When it comes to regularly scheduled programming on television, not one Black woman was nominated for an Emmy award. I am talking about the sisters who work week in and out of the various shows they’re on. Granted, there are not legions of them but they do exist, however, the work they do is not grabbing the attention of Emmy voters. Let’s start with this: Have they seem Regina King in “Southland”? Or Kerry’s turn as Olivia Pope in “Scandal”? Just asking. We know that critics were enamored of HBO’s “Girls” so it doesn’t come as a huge surprise that Lena Dunham got props for her work. Truthfully, it didn’t wow me to that extent but then again I am not a voter.
The sisters who did get the nods were special guests for either an episode of a story arc. Loretta Devine has been popping up on “Grey’s Anatomy” as Adele Webber for a few years now but this year she turned in a performance that turned heads of drama voters. While Maya Rudolph’s return to her roots on “Saturday Night Live” was side-splitting comedic genius. That Bey, Jay and Blue Ivy skit was everything!!! I think she should win on that alone. Maya is such an unsung talent, I would love to see her get her due. At least we know that Emmy night won’t be a whitewash, the camera will at least pan to these two and as well as Sofia Vergara and Archie Panjabi. We’ll and we’ll see at least four fabulous women of color on Emmy night.
As for the brothers, kudos to Don Cheadle who’s turn as Marty Kaan on “House of Lies” is so totally buzzworthy. I have to admit that I haven’t seen it but this sister will be downloading this series on Netflix or ITunes so I can check it out. Don has come such a long way since “Picket Fences” and I will always, always heart him as Mouse “Devil in a Blue Dress”. Giancarlo Esposito is having a banner year too. He’s nominated for his work on “Breaking Bad”, had a recurring role as The Man in The Mirror on the network series “Once Upon A Time” and will appear this fall on the new series “Revolution”. Now what I have seen is the world’s sexiest man, Idris Elba, in “Luther”on BBC America. Talk about a 180 turn, this brother doesn’t just look good, he has range. Because that disheveled, moody cop is light years from Stringer Bell. While he has been nominated for his work previously on the show before he hasn’t won. I don’t know about you but I’d watch just to see Idris walk the stage. But I am perpetually confused as to why this appears in the miniseries category.
While I love that all these folks have been nominated, I also would love to see the networks step up and showcase the talent of Black actors and actresses in award-worthy roles. Just for the record “House of Payne” doesn’t count.
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