RuPaul picking up his trophiy at the Creative Arts Emmys earlier this month. (Screenshot via YouTube)
The iconic drag performer and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” RuPaul broke the record for the most wins by a Black entertainer with his wins at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 19.
RuPaul, who three Emmys this year brings his total up to 11 for his massively popular “Drag Race” shows, bested the previous record holder, cinematographer Donald A. Morgan, who was also nominated this year but did not win in his category for his work on sitcoms “The Upshaws,” “The Conners” and “Last Man Standing.”
While RuPaul celebrated his historic win at the Emmys, there were several other opportunities to make history for LGBTQ performers which the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences passed up on.
Fans were extremely disappointed to see Michaela Jaé Rodriguez not win for her mesmerizing role as Blanca, the HIV-positive mother of the drag ball, House of Evangelista, in FX’s “Pose.” The popular trans actress received the nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series– making her the first trans thespian to ever be recognized.
In a tweet, actress, producer and activist Alexandra Grey noted; “I could’ve bet all the money in the world sis @MjRodriguez7 would win! Did you hear them cheering for her? But it’s all good, that door is open! You did it!”
I could’ve bet all the money in the world sis @MjRodriguez7 would win! Did you hear them cheering for her? But it’s all good, that door is open! You did it! 🤍 ✨
— Alexandra Grey (@1alexandragrey) September 20, 2021
“Pose” didn’t win any awards at the Primetime Emmys for its final season, nor did Rodriguez’s co-star, Billy Porter, who was nominated for the third time in the lead actor category.
It was also a missed opportunity for Bowen Yang, who was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The breakout “Saturday Night Live” comedian would have been the very first Chinese out male to win the award.
Other LGBTQ nominees who did not win include Hannah Einbinder and Carl Clemons-Hopkins in “Hacks,” Jonathan Groff in the Disney+ movie musical of “Hamilton” and Samira Wiley in “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Michaela Jaé X Billy Porter presenting at the 73rd Primetime Emmys. #mjrodriguez #michaelajaé pic.twitter.com/M8lrctarPc
— TeamMichaelaJaé (@Teammichaelajae) September 20, 2021
A More Intimate Gathering
With COVID still prevalent throughout Hollywood, there were no large-scale awards parties this year.
“I am very thankful that some Emmy events are back but much more private and intimate,” noted Rembrandt Flores, founder of the entertainment marketing/celebrity outreach company, Entertainment Fusion Group.
“Although many people in our industry are hurting because of the smaller scale and budgets, we still need to be safe, diligent and cautious. I know that we will go back to larger events in 2022 and the industry will thrive once again.”
While Flores was happy to see so many LGBTQ nominees this year, he hopes that the Television Academy continues acknowledging the community. “I know that this is truly important to so many young people who need to see us represented across all platforms. I pray this is not a trend but a way forward for the future.”
Gay celebrity interior designer Josh Johnson, who also runs Invision Church in West Hollywood, was equally grateful that the Emmys were in person.
“This is my biggest event, designing the Giving Suite for the Emmy Foundation. I have collaborated with them for the past eight years. It has been challenging for anyone in the Hollywood events industry to deal with the loss of work.”
Johnson had a lengthy conversation with Rodriguez in the Giving Suite. “I thanked her for the work she was doing with the LGBTQ community and she said ‘we have to stick together and continue the fight for inclusivity in Hollywood.”
An In Person Red Carpet
Trans fashion designer Leon Wu was thrilled to see more nonbinary looks on the Emmys red carpet.
“I like Bowen Yang’s simple double-breasted two-button tuxedo. The pattern is cut for an androgynous look and leaves room to really focus on the silver platform heels. Perfect for the red carpet.”
He continued: “And Carl Clemons-Hopkins wearing Christian Siriano was fantastic. Also, Billy Porter looked inventive and yet tasteful as usual, wearing bird wings and luxurious neckwear that only he could pull off. Fashion truly has to fit the persona for it to be worn well.”
Wu thought Rodriguez’s dress, was a highlight out of all the Emmy nominees. “This was one of our favorites, as always. The outfit has a strong soul with a soft and elegant slip leg, matching her personality and style.”
Gay celebrity stylist Antonio Soto also loved Rodriguez’ dress, noting that she looked “beautiful” in her strapless gown. “A beautiful trans woman commanding the red carpet being exactly who she wants to be is amazing to watch!”
Soto added: “The Emmys red carpet was giving us diversity, flair and fun! Color is in full effect for all genders and the suiting came in a variety of cuts, textures, and fabrics. Best dressed in my opinion were Michaela Coel, Issa Raye, Angela Bassett, Tracee Ellis Ross, Cynthia Erivo and Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Sudeikis, Cedric the Entertainer and Trevor Noah. A classic tux look with a great fit is always correct Dan Levy looked electric in his blue ensemble while Cedric the Entertainer gave us Shades of Cool. Gay or straight, when you know you know.”
White Actors Sweep the 2021 Emmy Awards
The other factor that stood out Sunday at the 73rd annual awards was that outside of drag icon RuPaul and his wins and despite nearly 44 percent of the acting nominees being from the global majority, those performers were shut out.
The Hollywood Reporter observed in its headline after the show with the notation; #EmmysSoWhite.
The Reporter wrote: “[…] because very few Black people — or people of color in general — won at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Although performers from the global majority comprised 44 percent of acting nominees heading into Sunday night, white actors ultimately swept all 12 lead and supporting races across the comedy, drama and limited series categories.”
EmmysSoWhite: White Actors Sweep the 2021 Emmy Awards https://t.co/vSdOft7uVg
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 20, 2021
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