Emmys 2019: Billy Porter made history with his Best Lead Actor win
Billy Porter made history this evening when he won the award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, making him the first openly gay black man to take home an Emmy in this category.
It’s a great feeling watching celebrities make history at awards shows like the Emmys or the Oscars, and that’s exactly what happened this evening when Billy Porter stepped up to accept the award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards. Not only did Porter beat several actors who many viewers expected to receive the award, but he became the first openly gay black man to take home an Emmy in this category.
Porter accepted the honor for his role as emcee Pray Tell on FX’s Pose, which dives into New York’s AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, while exploring the city’s underground ball culture as well.
And the passion in Porter’s voice as he gave his acceptance speech was enough to make most viewers teary-eyed. He began by quoting James Baldwin, saying, “It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I’d been taught about myself, and half-believed, before I was able to walk on the earth as though I had a right to be here.”
“I have the right,” Porter continued. “You have the right. We all have the right.” And if that wasn’t inspiration enough, he then went on to thank many of the people in his life, positively overflowing with gratitude for the people who helped him get where he is today. He then went on to speak to his fellow artists, wrapping up his speech by encouraging those who create art to keep doing so.
“We are the people,” Porter said. “We as artists are the people that get to change the molecular structure of the hearts and minds of the people who live on this planet. Please don’t ever stop doing that. Please don’t ever stop telling the truth.”
This honor marks the first Emmy that Porter has received for his acting, though with a spirit like his, it’s unlikely to be the last. He’s also won a Tony and a Grammy previously, so all he needs is an Oscar to officially be able to add an EGOT to his resume. We’ll be rooting for him when he does.
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