RuPaul becomes most Emmy-awarded Black performer in history
The host of RuPaul's Drag Race won for Outstanding Reality Competition series at the event in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: World of Wonder
All hail the queen! RuPaul has become the Black performer with the most Primetime Emmy Awards in history.
On Sunday (19 September), Ru took home his 11th statue after winning for Outstanding Competition Program for RuPaul’s Drag Race. Last weekend, RuPaul won two Creative Arts Emmys for Outstanding Host and one for Outstanding Unstructured Reality program after producing RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked.
Oprah Winfrey has twelve Emmys, but the majority of her accolades are Daytime Emmys, with two Primetime.
“Come home to Mama Ru!”
Collecting the award at Sunday’s event in Los Angeles, RuPaul, who was dressed in a characteristic sharp suit, was flanked by his right-hand woman, Michelle Visage, as well as Drag Race season 13 winner Symone and runner-up Gottmik.
Symone stunned in a fuchsia pink dress, while Gottmik appeared in a black gown and her iconic face style.
Acknowledging the two on stage with her the 60-year-old host and actor said: “Thanks to all of our lovely children on our show, from around the world. They are so gracious to tell their stories of courage and how to navigate this difficult life, even more, difficult today. This is for you.
“For you kids out there watching, you have a tribe that is waiting for you. We are waiting for you, baby. Come home to Mama Ru!”
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Elsewhere, it was a disappointing night for LGBTQ talent. In the battle between Pose and The Crown, the former lost out in three major categories. MJ Rodriguez, the first transwoman to be nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama series lost to The Crown’s Olivia Colman.
Similarly, Billy Porter, who was nominated in the Lead Actor category was pipped to the post by Josh O’Connor, who played Prince Charles in the drama about the British Royal Family. Finally, Pose itself was also beaten for Outstanding Drama Series by The Crown.
Queer stars, Jonathan Groff, and Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon and Bowen Yang also lost out in their respective categories of Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for Hamilton and Supporting Actress and Actor in a Comedy series.
Check out the full list of nominees and winners here. Watch RuPaul’s acceptance speech below:
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