The Emmys 2020 Set a Record for Most Wins by Black Actors
The Emmys 2020 ceremony was historic for many reasons. There was the fact it took place during a pandemic, which meant stars tuned in from their homes. Schitt’s Creek swept the comedy categories. And more Black actors took home more awards than ever before.
Seven Emmys went to Black performers this year, topping the previous record of six from two years ago, per the Hollywood Reporter. Those seven awards include:
Outstanding lead actress in a limited series: Regina King, Watchmen
Outstanding lead actress in a drama series: Zendaya, Euphoria
Outstanding supporting actress in a limited series: Uzo Aduba, Mrs. America
Outstanding guest actress in a comedy series: Maya Rudolph, SNL
Outstanding character voice-over performance: Maya Rudolph, Big Mouth
Outstanding guest actor in a drama series: Ron Cephas Jones, This Is Us
Outstanding guest actor in a comedy series: Eddie Murphy, SNL
With her Watchmen win, King is now tied with Alfre Woodward for the most Emmy Awards won by a Black actor. During the ceremony, both King and Aduba brought awareness to the death of Breonna Taylor by wearing T-shirts with her face on them.
“I love being a Black woman, I loved being a Black girl,” King told reporters, per THR. “I love being American, and it’s important that people see all of those things together. And when you have the platform, celebrate that and remind those that tend to look past Black girls, Black women. When I saw my sister Uzo had on this same shirt, it just was a confirmation that this was right.”
Zendaya’s victory made history: She’s the youngest woman to ever win outstanding lead actress in a drama series. She also used her big moment to make a statement, saying, “There is hope in the young people out there.”
For more information on the Emmys 2020 (including winners, big moments, and more), click here.
Originally Appeared on Glamour
