In a world that often likes to paint pictures of the angry Black woman or one whose life is filled with pain and trauma, it’s refreshing to see three Black female performers recognized for their knack of comedy.
Quinta Brunson made history as the first Black woman to receive three comedy Emmy nominations in the same year. Image: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Image.
Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri and Maya Rudolph have been nominated by the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for their work in Abbott Elementary, The Bear and Loot, respectively. AppleTV+ has announced a season three for Loot, which Rudolph also executive produces.
Ayo Edebiri. Image: Jamie McCarthy for Getty Images.
One of three is positioned to join a distinguished but short lineage of Black actresses who have won in the category in the past. In 1981, Isabel Sanford became the first Black actress to win an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category for her role as Louise “Weezy” Mills Jefferson on The Jeffersons. Sanford, who had been nominated in the previous two years for her work on the CBS sitcom (and would go on to be nominated another four times after her win), showcased her comedic timing as she accepted her statue.
“It’s about time,” she declared, adding that she had eaten a piece of cheese during the nominee roll call as she hadn’t expected to win. “I’ve waited so long all my humility is just gone.” It would be another 40 years before another Black woman’s brilliance on the small screen. Brunson made history in 2023 as the first Black series creator/actress to win in the category.
It’s refreshing to see Black women celebrated for their humor on such a diverse level, whether playing passionate educators, ambitious sous chefs with dry wit or billionaires looking to change the world. Black women are being recognized for their comedic talent, playing characters that defy stereotypes. And while we’re pleased that these actresses get to showcase a range of comedic abilities, we need more opportunities for Black actresses to bring the funny to screen.
In addition to these talented nods, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James have once again been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for their work on Abbott Elementary, alongside Liza Colón-Zayas for her work in The Bear. The Brunson-helmed series is again nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. Several other actors, including Aja Naomi King, Karen Pittman, Idris Elba, Donald Glover and more have been nominated in the 2024 Emmy drama and limited series categories. See the full list of nominations on emmys.com.
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on September 15, 2024, on ABC.
