Trailblazing Actress-Turned-Director Earns Groundbreaking Emmy Nod
Salli Richardson-Whitfield, a celebrated actress-turned-producer and director, has made history by earning her first-ever Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. This remarkable achievement makes her the first Black woman to be recognized in this prestigious category, marking a significant milestone in the entertainment industry.
Richardson-Whitfield’s nomination s on the HBO series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” which, despite being canceled before completing its run, has earned her this historic recognition. Prior to her directing success, Richardson-Whitfield was a prominent figure in the 1990s film and television landscape, with memorable roles in movies like “Mo’ Money” and “A Low Down Dirty Shame,” as well as appearances on popular shows such as “The Jamie Foxx Show” and “ROC.” She also lent her voice to the beloved animated series “Gargoyles.”
Surprise and Excitement Over the Historic Nomination
Reflecting on her groundbreaking achievement, Richardson-Whitfield expressed her surprise and excitement. “Completely blindsided! I was on set, and I was actually more focused on ‘The Gilded Age’ because HBO had been pushing that show,” she told ESSENCE. “When ‘The Gilded Age’ got a nod, I thought, ‘Great, I get to go to the party.’ But nothing in my wildest dreams said ‘Winning Time’ was going to get several nominations, let alone one for me as a directing nominee. So, I’m very, very surprised.”
Despite the cancellation of “Winning Time,” Richardson-Whitfield was thrilled about the recognition, seeing it as a stepping stone for even greater achievements. “Out of any show I’ve done so far in my career, I was really happy that it was that show and that particular episode because it was one that I was very proud of,” she added.
