Sunday's Emmys Prompts Discussion Of Diversity In Hollywood
Despite the nearly triple-digit temperatures, a wave of celebrities clad in black satin tuxedos and full-length designer gowns paraded down the red carpet last night at the Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Downtown LA. The night boasted moments both humorous and heartfelt.
SNL Veteran and “Lonely Island” comedian Andy Samberg hosted the 67th annual event. As a first-time host, he successfully pulled through and managed to keep the show moving without any major blunders.
Comedian Tracy Morgan made a valiant and emotional return to the stage after his life-threatening car accident last year. He presented the Best Drama Series category, which went to HBO fantasy series, “Game of Thrones.”
Jeffrey Tambor took home the gold, and Orange is the New Black’s Uzo Aduba exuded tears of gratitude during her acceptance speech for her performance as “Crazy Eyes” in the popular Netflix series.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus was honored as best lead actress in a comedy for “Veep” for the fourth time, and Allison Janney became the third most-honored star in the award show's history as she won her seventh Emmy for her role in the comedy series “Mom.”
Jon Hamm, a fan favorite, finally won for his role as Don Draper in “Mad Men,” after previously being nominated in the category eight times to no luck.
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the evening, however, was when Viola Davis made history by becoming the first black person to ever win an Emmy in her category. Davis was recognized as Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “How to Get Away with Murder.” Her acceptance speech addressed issues of gender and racial inequality in Hollywood.
After quoting Harriet Tubman, she added, “And let me tell you something, the only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”
And she makes a valid point; in Sunday’s awards, women made up only 25 percent of the writing, directing, producing, and editing nominations, according to a September 17 investigation by the Women’s Media Center.
USC journalism professor and entertainment expert Mary Murphy hopes the impact of Davis’ history-making recognition and speech will broaden diversity in the film industry.
Davis’ address about women and gender issues in the Film and TV industries sparked heated discussions on social media outlets like Twitter.
Oprah Winfrey tweeted, “Wow , WOW! Another proud to spell my name W.O.M.A.N. Moment. Thank you @violadavis #EmmyWinner.”
Ellen DeGeneres tweeted, “@ViolaDavis, you’re spectacular. #Emmys.”
Gabrielle Union, one of several actresses who Davis paid attribution to in her speech, wrote on Twitter, "OMG! I'm floored... and proud and crying... VIOLA VIOLA VIOLA!!! Thank you for letting us share your shine!!! Man...tears."
While the numbers of women—minorities, especially—remain dismal in the film and television industries, it will be interesting to see if an increase in diversity will take place in Hollywood due to Sunday night’s powerful and thrilling ceremony.
