On Monday night, Quinta Brunson won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing For a Comedy Series for the pilot episode of “Abbott Elementary,” making her the first Black woman to win solo. Lena Waithe won the same award along with Aziz Ansari for “Master of None” in 2017. However, Brunson’s monumental moment was overshadowed by a joke that deserved a dry chuckle at best.
Will Arnett and Jimmy Kimmel were slated to present the award, and in the spirit of comedy, decided to have fun with it. Arnett dragged Kimmel across the stage, saying the late night host had too many “skinny margaritas.” As Will Arnett announced the winner and the crowd erupted into applause, Kimmel remained lying motionless on the stage. Arnett pushed Kimmel, who still is not moving, slightly to the side away from the microphone. Brunson said into the microphone, “Jimmy, wake up. I won.” She then said “Okay, hold my phone,” and put her phone on his body as Kimmel gave her a thumbs up.
Brunson continued on with her moment, giving thanks to her various collaborators and loved ones. Kimmel stayed on the ground. Now, Brunson did not seem to take the situation too seriously, saying to press after the show, “I know Jimmy Kimmel, and I don’t know, I felt like the bit didn’t bother me that much.” Her co-star, Sheryl Lee Ralph, had a different opinion. “I was absolutely confused,” the actress said. “I was like, ‘I wish that man would just get up off of the ground.’ And then I realized it was Jimmy Kimmel, and I was like, ‘Ooh, the disrespect, Jimmy!’”
From what I’ve seen on Twitter, most people would agree with Ralph. The bit running into Brunson’s acceptance was unnecessary and disrespectful. Brunson was a guest on his talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Wednesday night where she interrupted his monologue and referred to the feeling of not having enough time to accept an award when “someone does a dumb comedy bit that goes on too long.” Kimmel stepped back and Brunson redid her acceptance remarks, holding her Emmy and thanking even more people.
In their sitdown segment, Kimmel explained his bit and referred to the backlash saying, “People got upset, they said I stole your moment and maybe I did and I’m very sorry if I did do that.” Kimmel added, “I’m sorry, I did do that actually.” He followed that up by saying the last thing he would want to do is upset Brunson because he thinks so highly of her. Brunson thanked him for his apology and said she was so wrapped up in the moment of winning the award that she did not think much of his bit while she was on stage.
I am so glad that Brunson does not feel her moment was stifled by the bit, or at least not according to her public statements. However, her grace about the situation and towards Kimmel does not excuse his actions. Ultimately, this moment symbolizes a heavy and burdensome truth for Black women and many other marginalized groups. Even when you do the work, put in the time, write the script, make the show and win the award, there’s still going to be a white man that thinks it’s okay to impede on your moment for the sake of his joke.
It is especially unfortunate that a woman winning her first Emmy had to deal with this publicly in front of her peers, co-workers and bosses. Brunson would have been fully warranted in cussing Kimmel out later on his show. And while the internet may have applauded her, the studio executives that will bankroll her future projects might see that as undignified and aggressive. Can they really trust someone so sensitive and combative with their studio dollars?
Meanwhile, Kimmel may be seen as ridiculous or silly, but he’s a comedian! That’s how he’s supposed to act. Regardless, Brunson should have had her hard-earned celebratory moment just like everyone else. Although I do not think Kimmel’s actions were racially charged, I do think the moment is just a reflection of the sad reality that Black women constantly have to deal with the egos, whims and mistakes of others, at their own expense. I am so very happy for Brunson yet frustrated that so many Black women can relate to this moment. I hope as our culture evolves and people are increasingly calling for accountability across the board, we will see a shift in this dynamic. I long for the day when accountability overrides entitlement.
On a brighter note, season two of “Abbott Elementary” airs on September 21! Let’s hope we see Quinta Brunson on the Emmy stage again next year, sans Jimmy Kimmel this time.