Emma Watson up for national award after JK Rowling comments

Emma Watson is up for a national award after her comments and feud with JK Rowling.

The 35-year-old is studying at Oxford University, in the city where she grew up, having opted to study a Master’s degree in creative writing in September 2023.

It was announced last year that Ms Watson had switched to a DPhil, and she previously had studied at two local schools, the Dragon School and Headington School.

The actress is well known for her iconic role as Hermione Granger in all eight of the Harry Potter films, released from 2001 to 2011.

Now, Ms Watson has been shortlisted for the 2026 British Diversity Awards, with an announcement made today (Wednesday, January 14).

In its fifth year, the awards will return to the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on Wednesday, March 25 2026.

The 35-year-old has been nominated for Media Personality of the Year, which recognises cultural figures who use their platforms to drive meaningful social change.

Sir Lenny Henry, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Cat Burns, Sam Thompson, Dr Alex George, Vicky McClure MBE, Chris McCausland, and others have all been shortlisted for the gong.

This comes after Harry Potter author JK Rowling accused Ms Watson of being “ignorant” last September amid their ongoing row over transgender views.

Ms Watson and her co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have publicly backed transgender rights in the past few years, distancing themselves from Ms Rowling, who has criticised the actors in response.

The 60-year-old writer has previously been accused of transphobia for her views on gender identity, which she denies.

In a lengthy post on X, Ms Rowling said: “Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is."

“I’d be astounded if she’s been in a high street changing room since childhood."

"Her ‘public bathroom’ is single occupancy and comes with a security man standing guard outside the door."

The multimillionaire author said that “I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous” and therefore “understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges”.

Ms Rowling made her latest comments in response to Ms Watson discussing their relationship on Jay Shetty’s mental health podcast.

The actress said: “I think it’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people whom I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with.”

The nomination places Ms Watson among a group of high profile figures who have become known not only for their professional achievements but also for speaking publicly on social and cultural issues. The British Diversity Awards aim to recognise individuals who influence public conversation, particularly where inclusion, equality, and representation are concerned.

Ms Watson has long been vocal about social causes, including gender equality and human rights, and previously served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Her public advocacy has often drawn both praise and criticism, particularly when her views clash with those of influential figures connected to her early career.

The continuing dispute with Ms Rowling has highlighted wider divisions within public debate, especially when it comes to gender identity and freedom of expression. What began as disagreements on social media has evolved into a broader cultural conversation, with fans and commentators weighing in from across the political and social spectrum.

Despite the controversy, Ms Watson has continued to focus on her academic work at Oxford while maintaining a relatively low public profile compared to her earlier years in the spotlight. Friends and colleagues have noted that her return to university reflects a desire to deepen her creative skills away from the pressures of the film industry.

As the awards ceremony approaches, attention is likely to remain on both the honour itself and the circumstances surrounding her nomination. Whether Ms Watson takes home the award or not, her inclusion underscores how modern public figures are increasingly judged not just on their work, but on how they engage with complex and often divisive issues.