2022 Emmy winners make history

People Magazine

The 74th annual Emmy Awards were held on Monday, recognizing TV shows and their crews in front of millions of fans. This year’s ceremony was hosted by Kenan Thompson with assistance from Sam Jay as announcer and Zedd as DJ.

A huge part of the Emmy Awards are the clothing statements of celebrities present, featuring such iconic brands as Versace, Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Some of the most famous looks include Blake Lively’s 2009 red Versace gown and Scarlett Johansson’s 2018 Balmain. However, in addition to fashion, this year’s ceremony also featured awards historic in the increased diversity they represent.

 

1. Zendaya: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Today

Zendaya has now won not one but two Emmy awards for her performance as Rue Bennett in Euphoria, adding to her 2020 trophy on Monday. She is the first black actress, as well as the youngest actress, to win two Emmys for Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In Zendaya’s acceptance speech, she expressed her hope that, in taking the role of Rue, she was able to help people heal. 

 

2. Lee Jung-jae: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

People Magazine

Jung-jae is a South Korean actor and filmmaker who debuted this year as a fashion model. His win for his role as Seong Gi-Hun in Squid Games makes him the first South Korean actor to win an Emmy, as well as marking the first time the award has been given to an actor in a non-English show.

“To everyone watching from Korea, my dearest fans, friends and family who have always supported me, I wanted to share this joy with you,” said Jung-jae in an on-screen thank you text, according to NBC News. “Thank you.” 

 

3. Quinta Brunson: Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Eonline

Brunson is a writer, producer, comedian and actress known for her self-produced Instagram series, “Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date.” Brunson’s win for her work on Abbott Elementary makes her the first black woman to ever win in the category. Brunson also stars in the series and was nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, making her the youngest black woman to be nominated as a comedy actress.

 

4. Sheryl Lee Ralph: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

People Magazine

Ralph won for her role as Barbara Howard in the aforementioned Abbott Elementary, becoming only the second black woman to win in the category, the first being Jackée Harry in 1987. Once receiving her award onstage, Ralph sang a verse of “Endangered Species” by Dianne Reeves and then addressed the audience.

“To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like,” said Ralph in her acceptance speech, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

 

5. Hwang Dong-hyuk: Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Eonline

Dong-hyuk joined Jung-jae in a historic ceremony for South Koreans in the entertainment industry by taking home the directing award for his work on Squid Games, specifically “Red Light, Green Light.” The award marks him as the first South Korean to win in the category. He also won in the writing category for his role in Squid Games.

“I truly hope Squid Game won’t be the last non-English series to be here at the Emmys,” said Dong-hyuk during his acceptance speech, according to Vulture

 

A full list of nominees and award winners is available on Emmys.com.