Quinta Brunson achieved a significant milestone at the 75th Emmy Awards by becoming the first Black actress to win the Best Actress in a Comedy Series category since 1981.
The accolade was awarded for her outstanding performance in ABC’s sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” a show she also created and writes for.
During her emotional acceptance speech at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on January 15, 2024, Brunson expressed her love for creating and acting in “Abbott Elementary.”
Fighting back tears, she said, “I love making ‘Abbott Elementary’ so much, and I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy.”
In addition to her gratitude for the award, Brunson extended love to her family, husband, and the cast of “Abbott Elementary.”
This victory marks her second Emmy win, following her 2022 win for outstanding writing in a comedy series for her work on the same show.
Notably, Brunson is also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her hosting of “Saturday Night Live” at the 75th Emmy Awards, and “Abbott Elementary” is in the running for the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy.
The groundbreaking sitcom revolves around a group of teachers striving to help their students succeed despite limited resources in a Philadelphia public school.
The Primetime Emmy Awards, known as television’s top honor, have been postponed for the first time in over two decades due to ongoing strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, according to a report by Variety on Thursday.
Originally scheduled to air on Fox on September 18, vendors for the event have been informed that the ceremony will not take place on that date, marking the first official announcement of the postponement, as reported by the entertainment outlet.
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, representing the striking writers and actors, have not yet commented on the matter.
The current strikes have significantly impacted Hollywood productions, with the Writers Guild of America initiating their strike on May 2, followed by SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, starting their strike on July 14. This simultaneous strike is the first of its kind since the 1960s.
The Writers Guild of America’s strike is driven by issues related to staffing and duration of employment on shows, as their union and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers failed to reach an agreement during negotiations.
The rise of streaming services has transformed how writers are compensated, leading to reduced job opportunities and income sources for many writers, particularly in terms of residuals for original content on streaming platforms.
Similarly, SAG-AFTRA’s strike involves demands for increased pay and progress on residuals, particularly on streaming services, as they express dissatisfaction with the offers from studio management.
The strikes come at a time when prominent media companies are facing financial challenges, leading to cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, due to drops in their stock prices.
The postponement of the Primetime Emmy Awards highlights the significant impact of the ongoing strikes on the entertainment industry and its major awards ceremonies.
Pioneering US TV broadcaster Barbara Walters has died aged 93 after a career spanning half a century.
She became the first US female network news anchor when she joined ABC News in 1976.
Born in Boston at the start of the Great Depression in 1929, she won 12 Emmy awards.
As well as every US president from Richard Nixon to Donald Trump, she interviewed a host of music and pop culture stars.
“Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones,” said publicist Cindi Berger in a statement on Friday night.
“She lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists, but for all women.”
The showbusiness booking agent’s daughter began her career in journalism in 1961 with NBC, where she became a segment producer of women’s interest stories.
She rose through the ranks of the male-dominated industry to make history in 1974 by becoming the first female co-host of a US news programme, on NBC’s morning-time Today Show.
Image caption,Walters was the first female co-host of a US news programme, on NBC’s morning-time Today Show
When she broke the glass ceiling again by becoming the first female network news anchor, on ABC’s evening bulletin, her unprecedented $1m salary made her a media superstar.
“I have been blessed with a life I never expected,” Walters said back in 2000 as she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
She retired from a 52-year career in 2014 with a last appearance on her daytime show, The View.
She was joined on the programme by Hillary Clinton and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, both frequent Walters interview subjects.
“I can’t believe this day has come, and I can’t believe it’s for real,” Ms Clinton told Walters.
Over her long career she interviewed a long list of world leaders including UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Cuban President Fidel Castro as well Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
She also interviewed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a few months after a public uprising that would eventually turn into the country’s civil war.
Tributes have been flooding in for Walters.
Journalist Dan Rather said that “journalism has lost a pillar of professionalism, courage, and integrity”.
News anchor Don Lemon tweeted: “She was obviously amazing on television but I selfishly loved spending time with her in person. Sitting next to her at a dinner party was the best seat in the house.
“With love, respect and admiration – rest in peace Barbara Walters.”
Oprah Winfrey described Walters as “such a powerful and gracious role model”.
Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger, said “Barbara was a true legend, a pioneer not just for women in journalism but for journalism itself.
“She was a one-of-a-kind reporter who landed many of the most important interviews of our time, from heads of state and leaders of regimes to the biggest celebrities and sports icons.”
Anchor of ABC World News Tonight, David Muir, tweeted: “So often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer – but Barbara Walters was all of these.
“And perhaps, above all else, Barbara Walters was brave. She paved the way for so many – we learned from her – and remain in awe of her to this day.”
ABC News Correspondent, Deborah Roberts, who worked alongside Walters, described her as an “inimitable trailblazer”.
Senator Chuck Schumer said: “Barbara Walters was a trailblazing journalist, so many of her interviews were unforgettable. She broke the glass ceiling for so many women and girls.”
American actress Lynda Carter said: “Barbara Walters was an American institution.
“As the first female national news anchor, she opened the door to endless possibilities for so many girls who wanted to work in TV, myself included. Her impact cannot be overstated.”
Singer Jennifer Hudson said: “A true trailblazer and icon! She lived a full life and leaves behind such a powerful legacy.”
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabba said Walters “never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people”.
“She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her.”
Actor Hugh Jackman said Walters was “a trail blazer, wickedly funny, generous, open-hearted and a good friend.
“She also gave some of the most memorable dinner parties we’ve ever been to.”
