At the 2023 Emmy Awards, dedicated to commemorating the rich history of television, Quinta Brunson’s early victory marked a significant moment, echoing a milestone set over 40 years ago. Following her previous triumph in comedy series writing, the Abbott Elementary star clinched the accolade for best actress in a comedy series.
Notably, she joins the esteemed company of Isabel Sanford, who, in 1981, became the first and, until now, the only Black winner in the same category for her role in Norman Lear’s classic, The Jeffersons.
Brunson’s win also places her alongside the likes of Tina Fey and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Emmy-winning actresses who created and wrote for their own shows.
Importantly, she stands as the first Black woman to achieve this distinction, a feat for which Issa Rae had been thrice nominated, though Insecure concluded before securing a win.
In addition to her best actress win, Brunson garnered nominations for comedy guest actress (won by Judith Light for Poker Face) and as an executive producer for the critically acclaimed Abbott Elementary, which was also nominated for best comedy series.
In her acceptance speech, a visibly moved and somewhat hoarse Brunson expressed her joy at living her dream and engaging in comedy.
Her heartfelt gratitude extended to her family, including parents, siblings, and her husband, as well as her deep appreciation for the Abbott Elementary cast. In closing, she sincerely thanked everyone involved, exclaiming, “Thank you so much.”