Because we’re rooting for all blacks, we’re still celebrating this year’s Emmy nominations, which were noticeably slightly different (read: Blacker) this time.
In fact, the Television Academy noted that, for the first time, 34% of the nominations were black actors.
Shows like A Black Lady Sketch Show, Unsafe and Watchers Everyone nodded, while some of our favorite black actors – Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Issa Rae, Jeremy Pope, Regina King, Sterling K. Brown, Mahershala Ali, and Yvonne Orji – solidified their nominee status.
But while the show has made a lot of progress in giving us our due (oddly synchronized with the racial judgment that occurs around the world, due in large part to outrage over the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor), it’s time to speak and discuss the names we have are not looking at that list, how they should be.
This is not the first time that the Emmy has made such notable mistakes, and it certainly will not be the last. Here are some people who should also receive their flowers.
01
Tiffany Boone for “Little Fires Everywhere”
There is no other human being on this planet who can perfect Kerry Washington other than Tiffany Boone. What was considered the main performance for the Little fires everywhere Flashback episode “The Uncanny”, Boone plays a young Mia, instantly nailing Washington’s signature gestures and expressions.
Little Fires Everywhere – “The Uncanny” – Episode 106 – In 1981, a young Mia begins to study at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she meets captivating photographer Pauline Hawthorne. Struggling to pay her tuition, Mia makes a decision that will change the course of her life. Meanwhile, in Ohio, a young Elena questions her life with Bill as they await the arrival of their fourth child. Young Mia (Tiffany Boone), shown. (Photo by: Erin Simkin / Hulu)
02
Viola Davis for “How to Escape the Murder”
After six years, 2020 made us bid farewell to Viola Davis’s portrayal of the (sometimes) morally contentious, courageous, witty, and sharp Annalize Keating language in How to escape murder. In what was considered Davis’ best season and stellar performance, because when she doesn’t give it all, the iconic actress didn’t walk away with an Emmy nomination this season.
03
Angelica Ross for “Pose”
This Emmy season, Angelica Ross made history as the first female transgender artist to be a regular series in two series: FX’s American Horror Story: 1984 and Pose. And despite the fact that we said goodbye to his character in the latter, in what was considered an epic performance, it’s safe to say that we are all shocked by this snub.
04
Regina Hall for “Black Monday”
What is not to love about Regina Hall? In addition to being one of the most underrated black women in comedy, she also took over the second season of Black Monday. Hall plays Dawn Darcy, a stock trader who takes over The Jammer Group with Blair (Andrew Rannells) after they accused Mo (Don Cheadle) of causing the market crash.
Regina Hall as Dawn Darcy in BLACK MONDAY (Episode 1, “365”) – Photo: Erin Simkin / SHOWTIME – Photo ID: BLACKMONDAY_100_1973
05
Aunjanue Ellis for “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of the Gospel”
Lifetime Channel’s highest-rated premiere in four years saw Ellis as the matriarch of the Clark sisters’ biopic. And there’s no question that Ellis nailed every aspect of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark into The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of the Gospel. This was a true robbery.
06
Angela Bassett for ‘9-1-1’
Now, if there is someone who can change the narrative of what a police officer should be like in the United States, it is none other than Mrs. Bassett herself. For Ryan Murphy’s emergency response drama on Fox, Bassett stars as Athena Grant in this badass role that is definitely worthy of Emmy’s consideration. But not all is lost for the actress; scored two winks for the narrative and featured guest actress for her role in A Black Lady Sketch Show.
