#EmmysSoWhite: No actors of colour wins at Emmys 2021 despite record nominee lineup

It seems that in terms of progress it is one step forward and two steps backward. The movie and television industry has been applauded in recent times for improving the representation of racial issues, ethnicity issues, gender issues, and even meta-issues revolving around the industry itself. There is also the criticism that much of the above representation is tokenism and not real change. The latest target of such criticism is the Emmy Awards 2021 edition. 

What brought this on?

The 2021 edition of the Emmy Awards, which presents awards in various categories for the television industry in America, is special for many reasons. For the first time, the OTT platform won major awards at the event. It was also the first time that an astonishing 49 people of Colour were nominated across various categories. What wasn’t surprising was that yet again most of those people did not actually win over their white counterparts. 

Why the outrage?

50% of tonight's nominees were people of color and Television Academy voters pretty much chose all the white people #EmmysSoWhite #Emmys pic.twitter.com/oTtx1TSxvc

— Brandi Brands (@BBrands26) September 20, 2021

Well, if it was the last century it actually wouldn’t have been surprising to see the above happening. In the decades of the new century, the discussion on race and racial discrimination has progressed a lot. Most brands and marketing strategies now incorporate the experience of people of colour in their narratives and media. However, when it comes to recognising their contributions, it seems like people of colour are always shortchanged. Hence, the hope and disappointment were palpable while the event carried on and led to the hashtag #EmmySoWhite on social media platforms to express their displeasure.

Black host, Black announcer hell even Black music. We doing everything but win. #EmmysSoWhite#Emmys pic.twitter.com/fkGDhANUj2

— ~Alexandria~ “AstroPetty” (@DOPECHICKBEATS) September 20, 2021

 The Lucky Ones

Micaela Cole, the writer for the series, ‘I May Destroy You’ actually ended up winning for a change and for keeping some hope alive for other people of color. But considering the fact that the people who vote for the Emmys are predominantly white, it might only be luck that will bring well-deserved honor to the diverse cast of talents present in all communities.