Stars showed up and showed out to celebrate their peers at the 74th Emmy Awards. While everyone looked fabulous, Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph was the star of the show in more ways than one.
One of the most memorable moments of the awards ceremony was when the ever-so-talented actress won her first-ever Emmy award for supporting actress in a comedy series for her role in Abbott Elementary. This honor was a long time coming for Ralph, who plays a school teacher by the name of Barbara Howard on the TV series brought to life by comedian Quinta Brunson.
At a loss for words when she heard her name announced as the winner of the category, Ralph graciously made her way to the stage to accept the award. And there is no denying that the Jamaican American actress looked radiant as ever in a custom black gown with beautiful bedazzled hair.
With Black celebrities making it a point to bring new talent from their community to the forefront, it’s no surprise that Ralph’s custom gown and crystal trunk purse were both created by fellow Jamaican Brandon Blackwood. Blackwood took to Instagram to express his gratitude to Ralph for allowing him to make his first gown for this special night.
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“A Jamaican-owned brand just dressed a Jamaican EMMY WINNER,” a proud Blackwood shared on Instagram Monday night. “Words cannot describe this feeling!”
“We’ve never made a gown before,” he added. “And to see it on that stage on a woman soooo deserving of this award was just iconic. I have been crying none stop since your win. I’ve called all of my family crying.”
Blackwood concluded his post with a shoutout to his island: “Jamaica to the F**king world,” followed by a heartfelt thank you to the rest of his team and Ralph for believing in him and making this moment possible.
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Ralph made her acting debut in the late 1970s and is best known for her roles in Moesha (1996), It’s a Living (1980), Instant Mom (2013), and now Abbott Elementary. Last night’s Emmy win made her the second Black woman in history to win the award for the category of best supporting actress in a comedy series. The first was Jackée Harry, who won in 1987 for playing Sandra in the TV series 227.
Harry, who is of Trinidadian heritage, also showed love to her Caribbean sister on social media following her win. In a post shared on Facebook, Harry not only revealed that the role of Sandra was originally meant for Ralph, but gushed over how thrilled she was to share a moment in Black history with the film and television legend.
Winning my Emmy was a career highlight, but it was also a lonely experience. For 35 years I’ve been the only black woman…
Posted by Jackee Harry on Monday, September 12, 2022
Winning an Emmy was a lifetime dream of Ralph’s that finally came true. Before her touching acceptance speech, the original Dream Girl sang a song from her belly that touched the souls of everyone in the room and those watching at home.
During her speech, she encouraged anyone with a dream to never give up because she is a real-life representation of patience and persistence.
Give Sheryl Lee Ralph a Tony for her Emmy acceptance speech, please and thank you.
— R. Eric Thomas (@oureric) September 13, 2022
Isn't she so breathtaking. I loved this. My gosh, it's a beautiful thing when thoroughly deserved recognition is given to the right, best and most inspiring people. Your heart can't help but be so full for her, that moment and every strong, bright thing they represent together.
— Erin Brown (@speedmouse) September 13, 2022
