UPDATE: The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards witnessed a remarkable night for Jewish performers, with a total of at least 25 Jewish nominees vying for prestigious accolades. The excitement peaked as the awards ceremony unfolded on October 15, 2023, with the big winner being The Studio, co-created by Jewish comedian Seth Rogen, which took home an impressive 13 awards — the highest for any comedy show in a single Emmy cycle.
In a heartfelt moment while accepting his award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series, Rogen humorously recalled his past failures in winning trophies, stating, “I’ve never won anything in my life,” referencing a used bowling trophy he once purchased. Earlier on the red carpet, he expressed excitement about possibly playing a rabbi in a future project.
However, the night was not without controversy. Jewish actress Hannah Einbinder, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in HBO’s Hacks, made headlines with her pro-Palestinian remarks during her acceptance speech, saying, “Go Birds, f— ICE and free Palestine.” She wore a red Artists4Ceasefire pin, eliciting both cheers and mixed reactions from the audience.
This political commentary comes amid a growing petition from Film Workers for Palestine, which now boasts over 4,000 signatories, including prominent figures like Emma Stone and Adam McKay, advocating for a boycott of Israeli film institutions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The petition has sparked significant debate within Hollywood, particularly around freedom of artistic expression.
In a counter-response, Paramount, the studio behind the Emmy broadcast, publicly opposed the boycott, asserting, “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace.” This statement was made just two days before the Emmy event, highlighting the studio’s commitment to supporting Israeli creatives.
Notably, actor Javier Bardem, a supporter of the boycott, addressed Paramount’s stance on the red carpet, clarifying that the initiative does not target individuals but rather institutions complicit in the situation. Bardem emphasized, “I cannot work with someone that justifies or supports the genocide.”
In a night filled with victories for Jewish talent, Noah Wyle also took home the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role in The Pitt. Wyle, who described his character’s Jewish identity as deeply personal, expressed gratitude during his acceptance speech, dedicating the win to those in the medical profession, saying, “This one is for you.”
As the Emmy Awards concluded, the intersection of entertainment and activism remained a focal point, drawing attention to ongoing global issues while celebrating artistic achievements. With the visibility of Jewish voices at the forefront, the night served as a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping discourse.
Stay tuned for more updates as the fallout from the Emmy Awards continues to unfold, particularly regarding the reactions to the political statements made during the event.
