Jazzy Collins recently made history by becoming the first Black person to win the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program. Her groundbreaking victory recognizes her work casting Peacock’s buzzy series “The Traitors.”
Collins Praises Team and Seizes Opportunity to Spotlight Diversity
“I am feeling so honored and grateful for the opportunity alone,” said Collins upon receiving TV’s highest honor at the Creative Arts ceremony on Sunday. She had earned her first nomination just last year for casting Amazon’s “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.”
Collins made sure to share credit with her “Traitors” casting team: Erin Tomasello, Moira Paris and Holly Osifat. She also took the global platform as a chance to reinforce her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights Include Multiple Hit Reality Franchises
In addition to her award-winning Peacock and Amazon projects, Collins boasts an impressive reality TV resume. She has worked behind the scenes casting buzzy shows like Netflix’s “The Circle,” ABC’s “The Bachelor” franchise, OWN’s “Family or Fiancé” and CBS’s “Love Island.”
Through thoughtful casting, Collins has broken new ground. Her trailblazing moves include hiring the first Black, deaf contestant on “The Circle” and assembling an all full-figured lead cast for “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.”
Former Professor and Family Help Motivate Award Winner to Make an Impact
Collins credits her drive to shake up the industry status quo in part to her former professor Raymond Foery at Quinnipiac University. His urging to push outside her comfort zone still drives her to ask tough questions today as a changemaking casting director.
She also shared that support from her husband and young daughter helped motivate her to make casting decisions she can be proud of professionally and personally. “I want my daughter to be proud of the work I’m doing,” Collins emphasized.
At last, Jazzy Collins’ Creative Arts Emmy victory for “The Traitors” has etched her name in the history books. But perhaps more meaningfully, it spotlights the need for her voice and others to continue casting entertainment that reflects the diversity of the global audience.
