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Donald Glover, Ayo Edebiri, Idris Elba Lead 2024 Black Emmy Nominations

As we celebrate Emmy nominations for ‘The Bear’ and ‘Abbott Elementary,’ we also explore notable snubs in the limited series category.

Photo: Prime Video

We know we just celebrated the 2022-23 TV season in January, but yes…it’s actually already time to showcase the best of 2023-24. On Wednesday, “Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph and “Inside Out 2” actor Tony Hale announced the nominees for the 76th Emmy Awards.

While the usual suspects like “Only Murders in the Building,” “The Morning Show” and “The Crown” were nominated, favorites like Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Idris Elba, Donald Glover and Maya Rudolph are also among the honorees. As always, we’re rooting for everyone Black, so check out our roundup of notable Black nominees at the 2024 Emmys.

The 76th Emmy Awards airs live Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC.

Quinta Brunson – ‘Abbott Elementary’ – Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson

Not only is 2023 Emmy winner Quinta Brunson nominated once again, she’s also being recognized for writing. Her performance as Janine deciding between being a teacher and working at the district showed so much character growth. The series was also once again nominated for Best Comedy.

Sheryl Lee Ralph – ‘Abbott Elementary’ – Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

When she heard about her own nomination during the awards announcement, the Emmy winner noted that “it never gets old.” Her work in the Season 3 finale was inspired.

Janelle James – ‘Abbott Elementary’ – Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson

Just when we think we have Ava figured out, Janelle James brings something new to the party. For example, her hilarious portrayal of a serious principal in the Season 3 premiere.

Tyler James Williams – ‘Abbott Elementary’ – Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson

Watching Gregory deal with his jealousy was both hilarious and a little heartbreaking.

Ayo Edebiri – ‘The Bear’ – Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Photo: FX Photo: FX

Shout out to Ayo for moving from supporting actress to lead actress. While we wish she’d been given more in the divisive Season 3, she still made Sydney an essential part of the story.

Lionel Boyce – ‘The Bear’ – Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Photo: FX Photo: FX

There’s a lot of debate about “The Bear” Season 3 among fans, but everyone agrees that the supporting cast really stepped up. It’s great to see Boyce, as well as supporting actress nominee Liza Colón-Zayas, honored for their work.

Maya Rudolph – ‘Loot’ – Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

A true triple threat, Maya Rudolph is nominated thrice for her brilliantly over the top performance in “Loot,” Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for hosting “Saturday Night Live” and Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics for her musical monologue, “I’m Your Mother.”

Donald Glover – ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ – Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Photo: Prime Video Photo: Prime Video

We already know that the Television Academy loves Donald Glover, so it’s no surprise to see him get a nod for the awkward relationship drama about married assassins. We got to see him mix action, comedy and drama in one role. Maybe he should get three trophies. He’s also nominated for writing and his co-star Maya Erskine received a nod for Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Michaela Coel, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ – Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris

Michaela Coel doesn’t show up for long, but her character is essential to the inner workings of John and Jane’s relationship. If you’re going to have an extremely awkward, yet revealing, showdown between two assassins, one of them definitely needs to be Michaela Coel.

Idris Elba – ‘Hijack’ – Lead Actor in a Drama Series

“Hijack” is a thrilling, addictive binge. Most of that comes from Idris Elba drawing viewers in and getting us fully invested in the hijacking mystery.

Nicole Beharie – ‘The Morning Show’ – Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

It’s such a shame that “The Morning Show” aired during the SAG-AFTRA strike, because Nicole Beharie didn’t get to take a victory lap for her brilliant, badass performance as Chris confronted Cybil over her racist comment. Hopefully her Emmy nomination allows her to get her well-deserved flowers.

Aja Naomi King – ‘Lessons In Chemistry’ – Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series

Aja Naomi King portrayed a Harriet that supported Brie Larson’s Elizabeth, while also having her own hopes and dreams. Her independence and spirit was perfect opposite Larson.

Kali Reis – ‘True Detective: Night Country’ – Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series

Photo: Michele K. Short/HBO Photo: Michele K. Short/HBO

When you’re going toe to toe with Jodie Foster you have to bring your absolute best, and that’s what Kali Reis does in “True Detective: Night Country.” Reis and Foster made such a great team, we’d like to see them match wits again — maybe in a comedy next time.

Lamorne Morris – ‘Fargo’ – Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series

Photo: Getty Images Charley Gallay Photo: Getty Images Charley Gallay

The biggest misstep in “Fargo’s” wild Season 5 is not leaving room for Witt to get his own spinoff. Lamorne Morris deserves more time to explore this weird world.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph – ‘Only Murders in the Building’ – Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris

We wondered if Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph was going to return to this ridiculous show after her “The Holdovers” awards season sweep. We’re totally here for a Da’Vine EGOT campaign.

Snubs: David Oyelowo – ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’

Photo: Paramount+ Photo: Paramount+

We know how deep the limited series category is every year, but how do you not recognize the stellar “Lawmen: Bass Reeves?” David Oyelowo was outstanding and Lauren E. Banks was a powerhouse. It was such a captivating watch. A huge miss by the Television Academy.

Straight From The Root

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