The 2017 MTV Movie and TV Awards may have predicted the future of all entertainment award shows by not recognizing gender in its categories.

The move was controversial when first announced, but it had artists excited during the ceremony on Sunday night. “Beauty and the Beast” actress Emma Watson praised the move during her acceptance speech for Best Actor in a Movie.

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“The first acting award in history that doesn’t separate nominees based on their sex says something about how we perceive the human experience,” said Watson. “Acting is about the ability to put yourself into someone else’s shoes, and that doesn’t have to be separated into two different categories.”

She added, “Empathy and the ability to use your imagination should have no limits.” Watson also received the award from a presenter whose gender is “non-binary.”

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Watson praised presenter and “Billions” performer Asia Kate Dillon for helping to educate her on gender issues. Other new categories at the awards show suggested a program that was looking to score easy political points. There was Best American Movie, which gave a nod to films that showcased “America at its best” — and Best Fight Against the System, an award that was presented by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) — who, no surprise given this audience, received a standing ovation. Waters, 78, has repeatedly called for the removal of President Trump from office.

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The genderless awards were the biggest news to come out of the show, as not many people knew how they would go over. While these awards earned the support of the recipients and of people in the Los Angeles room, the move received eye rolls from some on social media.

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MTV President Chris McCarthy told LA Times the genderless awards were part of an effort to “lead culture.”

The move likely would have received more support if it hadn’t come at a time when identity politics are being used so aggressively as polarizing tools, especially by the Left.