Black talent is taking centre stage at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, with this year’s nominations reflecting a strong wave of recognition for African American actors across major categories in television, according to Ebony.
In a repeat of last year’s groundbreaking moment, three Black actresses — Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri and Uzo Aduba — have been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Brunson is being recognised once again for her role in the critically acclaimed Abbott Elementary, which also received a nod for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Edebiri, fresh off her Emmy win in the supporting category for The Bear in 2023, now moves into the lead category. Aduba, a two-time Emmy winner, earned her nomination for her role in the political drama The Residence, despite the series recently being cancelled by Netflix — a twist that has sparked fan speculation about a potential revival.
In the drama categories, Sterling K. Brown was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in Paradise, while Brian Tyree Henry scored his first-ever Emmy nod for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Dope Thief.
Other notable nominations include Rashida Jones for her role in Black Mirror, Aaron Pierre in Rebel Ridge, and RuPaul Charles, whose show RuPaul’s Drag Race continues its reign in the Outstanding Reality Competition Series category.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on Sunday, September 14, on CBS and Paramount+.
•Featured image: Uzo Aduba/Netflix
