Black women had a historic Emmys night – but it shouldn’t paper over Hollywood’s diversity issues
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The 2024 Emmy Awards, held on Monday (16 January), brought some much-needed recognition to Black talent in the industry. Ayo Edebiri, Quinta Brunston, and Niecy Nash Betts emerged as winners, but their victories highlight the ongoing need for proper representation and diversity in Hollywood.
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, delayed due to the Hollywood strikes, celebrated the best of US television from June 2022 to May 2023. The year saw the arrival of major hits like HBO’s The Last Of Us and the emotional farewell of their flagship drama Succession.
Several notable shows made waves within and outside the LGBTQ+ community, including Only Murders in the Building, Ted Lasso, and Natasha Lyonne’s gritty debut as detective Charlie Cale in Peacock’s Poker Face.
Amongst stiff competition, Disney+’s comedy-drama The Bear stood out, winning a whopping 10 Emmys. A standout performance came from Ayo Edebiri, who won her third high-profile award for her role as chef Sydney in The Bear, taking home the Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series award.
Edebiri’s win is particularly significant as she became the third Black woman in Emmy history to win this coveted award. She follows in the footsteps of Sheryl Lee Ralph for Abbot Elementary in 2022 and Jackée Harry for 227 back in 1987.
In the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category, Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary became only the second Black actress to win in this category, following Isabel Sanford’s win for The Jefferson in 1981 – a staggering 43 years ago.
Brunson and Edebiri’s wins mark the first time both categories have been won by Black actresses in the same year, a historic moment for representation and diversity in the industry.
Niecy Nash-Betts, an LGBTQ+ icon, also had a significant win, taking home the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series award for her role as Glenda Cleveland in Ryan Murphy’s controversial Netflix series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
During her acceptance speech, Nash-Betts addressed the systemic inequality faced by Black women in the US, particularly within the policing system. She dedicated her award to every Black and Brown woman who has been over-policed and unheard, mentioning names like Glenda Cleveland, Sandra Bland, and Breonna Taylor.
These victories hold immense importance, not just for the LGBTQ+ community – with two queer women and a fierce ally leading the wins – but also for racial diversity within the industry. In recent years, the struggles faced by Black women in Hollywood have gained visibility through movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, as well as the recent Hollywood strikes that encouraged actors to speak out about their negative experiences.
The industry still has a long way to go in terms of representation and diversity. LGBTQ+ shows have faced numerous cancellations, especially those centered around queer women of color. The loss of shows like A League of Their Own, Willow, and iCarly in the past year has dealt a blow to representation.
Unfortunately, the film industry reflects similar issues. A report by USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative found that diversity initiatives often remain performative, with no real steps taken towards fostering change. In 2023, out of the four women of color who directed a top-100 grossing film, Nia DaCosta was the only Black female director. The figures show no significant increase from the previous year.
The systemic issues within Hollywood persist, and while celebrating these wins is important, complacency is not an option. Without continued efforts to address diversity and inclusion, it may take another four decades to achieve the next milestone.
The 2024 Emmy Awards showcased the immense talent of Black women in the industry, but it also highlighted the need for Hollywood to confront its diversity issues head-on. True progress can only be achieved through sustained efforts and genuine commitment to change.
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