The show earned seven nominations!
Quinta Brunson is making Emmy history as the first Black woman to receive three nominations in the comedy categories in the same year, Variety reports.
Since its airing, Brunson’s “Abbott Elementary” has captured the hearts of viewers across the nation, depicting the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of teachers in underserved districts in a way that has resonated with audiences across the nation. Now her work is paying off, Brunson making Emmy history by becoming the first Black woman to earn three nominations in the comedy categories in the same year. At just 32 years old, Brunson is also the youngest Black woman to be nominated in the comedy acting category.
Crying shaking and throwing up has new meaning to me because I real life did all three.
Still speechless. Congrats to the entire staff and cast of Abbott Elementary. And I want to share this moment with all of the people who watch and love the show. Emmy nominated, baby!
advertisement— quinta brunson (@quintabrunson) July 12, 2022
For her work, Brunson has been nominated for outstanding comedy series, lead actress in a comedy, and writing for a comedy series for her work on the “Pilot.” The Emmys have only ever had one other Black woman winner in the lead actress in a comedy and writing for a comedy series in its 74-year-history. In 1981, Isabel Sanford won as lead actress for her portrayal as Louise in “The Jeffersons,” and nearly four decades later, in 2017, Lena Waithe was nominated as co-writer alongside Aziz Ansari for their work on Netflix’s “Master of None.”
In 2020, both Issa Rae and Tracee Ellis Ross made history as the first two Black women to be nominated for both comedy series as producers and lead actresses for their work on “Insecure” and “black-ish.” Rae has been nominated again this year for lead actress in the comedy category. Despite the strides towards diversity at the Emmys, only one Black person has ever won in the top comedy category, Winifred Hervey winning in 1987 for her work on “The Golden Girls.” If “Abbott Elementary” wins this year for outstanding comedy series, it will be the first broadcast network show to take home the honors since “Modern Family” in 2014.
Brunson’s show being a strong contender is exciting and of course, we’re rooting for her and everybody Black!
The 74th Emmys will air September 12. To check out the full list of nominees, click here.
Photo Courtesy of ABC Network