Despite many calling the Emmys out for sidelining all of its non-white nominees, Black entertainment history was still made with RuPaul’s latest Emmy win.
With RuPaul’s Drag Race winning its 11th Emmy Sunday night for reality television, the history-making drag performer broke the record for the most Emmys won by a person of color. He also continued his record-breaking win the category for outstanding host for a reality/competition program. This is his sixth win in the category, having already broken the record in the category last year, as Variety reports.
RuPaul thanked his drag queen contestants for helping the show reach international heights.
“All of the people at World of Wonder and Viacom-CBS…have been so wonderful, but really thanks to all of our lovely children on our show from around the world,” he said, according to Variety. “You know, 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.”
He also gave a special message to the fans who support the franchise.
“And for the kids out there watching: You have a tribe that is waiting for you,” he said. “We are waiting for you, baby: come on to Mama Ru.”
Drag Race has now become an international franchise while continuing to dominate domestically with several American series–the flagship RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race. International series now include Drag Race Thailand, Drag Race UK, Drag Race Canada, Drag Race Down Under, Drag Race España, Drag Race Holland, and the upcoming Drag Race Italia. RuPaul’s Drag Race also has a successful Vegas residency featuring several of the series’ most popular queens.