Queer talent made history and headlines at the 77th Annual Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, where they took home four of the night’s twelve acting trophies.
The show opened with out Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang joining host Nate Bargatze for a sketch about the “invention” of television. Early on, Tramell Tillman won Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for ‘Severance’. His victory made him both the first Black man and the first openly gay Black man to earn the award. Later, ‘Hacks’ star Hannah Einbinder claimed her first Emmy after three nominations, closing her speech with, “Fuck I.C.E. and free Palestine!” Backstage, the openly bisexual comedian said, “I feel like it is my obligation as a Jewish person to distinguish Jews from the State of Israel.”
Somebody Somewhere’s Jeff Hiller also celebrated his first Emmy win, thanking the Duplass brothers for “a show of connection and love in this time when compassion is seen as a weakness.” He honored his husband, Neil Goldberg, and co-star Bridget Everett. Fellow nominee Colman Domingo cheered his win online. One of the night’s sweetest moments came when out British actress Erin Doherty of Adolescence thanked partner Sinéad Donnelly: “I love you with everything I’ve got.” She won an award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
That was not all! While accepting an award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program, on behalf of ‘The Traitors’, Alan Cumming wore a pink-and-blue “Not a Phase” pin for trans rights, saying he feels a duty to “speak out for people less fortunate.” On the carpet, Megan Stalter carried a bag reading “Cease Fire,” while Natasha Rothwell voiced support for Black women and LGBTQ+ nominees.
Even ‘Hunting Wives’ stars Brittany Snow and Malin Åkerman gave a wink to their characters’ same-sex romance while presenting Best Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. After Snow joked she was “really slow to come out” onto the stage, Åkerman teased back, “I don’t mind waiting for you to come out…” All and all, for queer visibility, it was a night to remember.
