Afia Ohemeng
The 2019 Emmy Awards aired once again on Fox.
The final season of Game of Thrones also nagged its final awards. British product Fleabag won the top comedy prize. A drama trophy went to Netflix’s When They See Us breakout star Jharrel Jerome.
SURPRISES OF THE NIGHT
Ava Duvernay’s four-part miniseries about The Exonerated Five was nominated for 16 awards this year.
In May 2019, Netflix dropped the gut-wrenching four-part miniseries story of the five African-American boys wrongly convicted for the rape of a white woman jogging through Central Park. Kevin Richardson (Asante Blackk), Antron McCray (Caleel Harris), Yusef Salaam (Ethan Herisse), Korey Wise (Jharrel Jerome), and Raymond Santana (Marquis Rodriguez). The five boys were interrogated through the use of unlawful means and convicted in separate cases. Korey Wise, just 16 years at that time was tried as an adult.
The experiences of the Central Park Five created an unforgettable Emmy moment when Jharrel Jerome honored the men at the awards show.
Jharrel Jerome accepts the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie award for ‘When They See Us’ onstage during the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 22, 2019 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
The series creator Ava DuVernay lost in the directing and writing categories but Jharrel Jerome remarkably the break out star of the series, won best lead actor in a limited series.
“I feel like I should just be in the Bronx right now, just chilling, waiting for my mom’s cooking. But I am here in front of my inspirations…This is for Raymond, Yusef, Antron, Kevin, and King Korey Wise. Thank you so much, it’s an honor. It’s a blessing,” said Jerome.” Jharrel Jerome, 71st Emmy Awards.
Some of the men raised fists in the air, while others, including Wise, had tears in their eyes. Jerome played Wise in the series.
The exonerated five were present with the ever gorgeous Ava Duvernay. Seeing them on stage accepting and award in front of the world would have been very empowering to them and all people wrongly accused of crimes.
When They See Us was an experience and watching it evoked such visceral emotions from me that I had to take it in doses. Considering the undeniable impact the series has had and incredible performances delivered by so many of its actors, something doesn’t feel right about the night’s outcome.-Courtney Willis (The Grio)
GETTY IMAGES
