The 69th Primetime Emmys took place Sunday night, and was quite literally a historical night for people of color in television.
While his win wasn’t a complete shocker, Donald Glover has become the first black director to win the award for outstanding directing for a comedy series for his stellar FX series, Atlanta.
“I’m glad I was able to make history but that’s not what I was trying to do—was trying to make great content” https://t.co/KmM5G8IXw5 #Emmys pic.twitter.com/bi2KXeJxeO
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 18, 2017
The part-time MC stated during his acceptance speech that the award, “really belongs to Hiro Murai,” the director who helped create music videos for his rap persona, Childish Gambino. “He had the eye for the show first, he’s really amazing. Thank you.”
This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown also made history after becoming the black actor to win the outstanding lead actor in a drama series category in two decades.
.@SterlingKBrown to #ThisIsUs co-stars: “You are the best white TV family that a brother has ever had” https://t.co/JpS5xkJ5tq #Emmys pic.twitter.com/mTufmWLTAv
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 18, 2017
During his acceptance speech, which was unfortunately cut short, the husband and father paid homage to those before him.
“19 years ago, Detective Frank Pembleton as impeccably played by Andre Braugher. It is my supreme honor to follow in your footsteps.”
Lena Waithe also made history by becoming the first black woman to be nominated and win for comedy writing, penning Master of None season two favorite, “Thanksgiving.”
Guest starring Angela Bassett, the episode tells Waithe’s real-life coming out story.
Awesome message from Lena Waithe during her #Emmys acceptance speech. #Emmys2017 #EmmyAwards pic.twitter.com/Ln1sKck8Xt
— Josh Sánchez (@jnsanchez) September 18, 2017
“My LGBTQI family,” she said, when accepting her award, “I see each and every one of you. The things that make us different, those are our superpowers … Every day put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world.”
The night’s biggest winner was Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, which took home the award for outstanding drama series, and eventually eight total Emmy awards.
HBO hit Big Little Lies tied with eight total wins as well.