The 2024 Emmy Awards was one for the history books. In case you missed it, people of color swept the Emmys by a landslide. There were also some big wins. Two Black women won Emmys for their roles in a comedy series for the first time. Niecy Nash-Betts also won an Emmy for her role in “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Actresses Taraji P. Henson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Jenna Ortega also scored nominations for their respective roles.
Unfortunately, it has not always been like this. Industry insiders and various media outlets have called out the Television Academy for its lack of representation of people of color. According to Variety, there were 49 non-white creatives nominated for Emmys in 2021. Although viewers expected many actors to win, nearly all walked away empty-handed.
With this in mind, the Television Academy has started to rewrite its story. People of color swept the Emmys this year with nominations and wins. It is crucial to showcase inclusivity and honor diversity in all spaces. That said, here are some minority actors who contributed to the Emmy sweep in 2024.
1. Niecy Nash-Betts
Niecy Nash-Betts snagged a win for her role as Glenda Cleveland in “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” She accepted the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
In her speech, she stated, “I want to thank me for believing in me and doing what they said I could not do. I want to say to myself in front of all you beautiful people, ‘Go, girl, with your bad self. You did that.’”
The speech Nash-Betts delivered serves as a reminder that self-love is paramount.
2. Ali Wong
For her role in “Beef,” Ali Wong scored a nomination and won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series Or Movie. Ultimately, this win became Wong’s first Emmy award, making her the first Asian woman to achieve this feat.
3. Dominique Fishback
Dominique Fishback garnered critical acclaim for her role as Dre in “Swarm.” She earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series Or Movie, but the win went to Ali Wong.
4. Hiam Abbass
The Palestinian actress earned a nomination for Best Guest Actress for her role in “Succession.” She portrayed the role of Marcia Roy, the scorned yet calculated lover of Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox.
5. Storm Reid
“Euphoria” star Storm Reid was nominated for her guest role in “The Last of Us” at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Jan. 13, 2023. She later won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series category and delivered an emotional acceptance speech that touched the hearts of many.
“This is proof that you can do anything,” Reid tearfully stated. “I’m just a young girl from Atlanta, Ga.”
6. Quinta Brunson
Quinta Brunson has been a fan favorite since her days on Vine. Since the premiere of her hit show, “Abbott Elementary,” she has received several accolades, including a Peabody Award. At the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, she became the first Black woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy in 40 years.
7. Jenna Ortega
Former Disney Channel star Jenna Ortega has been gracing our television screens since she was a teenager. She recently garnered acclaim for her role as Wednesday Addams in “Wednesday.” For the role, she received a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category.
8. Tyler James Williams
Most folks were introduced to Tyler James Williams as Chris from “Everybody Hates Chris.” Since the breakout role, the actor has starred in “Abbott Elementary” as Greg. The role earned the star a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
9. Janelle James
Janelle James received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Abbott Elementary.” The actress portrays Ava, the hilarious and lackadaisical school principal.
10. Sheryl Lee Ralph
“Dreamgirls” alum Sheryl Lee Ralph made history at the 2022 Emmy Awards. She was the first Black woman to win the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series since 1988. This year, she was nominated again for the same category.
11. Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edibri is undoubtedly one actress who deserved an Emmy. She secured a Critics Choice Award, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy in one week. If that is not Black excellence on display, what is? She won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards.
12. Taraji P. Henson
The beautiful Taraji P. Henson appeared as a presenter at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. Additionally, she earned a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, thanks to her guest role on “Abbott Elementary” as Janine’s mother, Vanetta.
13. Keke Palmer
KeKe “Keep a Job” Palmer has been a staple on our televisions for nearly two decades. Recently, she made history, becoming the first woman to win Outstanding Host for a Game Show in 15 years. She is also the first Black woman to win the award.
14. Steven Yeun
Like his “Beef” co-star Ali Wong, Steven Yeun also took home some hardware at the 75th Emmy Awards by securing the Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. In addition, Yeun also won the Emmy for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Yeun also made history as the first Asian actor to win the lead category.
15. RuPaul
At this point, the name RuPaul is synonymous with history-maker. The performer has extended his record again as the most-awarded Black host in history. The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” host earned his 14th Emmy Award at the 75th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program.
People of color deserve to be celebrated with high honors.
With many discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion, audiences hold the award shows more accountable. People of color contribute significantly to acting, writing, directing, and all facets of television. So, we love to see them receive their flowers. People of color swept the Emmys in 2024, and we hope the change continues.
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