Quinta Brunson’s “Abbott Elementary” has changed the course of Emmy history.
She is the first Black woman to receive three nominations in the comedy categories in the same year, for outstanding comedy series, lead actress in a comedy, and writing for a comedy series (for the “Pilot”). Brunson, 32, is also the youngest Black woman to ever be nominated for comedy acting.
After learning of the nominations, Brunson tweeted that she was “still speechless” and thanked the rest of the cast and crew of the show.
The actress portrays Janine Teagues, an upbeat and tenacious elementary school teacher in a struggling, underfunded school, in the ABC sitcom based on Brunson’t hometown of Philadelphia.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, who portrays the stern and competent Barbara Howard, and Janelle James, who plays the wonderfully shady principal Ava Coleman, are also nominated for supporting actress in a comedy series in addition to Brunson. Gregory Eddie, the reluctant classroom instructor played by Tyler James Williams, is vying for best supporting actor in a comedy. Additionally, the show’s casting has received an Emmy nomination.
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!
— quinta brunson (@quintabrunson) July 12, 2022
In the 74-year history of the Emmys, only one Black woman has won for lead actress in a comedy or writing for a comedy series. Isabel Sanford won in 1981 for her iconic performance as Louise in CBS’ “The Jeffersons,” and Lena Waithe and co-writer Aziz Ansari won in 2017 for Netflix’s “Master of None.”
