Entertainment / Priyanka Chopra And Aziz Ansari Bring Diversity To The Emmy Awards

Priyanka Chopra And Aziz Ansari Bring Diversity To The Emmy Awards

Entertainment Sep 20, 2016

by Dilshad Burman

If #OscarsSoWhite defined the Academy Awards this year, #EmmysNotSoWhite might well be the much-needed antidote.

The Primetime Emmy Awards seem to have made a conscious effort to recognize a wide cross-section of television talent on Sunday night, rewarding content that represented minority stories, transgender rights and feminism.

^{Alan Yang (left) and Aziz Ansari accept the award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for Master of None.

Photo Credit: Alan Yang Official Instagram}

After making history as the first South Asian actor to be nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor, Aziz Ansari followed up by winning the award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for an episode of Master of None entitled “Parents.”

He accepted the award along with writing partner Alan Yang, who appealed to Asian parents to “get (their) kids cameras instead of violins,” to encourage the next generation to represent their culture and communities in media, film and television. While Ansari’s speech was awkwardly cut off by “wrap it up” music, he managed to thank his parents, who also acted in the series, when he presented an award later in the night.

^{Actor Rami Malek accepts the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama in Mr. Robot.

Photo Credit: USAnetwork.com}

Another big score for diversity on mainstream television came when actor Rami Malek scooped up the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for his role as Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot. The Egyptian-American star is the first non-white actor to win the award in eighteen years since Andre Braugher won the award in 1998 for Homicide: Life on the Street.

^{Jill Soloway accepts the award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.}
Photo Credit: Fox via Variety.com

As the only woman nominated in the comedy directing category, Jill Soloway took home the coveted honour of Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for Transparent. She took the opportunity to thank the trans community and express her gratitude for the chance to take underrepresented “Jewish people, queer folk, trans folk and make them heroes” in the show.

She also struck a chord for feminism with one of the most-talked-about catchphrases of the night. She ended with, “Topple the patriarchy!” Soloway’s production company is also called Topple, so we give her extra points for working that line in along with a strong message to boot!

^{Jeffrey Tambor accepts the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Transparent.

Photo Credit: The Indian Express}

Transparent was also recognized for its acting talent, with Jeffrey Tambor winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He used his acceptance speech to call out the top brass in Hollywood and ask them to be more inclusive of the trans community, cast them in lead roles and “give them their stories.” He added, “I would not be unhappy if I were the last cisgender male to play a transgender female.”

^{Quantico's Priyanka Chopra stunned on the red carpet in a floor-length red Jason Wu gown.}
Photo Credit: Jason Wu Official Instagram

And diverse talent didn’t just make waves at the awards! The trend continued at the after-parties as well. Everyone’s favourite Holly-Bollywood darling, Priyanka Chopra, was seen getting flirty with actor Tom Hiddleston at the Governors Ball after the show, E! News reported. (Could a "Pri-Tom" coupling be in the works?) The pair was spotted snapping selfies and even holding hands for a few moments in what seemed like some fairly open admiration to onlookers. Reports also suggest the duo exchanged phone numbers and parted ways for the night with a “long hug” and “several kisses on the cheek.”

^{Priyanka Chopra and Tom Hiddleston pose backstage at the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Photo Credit: E! News}

Earlier in the night, Chopra and Hiddleston presented an award together and delighted fans with a twirl on stage to show off Chopra’s gorgeous Jason Wu gown — much like she did on the red carpet.

^{Main Image Photo Credits: Alan Yang Official Instagram, E! News, Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times}

Dilshad Burman

Author

Dilshad Burman is an award winning TV host and Canadian media personality. Born in Mumbai, India, she was surrounded by its creative energy and grew up with a passion for music, film and television. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from The University of Mumbai, she i...

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Priyanka Chopra And Aziz Ansari Bring Diversity To The Emmy Awards

by Dilshad Burman

If #OscarsSoWhite defined the Academy Awards this year, #EmmysNotSoWhite might well be the much-needed antidote.

Dilshad Burman

COMMENTS

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