical differences from the game character. However, Ramsey’s Season 1 performance, which earned a 2023 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress, shifted the narrative. Their work in Season 2, particularly in emotionally charged scenes, has further solidified their connection to the role. Ramsey told The Guardian in April 2025 that filming The Last of Us transformed their life, pushing them to embrace fame despite initial discomfort. Their dedication, including wearing a chest binder for 90% of filming to align with Ellie’s presentation, underscores their commitment.
The Astra nod also reignites discussions about gendered award categories. Ramsey, who has spoken candidly about their non-binary identity, addressed this on The Louis Theroux Podcast in May 2025, expressing unease with the term “actress” but accepting the category to preserve recognition for women in the industry. They considered withdrawing from the 2023 Emmys, following non-binary actor Liv Hewson’s lead, but chose to compete after discussions with showrunner Craig Mazin, who emphasized celebrating non-binary performers. Ramsey’s nomination, as reported by Variety, positions them as a potential record-breaker: a win would make them the youngest Best Drama Actress Emmy winner, surpassing Zendaya’s 2020 record.
The Last of Us Season 2’s success, with eight Emmy wins for Season 1 and strong 2025 prospects, amplifies Ramsey’s nomination. Their chemistry with co-stars like Pascal and Merced, coupled with intense scenes directed by Mark Mylod, has fueled awards buzz. X posts from fans, like @D1LFMILLER’s call for an “Emmy campaign,” reflect the fervor surrounding Ramsey’s performance. Off-screen, Ramsey’s bond with Pascal, described as a close friendship, and their vegetarian lifestyle add personal layers to their public persona.
As the Astra Awards approach, Ramsey’s nomination highlights their evolution from Game of Thrones’ Lyanna Mormont to a leading actor shaping television. Whether they win or not, their portrayal of Ellie—marked by pain, defiance, and humanity—has left an indelible mark. With Season 3 already announced, Ramsey’s journey as Ellie promises more groundbreaking moments, and their Astra nod is a testament to their undeniable talent.
