No actors of colour won at the Emmys despite a historically diverse lineup

The Emmys might have had a historically diverse group of nominees this year but not one actor of colour triumphed despite the historic lineup.

Despite boasting serious talent with strong hopes of winning – particularly Billy Porter for his powerful performance in Pose, which we tipped to win – all the major acting categories went to white actors. Other stellar actors such as Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and the late Michael K. Williams all missed out, despite a commendable record number of 49 non-Anglo creatives being recognised in the acting and reality categories.

In some cases, Jason Sudeikis’s win for his iconic portrayal of the titular character from Ted Lasso and Jean Smart’s triumph for her legacy-making turn as Deborah Vance in Hacks were well-deserved but it’s Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series that really surprises: both Porter and Regé-Jean Page for his breakout role in Bridgerton were big favourites but the award instead went to Josh O’Connor for his perfectly serviceable showing as Prince Charles in the dry royal drama The Crown.

There was better luck in the writing categories though, with Michaela Coel rightfully winning the Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her masterful control of narrative in I May Destroy You. It’s the third time a Black creative has won the category and the first for a Black woman.

The shutout of actors of colour is especially glaring when compared to last year: at the 2020 Emmys, Zendaya (Euphoria), Regina King and Yahoo Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen), and Uzo Aduba (Mrs. America) won in the major acting categories.

One grand distinction did go to an artist of colour however: RuPaul broke the record for the most Emmy wins by a person of colour, after Drag Race won Outstanding Competition Program. The beloved series is the most-award reality competition show at the Emmys.

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