The 67th Emmy nominations are out, and we are not disappointed. TV is changing, and we like the direction it’s going in. Wondering why we are such big fans of this year’s Emmy noms? Hint: It’s all about diversity. Here are our five main reasons why this year’s Emmy nominations are so on point.
1. Nods toward game-changing shows
Shows like Transparent and Orange is the New Black, both of which feature transgender characters, are up for Outstanding Series (comedy and drama, respectively). Transparent has a good chance of winning, which would raise awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals.
2. Recognition for our favorite leading ladies
Feminists and girl power icons are all over this year’s nominations. Amy Schumer, Viola Davis, Amy Poehler, Uzo Aduba, and Tina Fey are among the actresses up for awards in various categories. All we can say is “Yaass!”
3. More nominations for African American actors and actresses
According to TIME, in 2014, only three out of 40 actors and actresses nominated for lead and supporting roles were black. This year, there are three black actors alone up for best actor in a comedy series, and nine out of the 40 nominees are black actors and actresses. This threefold increase is worth mentioning, even if it’s not as much change as we would like to see.
4. The possibility of “first time” winners
Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder) and Taraji P. Henson (Empire) were both nominated for lead actress in a drama series. One of these two African American women could make history as the first black woman to win the Emmy in one of TV’s most competitive categories.
5. Prevalence of streaming series
Netflix and Amazon Prime are taking over. House of Cards, OITNB, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Bloodline, and Transparent are each up for a number of awards. Streaming sites are here to stay, and they are upping their game with incredible original series.
While Hollywood may not yet be where we’d like it, this year’s Emmy nominations are proof that things in the television industry are changing for the better. Minorities, transgender individuals, and feminists are seeing more screen time, and it's just as important to see them gain more recognition for their work. If that’s not something to be proud of, then we don’t know what is.