On Monday, Jan. 15, the 75th annual Primetime Emmys took place.
While the event saw over 20 people and projects receive awards that evening, it was Black women who ultimately walked away with the most impactful wins of the night—and for good reason. Specifically, women like “Abbott Elementary’s” Quinta Brunson and “The Bear’s” Ayo Edebiri both made history that night by becoming the only two Black women to win in the comedy categories in the same year.
For her role in “Abbott,” Quinta walked away with the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, the second Black actress to win in that category and the first one in more than 40 years. Her predecessor was Isabel Sanford, who famously starred as “Weezy” in “The Jeffersons” back in 1981. For Edebiri, she became the third Black woman to win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series with previous winners in that category being Sheryl Lee Ralph in 2022 and Jackée Harry in 1987.
And though their feats are worthy of celebration, it does beg the question as to why it’s taken so long for Black women actresses, in comedy specifically, to be awarded for their artistic contributions. Since 1981, there have been no shortage of comedy series starring Black women that have produced Emmy-worthy performances: “A Different World,” “Living Single,” “Girlfriends,” “Sister, Sister,” “Black-ish,” “Insecure,” “Martin,” “My Wife and Kids” and more.
Whether they’re starring in lead roles like Tracee Ellis Ross, Queen Latifah, Issa Rae, Erika Alexander, Jasmine Guy, Mo’Nique and Tisha Campbell or in supporting roles like Tichina Arnold, Cree Summer, Terri Vaughn, Janet Hubert, or Phylicia Rashad—Black women have been serving up serious comedy for years and continue to do so, despite being so rarely acknowledged for it. And if we’re honest, this says more about the people voting for these awards than it does the talented actresses providing the laughs. After all, seeing headlines celebrating the “first Black person,” or “second Black person,” to win anything in 2024 should make us all seriously examine the institutions that have allowed for such a myopic view on what’s been deemed as awards worthy performances over the years stay in place for so long.
These unfortunate circumstances shouldn’t take away from celebrating these Emmy victories, especially when it comes to people who have been in the game for a long time and are finally getting the mainstream recognition they so rightly deserve. This point is best illustrated by Niecy Nash Betts, who also got her start in comedy and took home a win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in “Dahmer— Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Her acceptance speech not only affirmed the fact that a steadfast pursuit of one’s dreams is key to finally reaping rewards—but her post-acceptance speech backstage in the press room re-solidified the importance of thanking yourself and recognizing the inherent greatness inside of you when others don’t or won’t.
“I’m proud of myself . I’m proud that I did something that people said that I could not do because I believe in me. And sometimes people don’t believe in themselves and I hope my speech was a delicious invitation for people to do just that,” she said. “Believe in yourself and congratulate yourself.”
What should remain paramount is that Black women’s talent and brilliance have always been present, primed and ready to take centerstage. It’s beyond time for everyone else to catch up.
