I don’t even typically watch mainstream awards shows because our absence or tokenism of reverence to the same old stories is usually so annoying that it takes me off center.
But since I wrote that nominees summary, I felt obligated to watch. Right after I pushed myself to keep watching as The Crown and Ted Lasso accumulated enough trophies to put a dent in their tables; a few truly inspirational moments occurred which is why I say #emmysnotallwhite.
Perhaps a more accurate hashtag would be #emmyswaytooBritish
Between The Crown, Ted Lasso (an American in Great Britain), Kate Winslet (a British woman playing an American so believable that when she accepted her award in her British accent, I was almost confused). Even the amazing Michaaela Coel (more on her historic win below) is British! The Emmys – named after “immy”, an informal term for the image orthicon tube that was common in early television cameras.
I saw at least one article that led with People of Color Shit Out at the Emmys. That is not true. If you’re only referring to the biggies – Best Drama, Best Comedy, Lead and Supporting Actors and Actress, it is true. That Best Actor category with its four beautiful Brown-skinned candidates all losing to a British man who played Prince Phillip in The Crown! That one hurt.
Confession: I have never seen an episode of The Crown,
I did see The Queen’s Gambit (won for Best Directing and Limited Series), Mare of Eastown (Kate Winslet, Best Actress & Best Supporting Actress) and Hacks. Gene Smart so deserved that Emmy for Hacks and to see her play such a different character in Mare showed her range. She lost her husband 6 months ago and noted his incredible support of her career. What a moment. Women also won for Directing and Writing for Hacks.
Enough about the British Emmys.
On the Celebrations, Milestones and History-Making among People of Color.
Ru Paul’s Drag Race won 3! Host, Competition Show & Unstructured Reality Program – Winner for RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked. With a total 11 Emmys, Ru Paul is the Black artist with the most Emmy Awards.
More history was made by Michaela Coel who is the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Writing for a Limited Series.
Kerry Washington fit in a tribute to Michael K. Williams ANYWAY!
Dave Chapelle and Maya Rudolph (all about her spot-on Kamala Harris impression for sure) won for their guest performances on SNL.
Cedric the Entertainer hosted, Reggie Watts dj’d (pretty randomly, I must say), MC Lyte was the announcer and Reginald Hudlin was one of the executive producers. Cicely Tyson’s voice was featured in the In Memorian tribute which featured a performance by Jon Baptiste and Leon Bridges.
Let me close (or post) with the words of Micahele Coel and Debbie Allen that brought tears to my eyes. These are our role models charging us to keep telling our stories. Cause my stories will never be #sowhite!
Congrats to those who commit to telling our stories. Whether they take home a gold-plated sculpture of a winged woman holding an atom or not.
Michaela Coel’s acceptance speech. First black woman to EVER win an Emmy for Writing for a limited series. “Write the tales that scare you, that make you feel uncertain that isn’t comfortable. I dare you,” she said. “In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves and to in turn feel the need to be constantly visible — for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success — do not be afraid to disappear. From it, from us, for a while and see what comes to you in the silence.” Michaela Coel
Her speech and her story (narrated by Gayle King) brought me to tears.
“Let this moment resonate with women across the world — across this country and across this world — from Texas to Afghanistan,” she said. “Also the young people who have no vote, who can’t even get a vaccine — they’re inheriting the world that we live in and that we lead in. It’s time for you to claim your power. Claim your voice, sing your song, tell your stories. It will make us a better place. Your turn.” Debbie Allen
#tellyourstory#emmysnotallwhite#emmyssowhite#criticalconsumption
