The 68th annual Primetime Emmy Awards aired Sunday night and “The People v. O.J. Simpson” earned big prizes. Three Black stars won in acting categories. Plus, Beyoncé’s fans shared their curious reactions to the singer’s loss for Lemonade.
Essence reported Regina King won her second Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series or movie. The honor came from her role as Terri Lacroix in “American Crime.” She won the same designation last year.
“I stand here and I’m holding this for every cast and crew member from Austin to Los Angeles,” she said before thanking her mother. “Mom! What a blessing I get to share this with my mom!”
Sterling K. Brown and Courtney B. Vance both earned Emmys for their roles in FX’s O.J. Simpson miniseries. Brown, who played attorney Christopher Darden in the dramatization, won for supporting actor in a limited series or movie.
Referencing Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement,” Brown shouted out his wife during his acceptance speech.
“Contrary to popular belief, I got the hottest chick in the game rockin’ my chain,” he said. “Ryan Michelle Bathe, you make this go. I love you.”
His co-star Vance also mentioned Jay. The actor scored a statue for lead actor in a limited series or movie starring as the late lawyer Johnnie Cochran. Afterward, he thanked his wife, actress Angela Bassett.
“Last but not least, to the woman who rocks my chain — thank you, Angela Bassett. This one’s for you girl.”
Additionally, Emmys results show Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele, Joe Earle, Anthony Hemingway, Jaqueline Glover, Paul Tazewell, RuPaul and Keith David all won Emmys for categories including sketch comedy series, producing, costume design, narration and hosting.
In total, 11 Black TV makers earned Emmys, making history as the most ever in one night.
However, Beyoncé lost to Grease: Live in the outstanding directing for a variety special category. It left the BeyHive stunned.
Misha Carter tweeted her irritation for “wasting two hours” on the ceremony.
I wasted 2 hours for Beyoncé to not show up & to lose the EMMY #Emmys2016 pic.twitter.com/VEc9gOPuZu
— your favorite libra (@love_libra4) September 19, 2016
Deaux thought the Emmys should have been “in memoriam” after it “disrespected” Bey.
https://twitter.com/dstfelix/status/777698234752008192
Meanwhile, Akilah Hughes joked she would boycott hair grease.
Boycotting hair grease now that Grease beat Beyoncé. #Emmys
— Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) September 19, 2016
Unfortunately, Tracee Ellis Ross also lost out on her history-making nomination for outstanding actress in a comedy series. Ross was the first Black woman in 30 years to earn the honor.
Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson both lost in the outstanding actress in a drama series category.