Ahead of the Primetime Emmys, the Television Academy hands out awards in production design, makeup and hairstyling; guest actors and actresses at the Creative Arts Emmys. On Saturday and Sunday, Black stars dominated this year’s event with winners ranging from a record-setting drag legend to former child stars to the 44th President of the United States.
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In case you missed it, here are the Black winners of the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys.
Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming: “Blindspotting,” “The History / San Quentin Blues”
It’s such a shame that this Starz series didn’t get more attention, as it was so different and interesting. If you want to check out the comedy/drama starring Jasmine Cephas-Jones and Rafael Casal, it’s currently available to rent on Prime Video.
Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling: “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” “Crown Jewels”
What makes “Bridgerton” work so well is that it’s a modern show in a period setting. Even though the finale episode is all about these Black women establishing their independence and power in the white Regency society, the exceptional work of the series’ hair and makeup team, as well as production design and costuming, never takes viewers out of the period.
Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series: Jasmine Guy, “Chronicles of Jessica Wu”
Do not ever forget that Jasmine Guy is still working and killing it in 2024. She’s always been so much more than Whitley.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Storm Reid, The Last of Us, “Left Behind”
HBO’s horror drama “The Last of Us” scared the hell out of us, but it also gave us two of the most heartbreaking love stories of the year. As Ellie’s first love Riley, Storm Reid brilliantly left no emotion untouched as they shared a brief moment of happiness in their tragic world. Nick Offerman won Guest Actor for “Long, Long Time,” the show’s other devastating love story.
Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program: RuPaul, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
RuPaul took home the award for the eighth year in a row. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but for those who idealize RuPaul for his trailblazing career, it signals that there’s a place for someone who wants to succeed by being their unapologetic self.
Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Program: “A Black Lady Sketch Show”
I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on picture editing. I’m just thrilled to see “A Black Lady Sketch Show” get recognized for its fantastic fourth season.
Outstanding Directing For A Variety Special: Hamish Hamilton and Shawn Carter, The Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Starring Rihanna
Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show was unforgettable, and the direction of Hamish Hamilton and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter was a big part of that.
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation: ”Entergalactic”
Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi’s Netflix animated series is a fun romance. But it also takes the genre in new fresh places, really making it feel like a Black animated story for us.
Outstanding Narrator: Barack Obama, “Working: What We Do All Day”
There’s something really interesting about having a former president narrate the stories of America’s essential workers and the real stories behind their jobs.
Outstanding Structured Reality Program: ”Queer Eye”
Seriously, if you make it through any “Queer Eye” episode without getting slightly teary, you might be a robot.
Outstanding Character Voiceover Performance: Maya Rudolph, “Big Mouth”
Maya Rudolph never disappoints. She always brings something hilarious and distinctly Maya to her roles.
Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series: ”The 1619 Project”
Y’all can keep pretending that Black history didn’t happen, but we will never let you.
Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program: “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration”
The way the entire cast transformed into the beloved characters, including H.E.R.’s transformation into Belle, was absolutely gorgeous.
Outstanding Host for a Game Show: Keke Palmer
If you’ve never seen Keke Palmer as the host of NBC’s “Password,” you’re missing out. She’s hilarious, charming and keeps the game moving amid all the shenanigans. She’s the first woman in 15 years to get this honor and we love that for her.
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