On Jan. 15, actress, writer and producer Quinta Brunson won an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series. This was the first time that a Black woman had won in the category in over 40 years.
Brunson’s win was one of many for the Black community that night. Joining other Black winners that night including Ayo Edebiri, Niecy Nash-Betts and Rupaul, the 2024 Emmys ceremony was seen as a night of Black excellence. The night was in stark contrast to the highly-criticized 2021 Emmys, where BIPOC individuals failed to win in most of the ceremony’s categories; the change in representation was welcomed online.
“So the majority of winners in the performance categories at the Emmys were Black women. Hollywood… it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. The film & TV industry is thriving off the backs of these talented melanated women. Pay them what they’re worth, THEN TRIPLE IT,” X user Oluwapelumi said in a Jan. 16 post.
One thing that hasn’t been recognized was the role social media played in helping BIPOC creators build a platform and gain enough attention to be on major entertainment platforms, particularly in Brunson’s case.
For Brunson, her journey to the Emmy stage started online. Her wins this award season for other Black individuals in entertainment showcase that social networks have impacted how BIPOC creators can make it inside Hollywood.
All about Brunson’s journey
As soon as Brunson’s win was announced, social media broke out in celebration for her, reminiscing on where it all began.
“TBH if you told me Quinta Bronson back in [the] BuzzFeed days if she was going to be a STAR! An Emmy x2 winner…. I WOULD BELIEVE YOU!” X user Amanda Rae posted on Jan. 15.
For arts and culture critic and “American Theatre Magazine” managing editor Kelundra Smith, Brunson’s win in the comedy category helped defy the “angry Black woman” stereotype.
“Often, Black women are not thought of as funny. We are thought of as angry,…
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