The Emmy Awards is finally starting to “get” it. As the push for Black Lives Matter and more woke’ness increases, the popular TV awards show has done its part by making sure to better include and represent more non-white entertainers and lesser represented stars with this year’s nominations announcement.
The Emmys Get Diverse
This week, the Emmy nominees were announced and features a slew of popular Black Hollywood figures. Nods went out to everyone from “Insecure” star Issa Rae to “Euphoria” actress Zendaya.
On the acting side, there were 36 actors of color nominated, while actors who have openly identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community took in 11 nominations. On the hosting side, six people of color were nominated while seven people who identified as LGBTQ+ received nods. Of all the nominees from underrepresented voices, 15 were first-time nominees. (Deadline)
High-Key Details
HBO’s “Watchmen” ultimately blew the competition away. The show – which heavily focuses on American racial trauma and white supremacy through a futuristic world – dominated the list of Emmy nods.
The nine-episode series, an ambitious adaptation of the landmark 1980s graphic novel about masked vigilantes, led the pack of contenders with 26 nominations, including for the actors Regina King and Jeremy Irons. Amazon’s fizzy period comedy “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is the second-most nominated series, with 20, followed by Netflix’s downcast crime thriller “Ozark” and HBO’s caustic media satire “Succession,” with 18 apiece. (NBC News)
Wait, There’s More
Prior to Tuesday’s nominees being announced, Frank Scherma, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy spoke on the importance of fighting for social justice. He also vowed to help assist in that fight with the Emmys.
“This year, we are also bearing witness to one of the greatest fights for social justice in history. And it is our duty to use this medium for change,” Frank Scherma said. The acting categories included a record number of Black nominees, 35, among the 102 contenders for lead, supporting and guest performances in drama, comedy and limited series or TV movie. At slightly more than 34 percent of nominees, that bettered the 2018 record of just under 28 percent of Black actors in those categories. (Star Tribune)
Before You Go
After the Emmys nominations announcement, “Insecure” star Issa Rae went online with a heartfelt reaction. She also acknowledged seeing her peers have respect placed on their names.
“Thank you guys for all of the #Emmys love and support! Proud to see so many of my heroes and peers (peer-oes?) acknowledged! Much love to my @insecurehbo family and my @ablackladysketchshow family with 3 Emmy nods! I’m throwing a Rooting For Everybody Black Parking Lot Party! Rona can’t stop us!” -Issa Rae’s Instagram
“Amazing!!!! Congrats ?? ?❤️‼️” -La La Anthony
“So deserved!!!!! congrats to you and the team????????” -Aminé
“@issarae congratulations. So exciting. Which parking lot? Jk send me a zoom link… you know I’m still scared!”