The People of Color Emmy Passed Over

From The Grio — The 2010 Emmy nominations are in, and historically speaking, it’s still a who’s who of those who always gets nominated.

The ring of familiarity with most of the nominations covers the usual suspects, but the actors who were overlooked — Wendell Pierce for HBO’s Treme, along with co-star Khandi Alexander might be in the winner’s circle next year. But Vanessa L. Williams, in her delicious turn as Wilhelmina Slater on ABC’s Ugly Betty won’t be. At least not for that show. Ugly Betty was canceled.

And let’s not forget Regina King on TNT’s Southland. You forget this formidable actress was a former child star — someone who’s done okay by industry standards. More than okay, actually. TV’s been good to her. Let’s hope TV Academy voters will follow with a nomination some day.

TV Academy favorite, Chandra Wilson from ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy was missing from the Supporting Actress category, as was series creator Shondra Rhimes. Grey’s hasn’t been in the running for Outstanding Drama Series since 2007.

The most egregious omission — S. Epatha Merkerson. The 16-year veteran of NBC’s mothership, Law and Order voluntarily said goodbye to the show at the end of the 2009-2010 season. Her tenure has been triumphal in that she’s played the same character continuously on the same show. Outside of the long-running, 20-year-old Gunsmoke, that record will remain unmatched for quite some time.

And then there are the also-rans — Hill Harper from CBS’ CSI: New York is good, but has never been given break-out material to shine and catch the attention of Academy voters. Dulé Hill from USA’s Psych has turned in good performances both here and on NBC’s West Wing, but has never bought home the Emmy statue. Harold Perrineau wasn’t on Lost long enough this season to land a nom during the show’s swan season.

The dearth of actors of color — in prominent roles is obvious. Finding good writers, producers and directors, also of color — from great shows no less, hard to come by. That should change this coming season as diversity is the buzz word, one that may change the way voters vote.

Here are a lucky few who did make the grade…

Broadcast made a bit of a comeback against the cable onslaught of recent years. And the well-deserving Archie Panjabi was nominated as best supporting actress for CBS’ The Good Wife. I watch the show, avidly, and I’ve gotta say, Panjabi’s been something of a revelation. Gutsy, slick and very self-assured, she adds depth and dimension to a show a little too focused on its legal leanings, whereas the show’s title suggests this is about a woman who’s had to do a few too many things for the good of her family vs. herself. Panjabi is joined by co-star Christine Baranski in the same category, with Julianna Margulies nominated for outstanding actress.

Photo Source: Evan Agostini/PictureGroup

(Continue Reading @ The Grio…)