MJ Rodriguez becomes the first trans woman to apply to lead an Emmy

[ad_1]

The category is: Making History. M.J. Rodriguez became the first transgender artist to receive an Emmy Award nomination in a major acting category.

Rodriguez was nominated in the Lead Dramatic Actress category for her fierce and adorable portrayal of mother of the house and nurse Blanca Rodriguez in FX’s ballroom cultural drama “Pose.” It is her first interest from the Television Academy.

This nomination represents an important step for LGBTQIA-plus representation – and specifically trans representation – at the Emmys. Prior to Rodriguez, only two openly trans actors had received Emmys attention: Laverne Cox was the first, receiving her first nomination in the Guest Drama Actress category for her work as ex-prisoner Sophia on Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” in 2014 (and Three others, all in the same category, subsequently received in 2017, 2019, and 2020) Meanwhile, Rain Valdez from “Razor Tongue” scored a short nomination for Actress in Dramatic or Comedy last year.

In contrast, Jeffrey Tambor, a transgender man, received three Emmy Award nominations for his performance as a transgender woman in “Transparent” on Amazon Prime. (Won twice, 2015 and 2016).

“The nomination of Michaela Jay (MG) Rodriguez for an Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series is a major achievement for transgender women in Hollywood, and a much-anticipated recognition for her groundbreaking performance over the past three seasons of The Pose,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. .

“Pose” offered the Academy of Television the most opportunities to celebrate LGBTQIA-plus artists from any series, but only Rodriguez and Billy Porter received nominations. Porter is back on the lead drama casting ballot for the third time in a row for his role as Pray Tell, a ballroom director and teacher. He won in 2019, for the first season of the show. The show was also nominated in the Drama Series race (this marked his second nomination there), as well as in dramatic writing, dramatic directing, contemporary fashion, contemporary hairstyling, contemporary (non-synthetic) makeup and prosthetic make-up.

“The Show’s nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, as well as Billy Porter’s third nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, represent a landmark show that has undoubtedly raised the bar for cross-acting on television and changed the way viewers around the world understand community. As noted by more than 40 organizations LGBTQ Leader In our open letter about “Pose” to Emmy Award voters, representation matters. Congratulations, Michaela Gaye, Billy Porter and the entire “Pose” team — the world stands with you and pays tribute to your talents,” Ellis said.

If Rodriguez wins in September, she will go down in history once again as the first female bassist ever to take an Emmy statuette.

Optional screen reader Read more about:

[ad_2]