Let’s face it, it would be an atrocity if Gwendoline Christie who plays Ser Brienne of Tarth in the Game of Thrones did not at least get an Emmy nod for her performance. And that almost happened if Christie had not submitted herself for an Emmy nomination.

The move to submit her own name for an Emmy nom followed HBO’s decision to snub her, Alfie Allen and Carice van Houten when they submitted their contenders for this year’s awards. Allen who played Theon Greyjoy and van Houten who played Melissandre the Red Witch ended up submitting themselves as well. To no surprise, all three GOT actors were each given a nomination.

Now, Christie reveals why she decided to take matters into her own hands. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times she says “It’s something I find hard to do, like everyone else, but I would like to be in charge of my own destiny.” In the interview published on August 5 she continues, “And I would like to endeavor to give myself opportunities. Particularly when working very hard on something very special and you’ve pushed yourself beyond your limits.”

The move is nothing that can be considered as arrogance. Christie, along with Allen and Van Houten, gave an impeccable performance on the series’ controversial final season. And for many, Ser Brienne of Tarth is a beacon of light for women who don’t find themselves on the conventional side of things. Ser Brienne broke barriers put up by conventional gender roles, she was strong androgynous and a lot more than a woman who likes to fight and Christie did her justice.