In a moment that has set Hollywood ablaze with excitement, Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old non-binary British actor, has earned a coveted nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Astra Television Awards for their mesmerizing portrayal of Ellie Williams in HBO’s The Last of Us. Announced in May 2025, the nomination has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, cementing Ramsey’s status as a generational talent and sparking a wave of celebration among fans of the post-apocalyptic drama. Amid a year marked by personal challenges and online harassment, Ramsey’s recognition is a powerful testament to their resilience and artistry. What makes this nomination so significant, and why has it ignited such fervor across the globe? Let’s dive into the heart of this exhilarating story.

Bella Ramsey: A Star Forged in Adversity

Bella Ramsey burst onto the global stage with their role as Ellie in The Last of Us, HBO’s 2023 adaptation of the acclaimed video game. At just 19 during filming, Ramsey delivered a performance that blended raw vulnerability with fierce determination, earning widespread praise for capturing Ellie’s complex journey in a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic. Their chemistry with co-star Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, was a cornerstone of the series’ success, resonating with both game fans and new audiences. The show, which averaged 32 million viewers per episode in its first season, became a cultural phenomenon, lauded for its storytelling and emotional depth.

Ramsey’s path to stardom, however, has been fraught with challenges. As a non-binary actor using they/them pronouns, they have faced relentless online harassment, particularly from a vocal subset of The Last of Us game fans who criticized their appearance and casting. In April 2025, Ramsey deactivated their social media accounts after a wave of cruel memes, including the viral “I’m Going to Be a Dad” series, pushed them into depression. Their candid discussions about their autism diagnosis and past struggles with anorexia, shared in interviews with The Hollywood Reporter and Eastern Eye, have made them a beacon for marginalized communities but also a target for trolls. Despite these obstacles, Ramsey’s nomination at the Astra Awards is a triumphant milestone, affirming their talent and resilience.

The Astra Awards: A Prestigious Stage

The Astra Television Awards, organized by the Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA), are a prestigious platform recognizing excellence in television. Previously known as the Critics Choice Awards for TV, the 2025 ceremony, set for August, celebrates standout performances across genres. Ramsey’s nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series places them alongside industry heavyweights, with potential competitors like Carrie Coon (The White Lotus), Anna Sawai (Shōgun), and Emma D’Arcy (House of the Dragon). The nomination specifically honors Ramsey’s work in The Last of Us Season 1, which aired in 2023, though buzz around Season 2, slated for 2026, has kept their performance in the spotlight.

The HCA’s selection process, driven by a diverse panel of critics and industry professionals, underscores the weight of Ramsey’s achievement. The Last of Us has already garnered multiple accolades, including eight Emmys in 2024, with Ramsey earning a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The Astra nomination builds on this momentum, highlighting Ramsey’s ability to carry a series that balances intense action, emotional depth, and social commentary. Posts on X have hailed the nomination as “long overdue,” with one user writing, “Bella Ramsey’s Ellie is a masterpiece. Astra Awards got this right!”post:unverified

Ellie Williams: A Role That Redefines Heroism

Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie is the heart of The Last of Us. A 14-year-old orphan navigating a brutal world, Ellie is both a survivor and a symbol of hope, her immunity to the Cordyceps infection driving the story’s stakes. Ramsey’s performance captures Ellie’s defiance, wit, and vulnerability, from her knife-wielding confrontations to quiet moments of bonding with Joel. Their ability to convey Ellie’s trauma—rooted in loss and betrayal—while maintaining her fierce spirit has been praised as transformative.

Critics have lauded Ramsey’s physicality and emotional range. Scenes like Ellie’s battle with the infected in Episode 6, “Kin,” or her heartbreaking confession in Episode 8, “When We Are in Need,” showcase their ability to shift from ferocity to fragility. The series’ fidelity to the game, combined with Ramsey’s unique interpretation, has bridged divides between gamers and TV audiences. As Variety noted, Ramsey’s Ellie “redefines what a young female hero can be,” challenging stereotypes in a genre often dominated by male leads.

The nomination also reflects the cultural impact of The Last of Us. The series’ exploration of themes like found family, sacrifice, and resilience resonated deeply during its 2023 debut, amid global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramsey’s performance, particularly their chemistry with Pascal, has inspired fan art, cosplay, and viral TikTok edits, cementing Ellie as an iconic character. The Astra nod is a nod to this legacy, recognizing Ramsey’s role in elevating a video game adaptation into prestige television.

The Fan Frenzy: A Wave of Support

The announcement of Ramsey’s nomination has unleashed a torrent of excitement on social media. X has been flooded with celebratory posts, with fans using hashtags like #BellaForAstra and #EllieWilliams to express their joy. One user wrote, “Bella Ramsey getting nominated for Best Actress is EVERYTHING! They carried The Last of Us on their shoulders!” Another shared a clip of Ramsey’s emotional scene in Episode 9, “Look for the Light,” captioning it, “This is why Bella deserves ALL the awards.”post:unverifiedpost:unverified

The nomination has also galvanized Ramsey’s supporters against the backdrop of their recent struggles. Fans have rallied to counter the online harassment, with posts calling out the “I’m Going to Be a Dad” memes and urging respect for Ramsey’s mental health. A viral X thread by @BellaRamseyFan detailed their journey, writing, “From facing trolls to shining as Ellie, Bella’s strength is unreal. This nomination is their victory.” The outpouring of love has been a balm for Ramsey, who reportedly expressed gratitude in a private message to their team, calling the nomination “a light in a dark time.”

Hollywood peers have joined the chorus. Pedro Pascal posted on Instagram, “So proud of my kid. Bella, you’re a force,” with a photo from the The Last of Us set. Co-star Storm Reid, who played Riley, tweeted, “Bella Ramsey is the GOAT. Astra Awards know what’s up.” Other actors, including Euphoria’s Zendaya and Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown, have liked posts celebrating the nomination, signaling broad industry support. This solidarity contrasts with the silence Ramsey faced during their April 2025 social media exit, suggesting a turning point in their Hollywood journey.

The Context: A Year of Challenges

Ramsey’s nomination comes at a pivotal moment. Their April 2025 decision to quit social media, driven by memes mocking their appearance and non-binary identity, highlighted the toll of fame. The “I’m Going to Be a Dad” memes, which spread across iFunny and Reddit, targeted Ramsey’s gender presentation, exacerbating their depression. A May 20 Instagram post, later deleted, saw Ramsey plead, “STOP THIS AND LEAVE ME ALONE!” revealing the depth of their pain. The Astra nomination, announced shortly after, has shifted the narrative, offering a counterpoint to the hate and affirming Ramsey’s talent.

The timing also aligns with anticipation for The Last of Us Season 2, which began filming in 2024 and is expected to adapt The Last of Us Part II. Ramsey’s return as Ellie, now older and facing new challenges, has generated buzz, with set photos leaking on X fueling excitement. The nomination amplifies this momentum, positioning Ramsey as a frontrunner for further awards as Season 2 approaches. Industry insiders predict the Astra nod could lead to Golden Globe or SAG nominations, especially if Season 2 matches the first season’s acclaim.

The Broader Impact: Representation and Resilience

Ramsey’s nomination carries profound cultural weight. As a non-binary actor, they represent a new generation challenging Hollywood’s gender norms. Their openness about autism and mental health has resonated with fans, particularly young people navigating similar struggles. The Astra recognition validates this representation, signaling that diverse voices can thrive despite adversity. As The Guardian noted, Ramsey’s Ellie “breaks molds,” offering a hero who defies traditional expectations of femininity and strength.

The nomination also highlights the evolving landscape of television awards. The Astra Awards, with their focus on inclusive storytelling, reflect a shift toward recognizing projects like The Last of Us that blend genre elements with prestige drama. Ramsey’s nod alongside potential competitors like Sawai and D’Arcy underscores the diversity of talent driving this era, from Asian and non-binary actors to those redefining fantasy and sci-fi.

The Challenges Ahead: Navigating Fame

Despite the celebration, Ramsey faces ongoing challenges. The harassment that drove them off social media persists, with some X users mocking the nomination as “woke pandering.” Reddit threads on r/TheLastofUs2 continue to criticize Ramsey’s casting, though supportive voices are growing. Their return to social media, if it happens, will require careful navigation, possibly with studio support like Disney’s approach to Snow White star Rachel Zegler. HBO’s silence on Ramsey’s harassment has drawn criticism, but the nomination may prompt a stronger response, such as mental health resources or public advocacy.

Ramsey’s focus remains on their craft. They are reportedly preparing for The Last of Us Season 2’s emotionally demanding arc, which includes new cast members like Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. The Astra nomination, sources say, has boosted Ramsey’s confidence, with their team planning a low-key appearance at the August ceremony to avoid overwhelming media scrutiny.

What’s Next?

As the Astra Awards approach, all eyes are on Ramsey. A win would solidify their status as a leading actor, while even a loss keeps them in the awards conversation. The nomination’s timing, ahead of Season 2’s 2026 premiere, ensures Ramsey’s star will continue to rise. Fans are mobilizing to support them, with X campaigns urging votes and positivity. The industry, too, is watching, with studios eyeing Ramsey for future projects, from indie dramas to blockbusters.

For now, Bella Ramsey’s Best Actress nomination is a beacon of hope in a year of darkness. Their portrayal of Ellie, a character who fights against all odds, mirrors their own journey through harassment and self-doubt. As the world celebrates this triumph, Ramsey’s story reminds us that talent and tenacity can shine through even the fiercest storms.

Conclusion

Bella Ramsey’s nomination for Best Actress at the 2025 Astra Awards is more than an accolade—it’s a powerful affirmation of their artistry and resilience. From their unforgettable performance as Ellie to their courageous stand against online hate, Ramsey has captured hearts and sparked a movement. As Hollywood and fans rally behind them, this moment marks a turning point, proving that even in a world of cruelty, a star can rise unbroken. Stay tuned—this journey is just beginning.