The 2018 Primetime Emmys contained the most diverse group of nominees in the show’s 69-year history. On Monday night, the award ceremony opened with racially charged jokes by co-hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost, and only featured three Black winners, which showcased how representation isn’t synonymous with equality.
The program continued with a musical skit by Saturday Night Live cast members Kenan Thompson and Kate McKinnon called,
“We Solved It,” about television’s Band-Aid attempt to cover up its gaping diversity problem.
“This year’s Emmy Awards has the most diverse group of nominees in Emmy history,” Thompson said. “Yes, indeedy. One step closer to a Black Sheldon. I’m going to go ahead and say it: We solved it.”
He also announced that actress Sandra Oh was the first Asian person to be nominated in the lead actress category. Other notable celebrities featured in the segment included Kristen Bell, Titus Burgess, Sterling K. Brown, Ricky Martin and RuPaul, who all sarcastically poked fun at Hollywood’s attempt at inclusion.
White cis-het men win the actor categories, White cis-het women win the actress categories at the most diverse #Emmys ever.
Congratulations.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) September 18, 2018
Although there was a record number of non-White nominees, most of the 26 awards during the program did not end up in their hands. Regina King was the first Black winner more than one hour into the show. There were two more wins for Black nominees including Thandie Newton for supporting actress in a drama series and RuPaul for his Drag Race reality competition, which also represented for the LGBTQ community.
Nine other awards were given to people of color at Emmys’ Creative Awards on Sept. 8, which was not broadcasted. Check out the complete list of diverse winners below.
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Thandie Newton, Westworld
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Regina King, Seven Seconds
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Tiffany Haddish, Host of Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Katt Williams, as Willy in Atlanta
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series
Samira Wiley, Handmaid’s Tale
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Ron Cephas Jones, This Is Us
Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
United Shades Of America With W. Kamau Bell
Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Queer Eye
Outstanding Variety Special Pre Recorded
Dave Chappelle: Equanimity
Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics
Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Variety Music or Comedy Special
John Legend, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert