A version of this story also appeared in the Down to the Wire: Comedy issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
“Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson made TV history Tuesday by becoming the first Black woman nominated for Emmys in acting, writing and outstanding comedy as her ABC show took home a slew of nominations.
“Abbott Elementary” scored seven Emmy nominations total, including comedy series, lead actress in a comedy and writing for a comedy series (for the “Pilot”). At 32, Brunson also became the youngest Black woman ever nominated in the comedy acting category.
“What an honor to be nominated by the Television Academy,” Brunson said. “Creating this show has been the greatest gift and to have it recognized in this way is the dream. It’s a joy we get to share with the amazing people who watched our first season. None of this would be possible without my incredible, supportive EP’s Justin Halpern, Randall Einhorn & Patrick Schumacker, our incredible writers room, our insanely talented cast, and the hard-working teams at ABC and WBTV for helping to bring Abbott Elementary to life. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank teachers. Thanks for being our inspiration.”
In Emmys history, just one lead actress in a comedy and one writing for a comedy series have been won by Black women — Isabel Sanford for “The Jeffersons” and Lena Waithe alongside co-writer Aziz Ansari for Netflix’s “Master of None.” In 2020, Issa Rae (HBO’s “Insecure”) and Tracee Ellis Ross (ABC’s “Black-ish”) became the first two Black women nominated for both comedy series (as producers) and lead actress in a comedy.
“Abbott Elementary,” which premiered in December 2021, drew rave reviews en route to becoming ABC’s highest-rated freshman sitcom since ”Mixed-ish.” It is one of eight shows nominated for outstanding comedy series this year. Should it claim the top prize, it will be the first broadcast network series to do so since “Modern Family” in 2014. “Abbott Elementary” co-star Tyler James Williams was also nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.
“With ‘Abbott Elementary,’ [Brunson] has created a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to public school teachers,” Warner Bros. TV Group chairman Channing Dungey said. “Quinta had a singular vision for this show: to tell authentic stories of everyday heroes for a network television audience. And today she made history as the first Black woman to receive three Emmy nominations for a comedy series in a single year! We couldn’t be more excited for her accomplishments and for the entire Abbott team.”
The workplace mockumentary, which hails from WBTV, revolves around a group of dedicated teachers and their well-intentioned but tone-deaf principal as they navigate the Philadelphia public school system. Despite a lack of resources and appreciation, these teachers are determined to help their students succeed in life even if they don’t always love the district’s questionable approach to educating children.
The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards will air Sept. 19.
Read more from the Down to the Wire: Comedy issue here.
