A Night of Firsts
The 2022 Emmy Awards celebrated several talented first-time winners, but two made history in particular – Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri.
Brunson took home Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary,” becoming only the second Black woman to win this award.
Edebiri won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “The Bear,” marking the first time two Black women won lead and supporting comedy actress Emmys in the same year.
Edebiri Makes Her Mark
When Edebiri heard her name called, she was visibly emotional, first joking “I’m sorry, I’ve got to pull it together…this is nuts.” She went on to thank her parents for supporting her comedy dreams, even as immigrants with a child telling them “I want to do improv.”
Edebiri is now the third Black woman in Emmy history to win in the Best Comedy Supporting Actress category. It’s a groundbreaking achievement for the rising star.
Brunson Lives Her Dream
Brunson struggled to hold back tears as comedy legend Carol Burnett announced her win. “Oh man,” Brunson said, collecting herself. “I don’t know why I’m so emotional…I think it’s the Carol Burnett of it all.”
Brunson shared how she’s dreamed of doing comedy her whole life. As only the second Black woman to win Best Comedy Lead Actress in over 40 years, her win feels like a shift in what’s possible for Black women in comedy.
“I have to thank first and foremost my parents, I have to thank my Abbott family,” said an emotional Brunson. Her moving speech underlined how this win is about more than just her – it opens doors for more Black female storytellers.
Two Wins for the History Books
In a night filled with firsts, Brunson and Edebiri’s wins stand out as historic.
Their Emmys mark a significant step forward in recognition and acclaim for Black women pushing comedy boundaries today. Young comedians coming up now can look to Brunson and Edebiri as inspiration to tell their own stories.
