Michaela Coel, creator, writer, and star of hit HBO series “I MAY DESTROY YOU,” made history last night. Coel won her first Emmy for best Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series and became the FIRST-EVER BLACK WOMAN to win this writing award at the Emmys. Congratulations for a well-deserved win!
Coel dedicated her powerful acceptance speech to fellow writers: “Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that isn’t comfortable. I dare you.”
She went on to say: “In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and to in turn feel the need to be constantly visible, for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success – do not be afraid to disappear. From it, from us … for a while. And see what comes to you in the silence.” Coel ended her moving speech by dedicating the story of “I May Destroy You,” to “every single survivor of sexual assault.”
The 2021 Emmy Awards kicked off with first-time host Cedric the Entertainer performing “Just A Friend” in tribute to late rapper Biz Markie. LL Cool J, Lil Dicky, and Rita Wilson, who stole the rap show as she effortlessly spit rhymes like a pro, joined in on the medley. Other celebs sang along with microphones from their tables including, Mandy Moore, Susan Kelechi, Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson, Billy Porter, and MJ Rodriguez, to name a few. The ceremony was held in person this year at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and aired live on CBS and streamed on sister network Paramount+.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS:
Earlier in the ceremony, presenter and Emmy-winner Kerri Washington beautifully honored posthumous nominee Michael K. Williams, who unexpectedly died Sept. 6. Williams was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for his work in “Lovecraft Country.“
“Michael was a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us too soon,” Washington said.
“Michael, I know you’re here because you wouldn’t miss this. Your excellence, your artistry will endure. We love you,” she added, before accepting the award for best supporting actor in a Drama on behalf of The Crown actor, Tobias Menzies.
Robin Thede, creator and co-star of “A Black Lady Sketch Show” had perhaps the most funniest reaction to a loss after Saturday Night Live won for Best Variety Sketch Series. Thede jokingly reacted with an angry face (insert emoji here) while Issa Rae tried to calm her down. Black Twitter did not skip a beat and has already created a GIF out of Thede’s unforgettable reaction.
Debbie Allen was this year’s recipient of the Governor’s Award, which was presented by Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ava DuVernay, Ellen Pompeo and Michael Douglas.
Allen shared a powerful message to women around the world: “Let this moment resonate with women across this country and across the world from Texas to Afghanistan. And also young people who have no vote; who can’t even get a vaccine, they’re inheriting the world that we leave them. It is time for you to claim your power, claim your voice, say your song, say your stories. It will make us a better place. Your turn.”
We got a special and funny moment from Cedric the Entertainer and his past and present TV wives, Tichina Arnold (“Tina” from the The Neighborhood), Niecy Nash (“Lolli” from Soul Man), and Terri J. Vaughn (“Lovita” from The Steve Harvey Show), as they tried their damndest to get Cedric to admit which one of them was his favorite TV wife. See clip below!
Musicians Leon Bridges and John Baptiste performed “River” in memoriam of the lives and careers of actors who passed away this year. The 4 and a half minute segment included tributes to actor Charlie Robinson, Yaphet Kotto, writer Marc Wilmore, Cicely Tyson, Clarence Williams III, comedian Paul Mooney, rapper Biz Markie, and Michael K. Williams. Rest in Peace & Power.
Emmy Winners:
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie
- Ewan McGregor, “Halston” (Netflix)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV movie
- Kate Winslet, “Mare of Easttown” (HBO)
Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Scott Frank, “The Queen’s Gambit” (Netflix)
Directing for a Comedy Series
- Lucia Aniello, “Hacks” (Hulu)
Writing for a Comedy Series
- Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky “Hacks” (Hulu)
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Evan Peters, “Mare Of Easttown” (HBO)
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Julianne Nicholson, “Mare Of Easttown” (HBO)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- Jason Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Jean Smart, “Hacks”(Hulu)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- Josh O’Connor, “The Crown” (Netflix)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- Olivia Colman, “The Crown” (Netflix)
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Tobias Menzies, “The Crown” (Netflix)
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Gillian Anderson, “The Crown” (Netflix)
Directing for a Drama Series
Jessica Hobbs, “The Crown” (Netflix)
Writing for a Drama Series
Peter Morgan, “The Crown” (Netflix)
Outstanding Reality/Competition Series
- “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (VH1)
Outstanding Variety Talk Series
- “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” (HBO)
Writing for a Variety Series
- Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO)
Variety Sketch Series
- Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Variety Special (Live)
- Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020: Democracy’s Last Stand Building Back America Great Again Better 2020 (Showtime)
Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
- “Hamilton”(Disney+)
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- “The Queen’s Gambit”(Netflix)
Outstanding Comedy Series
- “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Drama Series
- “The Crown” (Netflix)
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