Having already achieved so much in his relatively short career as a comedy writer, actor, rapper and singer, Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino blew plenty of us away when he created the heartfelt comedy/drama series Atlanta. Now, he’s added another achievement to his long list, and made history in the process.
Taking out the Emmy for ‘Best Directing for a Comedy Series’ for the two episodes of Atlanta he personally directed (director Hiro Murai helmed six), The Fader reports, Donald Glover became the first black person to win the award in the history of the ceremony.
He wasn’t content to take all of the credit, however, acknowledging the work of Murai and his contribution to the show’s breakout success.
“This really beyonds to Hiro Murai,” he said. “He taught me everything about directing. He had the eye for this show and he’s just amazing. I really want to give this to Hiro and just say ‘I love you and thank you for being my best friend.'”
Glover directed the sixth and seventh episode of the show’s debut season, with the latter being a razor-sharp satirical take on prejudices against and within the African American community, while also tackling transgender identity, framed through the lens of a talk show.
Overall, the show draws on Glover’s real-life experience to create something equal parts funny and poignant, and most importantly that feels completely authentic to its setting thanks to grounded writing and character development.
That success had already driven the show to a haul of awards at this year’s Golden Globes, with Glover scoring Best Actor in a Comedy Series, while the show nabbed a gong for best comedy series too.
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With season two in the works, we can imagine this Emmy being just the first for Glover as he continues to build one of the most multi-talented repertoires in the creative world, hands down.
Donald Glover writes, directs and stars in Atlanta
