An Emmy (Nomination) Will Not Save You

But, there’s one person who can.

(R to L) Omar Washington, Martin Bradford and Janet Hubert on the set of "Issa Rae Presents King Ester."

A couple of years ago, I was stunned to see my name among a select few as an Emmy-nominated writer and director. Of course, I had dreamt of moments like this. Well, for the Oscars — but the moment held up.

As tears streamed down my face, I couldn’t help but take stock of all I had and how different everything would be. Not in terms of my living situation, clothes, or money — nothing like that. I reflected on the scripts I loved, ideas I was eager to develop, and a wishlist of actors I wanted to work with.

Somehow, I had convinced myself that this nomination would change everything.

Up until then, I was only the third Black creator with nominations in my category. Even bigger, I was the first Black director and writer to receive dual nominations in the history of the digital series category. Damn, I just realized that.

Naturally, I expected tangible benefits. I had another deal on the table for a new series, and I thought my career was finally about to take off.

In some ways, it did. I secured an agent, manager, and attorney — all of whom I still work with and admire to this day. But beyond that, not much changed.

I sometimes feel a twinge of embarrassment when friends or colleagues tell someone I’m Emmy-nominated. Not because I’m ashamed of it, but because I know the fleeting smile that follows. It’s a brief, polite acknowledgment, and then it’s gone.

That brevity — that’s what stings.

It’s not that they don’t respect my accomplishment. But the truth is, it doesn’t mean much. The joy fades as quickly as that stranger’s smile, honoring me as best they can in that moment.

To make matters worse, my category (digital series) would never have aired during primetime, and the pandemic robbed me of the chance to wear my Hugo Boss suit. I wore it anyway for the virtual ceremony — overdressed but proud. Beyond that, none of my fellow nominees, including myself, got the brunches, press opportunities, or networking events that are essential for a Hollywood career.

My experience was quarantined.

Last Sunday was the 76th Emmys, with important wins from both industry veterans and lesser-known talent whose work held its own against the greats. And I asked myself: does an Emmy actually save anyone?

When we compare the careers of Black Emmy winners to their white counterparts, the disparities are clear. Black creators often face fewer opportunities and are expected to continuously prove themselves. Even with Emmy wins, people like Viola Davis and Regina King had to fight for the chance to lead their own projects, while white Emmy winners often experience immediate career boosts and more creative freedom. The Emmy, for Black creators, doesn’t always guarantee career elevation.

Still, some of the most influential Black showrunners have never even been nominated. Mara Brock Akil, who created Girlfriends and The Game, has never been nominated, despite the cultural impact of her work. Ava DuVernay, while lauded in film, has been repeatedly overlooked in major TV categories for projects like Queen Sugar. Lack of recognition doesn’t diminish their significance or their contributions to the industry.

So, what’s the takeaway? Awards like the Emmys are a nice recognition, but they don’t define your value or determine your career trajectory. You define your success. External validation won’t make or break you. The reality is that no Emmy, no matter how shiny, will save you. The only person who can do that is you. Keep creating, keep pushing, and believe in the power of your work. Ultimate success is the one you define for yourself.

What the Emmy did for me, if nothing else, was validate my decision to create. It affirmed that my characters, plots, and vision were seen by something bigger than myself. And that’s important. But I would have never reached that point if I hadn’t validated myself first.

That’s the real story: save yourself.

CHECK OUT MY EMMY-NOMINATED SERIES: ISSA RAE PRESENTS KING ESTER