Emmys 2023: A Night Lacking Diversity as Actors of Color Miss Out on Major Awards
By Editor • September 15, 2026 • 2 min read
The 78th Emmy Awards once again highlighted a troubling trend in Hollywood as no actors of color secured major acting prizes during the ceremony held on Monday. This year's event raised concerns over representation, echoing sentiments from previous years about the industry's struggles with inclusivity.
Stark Decline in Diversity
This year's nominations featured 17 performers of color in key acting categories, a notable drop from 28 in the previous year, marking a 39% decline. The situation was further complicated as the supporting actor and actress categories for limited series were awarded in advance at the Creative Arts ceremonies, further obscuring diversity metrics. The only actors of color to earn an Emmy during this cycle were Ernest Harden Jr. for guest actor in a drama for HBO Max’s “The Pitt” and Octavia Spencer for her narration in “Lost Women of Alaska.”
Record-Setting Wins Amidst Controversy
Despite the glaring absence of diversity in the acting awards, the night was not without its milestones. Matthew Rhys made history by winning two lead acting trophies in one ceremony for his roles in “The Beast in Me” and “Widow’s Bay.” He became the first actor to achieve this feat and the first to win in all three lead acting categories after his previous win in 2018. Meanwhile, Jean Smart continued her streak by winning lead comedy actress for “Hacks,” marking her fifth consecutive win in the category.
Industry Reaction and Future Outlook
The Emmy night sparked widespread frustration on social media, with many calling attention to the lack of representation among winners. The Television Academy’s voting structure and the overwhelming number of shows competing for recognition were cited as contributing factors to the ongoing diversity issue. As the industry grapples with these challenges, the hope remains that future ceremonies will reflect a more inclusive landscape, allowing voices from underrepresented communities to shine more brightly.
Source: variety.com
