Following the Emmys on Sunday night, 50 Cent voiced his criticism of the ceremony, where zero people of color won acting awards despite record nominations.
As People pointed out, white actors took home all 12 of the lead and supporting actor and actress categories across comedy, drama, and limited series. That meant notable nominees such as Pose star Mj Rodriguez, the late Michael K. Williams, and breakout Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang were shut out of their respective categories. Ewan McGregor also beat out Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. of Hamilton for his role in Halston.
Across the acting and reality categories, a record high of 49 people of color were nominated. Michaela Coel was awarded Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her work on the groundbreaking I May Destroy You, but did not win in her categories for acting, directing, or Best Limited or Anthology Series.
In a post he’s since pulled—a screenshot of Variety’s article headlined “No actors of color win at Emmys despite record nominee lineup”—Fif was among those to make it clear he’s not happy about this year’s results.
“Listen the Emmy’s still has a separate bathroom for colored folks,” wrote 50 Cent in the since-deleted post shared on both Twitter and Instagram. “I’m gonna put the NAACP awards on the air at the same time and fuck up there numbers ????. No they really should be afraid of me I’m different.”
50 cent addresses the fact that no actors of color won an #Emmy lastnight
This is far from the first time 50 Cent has criticized the Emmys. “The EMMY’S can kiss my Black ass in slow motion,” he said alongside a photo showcasing Power’s ratings in 2019. “Fuck em I’m #1 they a bunch of Bengay my back hurt semlling ass old people anyway.” He made similar comments last year, too, once again stating he only cares about the NAACP Image Awards.
Three of the four guest performances acting categories at the 2021 Creative Arts Emmys, which aired last week, were won by Black actors. Saturday Night Live hosts Dave Chappelle and Maya Rudolph won, as did Courtney B. Vance for his role on Lovecraft Country.
Sunday night, most of the behind-the-camera awards went to white writers and directors, for work on shows such as Hacks, The Crown, and Ted Lasso. RuPaul took home an award for Outstanding Competition Program, becoming the most-awarded person of color in Emmy history with a total of 11 wins.
