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Black ladies are constantly underestimated, disregarded, and neglected within the leisure trade, however I have been so impressed by Black stars’ pleasure and self-love this awards season. From Quinta Brunson to Niecy Nash, our favourite actresses have already celebrated their well-deserved flowers — and I will be watching the upcoming Grammys to see if that pattern continues.
In the event you’ve missed all the brilliant factors of this awards season, let me remind you of what is occurred up to now. Throughout the Golden Globes on Jan. 7, we noticed Ayo Edebiri take residence her first main award as this yr’s greatest feminine actor in a tv collection for her work in “The Bear.” Her acceptance speech made its approach round social media for her relatable supply — however primarily for her acknowledgment of her brokers’ and managers’ assistants. Regardless of this being a momentous event in her profession, she took the time to humbly thank and uplift these in “smaller positions” who make doing what she loves attainable.
The next week, entertainers reunited for the 2023 Emmys. It felt serendipitous that the present landed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, provided that a number of Black ladies gained of their respective classes whereas concurrently breaking long-standing data.
The brilliantly hilarious Quinta Brunson took residence the award for excellent lead actress in a comedy collection for her position as Janine Teagues in “Abbott Elementary,” changing into solely the second Black girl to earn this achievement. Isabel Sanford gained in 1981 for her iconic position in “The Jeffersons,” so Brunson broke the 43-year-long drought along with her win. That is far too lengthy a niche. Within the intervening years, so many Black ladies have been snubbed for his or her work: Tracee Ellis Ross was nominated 5 occasions for the award for her work on “Black-ish,” for instance, whereas Issa Rae was nominated thrice for “Insecure.”
Brunson really broke two data that evening — due to Edebiri’s win for greatest supporting actress, the pair had been the primary Black ladies to carry each comedy titles concurrently in Emmys historical past. We can also’t discuss history-makers with out mentioning Keke “Preserve a Bag” Palmer. She was the primary Black girl to not solely be nominated however win an Emmy for excellent host of a recreation present. Because the host of NBC’s “Password,” she was additionally the primary girl in 15 years to win within the class. Palmer’s win spoke volumes to me; I by no means realized how a lot recreation exhibits had been a men-dominated area till I noticed her win. With one award, she broke a streak for all ladies — whereas additionally breaking a glass ceiling for Black ladies.
The true showstopper of the 2024 Emmys was Nash. After successful her first Primetime Emmy for excellent supporting actress in a restricted collection for “Dahmer,” she gave an awe-inspiring speech — you have in all probability seen it throughout social media by now. What made the second so particular is that it wasn’t about an out of doors pressure recognizing her star energy; she did that herself. “I need to thank me — for believing in me and doing what they stated I couldn’t do. And I need to say to myself in entrance of all these lovely individuals, ‘Go on woman together with your dangerous self. You probably did that,'” she advised the group. It was lovely to see Nash unapologetically celebrating herself, particularly after the unbelievable work she has put into her virtually three-decade-long profession.
She continued to just accept the award on behalf of “each Black and Brown girl who has gone unheard but overpoliced. Like Glenda Cleveland. Like Sandra Bland. Like Breonna Taylor.” Seeing Nash spotlight self-love so boldly whereas additionally acknowledging the trauma that Black ladies in America cope with each day was extremely poignant and paved the way in which for what I hope we see extra of within the leisure trade.
Slowly however absolutely, Black ladies are receiving their flowers.
Waiting for February, we’re kicking off Black Historical past Month with the Grammys on Feb. 4 and the BAFTAs on Feb. 18. The Oscars have already come beneath fireplace for snubbing Black ladies, together with leaving out Ava DuVernay within the director’s class for “Origin” and Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson for his or her roles in “The Shade Purple.” However for now, I am specializing in the monumental yr we have already had and the celebrations that might come — particularly in the course of the Grammys. My focus will probably be on Coco Jones, Victoria Monét, SZA, and Halle Bailey; these 4 powerhouse musicians are certain to dominate this yr.
SZA is main the pack with essentially the most nominations — 9 — for any artist this yr. Her critically acclaimed sophomore album, “SOS,” is ready to snag a handful of the coveted awards. And after years within the trade as a songwriter, Monét is receiving the eye she deserves for her debut studio album, “Jaguar II.” Alongside her seven nominations, her 2.5-year-old daughter, Hazel, has additionally made historical past because the youngest nominee ever. In the meantime, watching Jones being nominated for 5 Grammys, together with greatest new artist, makes me extraordinarily proud. I grew up along with her and have watched her evolution in actual time. Bailey, equally, continues to shine. Following a monumental yr through which she starred as Ariel within the live-action “Little Mermaid,” her debut single, “Angel,” is up for greatest R&B track, making this her first solo Grammy nomination.
It’s validating to see such proficient Black ladies be nominated for — and win — awards for his or her craft. The common Black girl is advised to be humble and gracious, by no means to boast or boldly rejoice our wins. However as Nash, Brunson, and hopefully extra stars to return have confirmed, the tides are shifting. Slowly however absolutely, Black ladies are receiving their flowers — not solely from leaders within the trade, but additionally from themselves.
As a younger Black girl, I am taking notes. I’ll proudly rejoice my wins as I work towards my desires and proceed to foster my creativity. This awards season has simply began, however I’m excited to see what else is in retailer. As Rae would say, “I am rooting for everyone Black.”
Picture Supply: Getty / Wealthy Polk; Frazer Harrison
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