The Emmys are called television’s biggest night, and frequently, that night has a small amount of queerness and women celebrated compared to numbers of white, straight, male-heavy shows that take home wins. This year was the exception, however, with several shows and people nominated, and several ending up with trophies. Here are some women who ruled the Emmys and TV this year.
The creator of Transparent used her speech to ask viewers to visit TransEquality.org. In the press room, she spoke about the importance of women, trans people, queer people and people of color working in front of and behind the camera. Other Transparent wins include Jeffrey Tambor for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy series for his role as trans women Maura Pfefferman and Bradley Whitford for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, for his trans character, Marcie.
The out writer/director/producer kissed her wife, Tess, and danced up to the stage to accept her award. A short time later, she was up again to celebrate Olive Kitteridge’s win for Outstanding Miniseries. In the press room, she mentioned one of her first jobs was writing for The Facts of Life.
The out director (The Kids Are All Right, High Art, Laurel Canyon) worked with Jane on Olive Kitteridge, which also won star Frances McDormond Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. She thanked wife Wendy and their kids in her speech.
Uzo is two for two! Last year, she won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. This year, she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for the same (queer!) role of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange is the New Black. Her speech was one of the most emotional ones of the night.
The comic’s Comedy Central show often takes on queer themes, but is always hilarious, smart and feminist.
Viola made history with her win as the first black woman to ever win in this category. She used her time to quote Harriet Tubman and shout out other black actresses who deserve to have great roles written for them to play.
No one was happier for the American Crime star’s win than presenter Taraji P. Henson. In the press room, Regina found out Viola Davis won and said she felt like cursing about it, and would celebrate the night with “a martini-twice.”
Check out the best of the rest in the gallery below, and come back for more Emmys coverage tomorrow!
